Voltage Regulator with Configurable Phase Windings for Magnetogenerators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voltage regulators for magnetogenerators face inefficiencies and cost issues due to the need for complex electronics and processors, particularly at low revolutions, leading to torque irregularities and heat dissipation problems, especially in applications where space and weight are limited.
Innovation Solution
A voltage regulator with a configurable connection of phase windings using semi-bridge rectifiers, control switch circuits, and a pilot circuit that automatically adjusts the winding configurations based on battery voltage and frequency, eliminating the need for processors and reducing overall system dimensions and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a microprocessor-controlled voltage regulator with multiple diodes and electronic switches is used to change winding configuration, then the generator can satisfy power requirements at both low and high revolutions, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the microprocessor and logic control units from the system, retaining only the essential diode-based control circuitry. This eliminates complex electronic components while preserving the core functionality of adapting winding configuration to different operational speeds, directly resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage regulator is designed to automatically detect rotational speed and autonomously switch between series and parallel winding configurations without external processor control. The diode circuitry self-regulates based on inherent electrical characteristics, eliminating the need for complex external control systems while maintaining adaptability across different operating conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a microprocessor-controlled voltage regulator is used to change winding configuration, then power requirements at different revolutions can be met, but the overall dimensions and weight of the generator increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the microprocessor and associated logic control units that add weight to the system. By retaining only the essential diode-based control circuitry, the solution maintains the ability to meet power requirements at different revolutions while significantly reducing the overall weight of the generator assembly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a microprocessor-controlled voltage regulator is used to change winding configuration, then power requirements at different revolutions can be met, but the cost of the entire system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the microprocessor and logic control units, which are expensive components. By using a simpler diode-based control circuitry that leverages inherent electrical characteristics, the system maintains adaptability to different power requirements while significantly reducing manufacturing costs and improving ease of production.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive microprocessor-based control with inexpensive diode circuitry. Diodes are low-cost, simple semiconductor components that provide the necessary control functionality without the high expense of processed control units, making the overall system more cost-effective while maintaining the required adaptability.
4Productivity
If conventional voltage regulators are used, then battery charging can be controlled, but heat dissipation problems arise especially at low revolutions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by using diode-based passive switching instead of active electronic control. This reversal in control methodology reduces energy losses and heat generation while maintaining effective battery charging control across all operational speeds, particularly improving performance at low revolutions where conventional regulators struggle with heat dissipation.
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
The solution provides stable torque and efficient power supply to batteries at both low and high revolutions, minimizing heat dissipation and maintaining constant battery voltage, while reducing system complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of pairs of semi-bridge rectifiers (4), in which each pair comprises first and second semi-bridges connected in phase opposition each other
Implementation Method 2
a first voltage detecting circuit (7) for measuring the voltage of the battery (5)
Implementation Method 3
a second phase-frequency detecting circuit (9) of a winding of the voltage generator (1)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The voltage regulator receives power in A.C. from a permanent magnet voltage generator, having phase windings with a configurable connection, to supply power in D.C. to a battery. The voltage regulator comprises a plurality of semi-bridge rectifiers connected between the terminals of the phase windings of the voltage generator, and a battery power supply terminal; it also comprises a control circuit designed to change over the connection of the phase windings between two different configurations, for example star and delta, in relation to the charging voltage of the battery upon exceeding a threshold value of the phase frequency of the voltage generator.