Voltage Divider Drive Layout for High-Voltage Mining Trucks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical drive systems for large mobile work machines, such as mining trucks, become incompatible with overhead line systems when the rated voltage increases to compensate for growing energy consumption and transmission losses, requiring costly redevelopment and replacement of power electronics and motors.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a voltage divider in parallel with the DC voltage power supply to divide the mains voltage into reduced partial voltages, which are applied to the inverters, allowing existing drive systems adapted to lower voltage levels to operate with higher voltage overhead lines without complete replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the rated voltage of the overhead line is increased to compensate for increasing electrical transmission losses, then energy transmission efficiency is improved, but existing work machines become incompatible with the overhead line system
Solution Approach 1:
A voltage divider circuit is introduced as an intermediary component between the high-voltage overhead line power supply and the existing inverter. The voltage divider converts the high mains voltage into a lower partial voltage that matches the inverter's rated voltage, enabling compatibility without replacing the entire drive system. This mediator allows the system to operate at higher transmission voltages while protecting existing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage supply system is segmented into multiple voltage levels through the voltage divider. The high-voltage mains supply is divided into a partial voltage suitable for the inverter, creating distinct voltage zones. This segmentation allows different parts of the system to operate at their optimal voltage levels simultaneously.
2Power
If the rated voltage of the power supply is increased to meet higher power requirements, then power delivery capability is improved, but the inverter and motor must be redeveloped and replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage divider acts as a mediator that enables high-power transmission from the overhead line while delivering a reduced, compatible voltage to the existing inverter and motor. This allows the system to access higher power delivery capability without the need to redevelop or replace the inverter and motor components.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage parameter of the power supply is changed at the input side (high-voltage mains) while the voltage divider maintains a lower output voltage parameter for the inverter. This parameter transformation allows the system to benefit from high-voltage power delivery while keeping the inverter and motor operating at their original voltage specifications.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a voltage divider is added to the power supply system to maintain compatibility, then system adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage divider serves as a relatively simple intermediary component that provides voltage transformation without requiring complex control systems or multiple active elements. By using passive resistive or reactive elements, the system gains adaptability to higher voltage overhead lines while adding minimal complexity compared to active voltage regulation solutions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the continued operation of previous drive systems at higher voltage levels by reducing the voltage to levels compatible with existing inverters and motors, reducing the need for costly replacements and maintaining system compatibility.
Implementation Method 1
The mains voltage provided via the power supply is divided in a defined ratio by means of the voltage divider. At the output side of the voltage divider, two or more partial voltages are provided each having a reduced voltage level in comparison with the mains voltage.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to an electrical drive system for a work machine, in particular a mining truck, having at least two electrical drive motors that can each be regulated independently of one another via an associated inverter, wherein the drive system has a DC voltage power supply for the energy supply of the at least two drive motors, characterized in that at least one voltage divider is arranged in parallel with the DC voltage power supply whose partial voltages can be provided at the DC voltage inputs of the at least two inverters.