Wound Rotor Alternator Frequency Control for Diesel Locomotives
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Solution Overview
Problem
Diesel-powered systems, such as locomotives, face challenges in optimizing fuel efficiency and emission output due to the interdependence of subsystems, particularly in providing auxiliary power at varying frequencies without increasing engine speed, which can lead to increased fuel usage and emissions.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a wound rotor alternator coupled with a controller and regulator to independently control the electrical conditions of the rotor, allowing for variable frequency and voltage power output decoupled from engine speed, thereby optimizing power distribution to auxiliary equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If engine speed is varied to achieve desired power frequency, then frequency control is possible, but fuel usage and emission production increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the alternator's electrical characteristics variable through dynamic control of rotor resistance and reactance. The controller continuously adjusts the rotor's electrical parameters to change the alternator's output frequency and voltage without requiring engine speed changes, enabling flexible frequency control while maintaining optimal engine operation for fuel efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes electrical parameters (rotor resistance and reactance) to achieve frequency control. By varying the rotor's electrical impedance through controlled resistance and reactance elements, the system alters the alternator's operating characteristics and output frequency independently of engine speed, resolving the contradiction between frequency control and fuel efficiency.
2Speed
If cycle skippers are used to provide discrete power levels, then frequency control is achieved, but additional equipment and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the frequency control function from separate external equipment (cycle skippers) and integrates it directly into the alternator's rotor circuit. By placing the control elements (resistance and reactance) within the rotor, the system eliminates the need for external cycle skipping equipment while maintaining frequency control capability, thereby reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor circuit serves multiple functions: it generates the magnetic field necessary for alternator operation and simultaneously provides frequency control through variable resistance and reactance. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate frequency control equipment, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining control capabilities.
3Temperature
If engine speed is increased to meet cooling demand, then cooling efficiency improves, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the coupling between engine operation and auxiliary equipment operation. The cooling system's power frequency and speed are independently controlled from the engine speed through the alternator's electrical parameter control. This allows the cooling system to operate at optimal speeds for heat dissipation while the engine maintains fuel-efficient operating speeds, resolving the contradiction between cooling efficiency and fuel consumption.
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
This solution enables efficient fuel consumption and reduced emissions by allowing engine speed to be optimized while decoupling auxiliary equipment operation from engine speed, providing continuous variable speed control and improved cooling efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an alternator coupled to a diesel-fueled power generating unit of a diesel powered system having a wound rotor for supplying electrical power
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for controlling a power output of an auxiliary alternator of a diesel powered system having at least one diesel-fueled power generating unit, the alternator powering at least one dynamoelectric device of the diesel powered system. The system includes an alternator coupled to the diesel-fueled power generating unit having a wound rotor for supplying electrical power to at least one dynamoelectric device of the diesel powered system. The system also includes a controller for determining a desired operating frequency of the dynamoelectric device and providing a control signal for producing the desired operating frequency. The system further includes a regulator for providing a rotor control output responsive to the control signal to control an electrical condition of the rotor for adjusting the electrical power supplied to the dynamoelectric device effective to produce the desired operating frequency.