US6495985B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Operation of a switched reluctance machine from dual supply voltages
Assignee: Nidec SR Drives Ltd
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Filing: 2000-03-23
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Granted: 2002-12-17
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Expires: 2020-03-23
Abstract
Abstract A switched reluctance machine is supplied from two voltage sources during a cycle of excitation. The higher voltage is a conventional bus voltage obtained, e.g., from a low-voltage storage battery and an up-converter. The lower voltage is supplied directly from the battery. The higher voltage supplies the machine during only part of an excitation cycle, the lower voltage supply supplying the energy directly to the machine during the remainder of the excitation cycle. This reduces the duty of the up-converter and increases the efficiency of the overall drive. One method of operation of the circuit allows the elimination of the up-converter.
Inventors
- 👤 Peter Richard Mayes
- 👤 Paul Donald Webster
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 06:35
CPC Classifications
H; H02; H02P; H02P4/00; H02P25/00; H02P25/02; H02P25/08; H02P25/086; H02P25/089; H02P25/092; H02P6/00; H02P6/14; H02P6/16; H02P6/18; H02P6/185
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 51
Claim 1
Independent Claim
119 words
A converter circuit for a switched reluctance motor, the motor having at least one energizable phase winding, the circuit comprising: a first source of electrical energy for supplying energy to the at least one phase winding at a first voltage; first means for connecting the first source to the at least one phase winding; a second source of electrical energy for supplying energy at a second voltage; and second means for connecting the second source to the at least one phase winding; wherein the first source of electrical energy is connectable in parallel with the at least one phase winding; further wherein the second source of electrical energy is connectable in parallel with the at least one phase winding.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
119 words
A converter circuit for a switched reluctance motor, the motor having at least one energizable phase winding, the circuit comprising: a first source of electrical energy for supplying energy to the at least one phase winding at a first voltage; first means for connecting the first source to the at least one phase winding; a second source of electrical energy for supplying energy at a second voltage; and second means for connecting the second source to the at least one phase winding; wherein the first source of electrical energy is connectable in parallel with the at least one phase winding; further wherein the second source of electrical energy is connectable in parallel with the at least one phase winding.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
46 words
A circuit as claimed in claim 1 in which the second source has positive and negative terminals and the second means for connecting comprises a thyristor operable to conduct from the positive terminal of the source of electrical energy to the at least one phase winding.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
A circuit as claimed in claim 2 in which the second means for connecting comprises a switch operable to conduct from the at least one phase winding to the negative terminal of the source of electrical energy.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
A circuit as claimed in claim 3 in which the switch is a thyristor.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
A circuit as claimed in claim 1 in which the second source of electrical energy comprises an electrical storage device.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
A circuit as claimed in claim 1 in which the first source includes a capacitor for maintaining its voltage.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
41 words
A circuit as claimed in claim 1 including a converter having an input arranged to receive the second voltage and an output connected to the first source, the converter being operable to convert from the second voltage to the first voltage.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
A circuit as claimed in claim 1 in which the second voltage is lower than the first voltage.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
43 words
The converter circuit of claim 1 , wherein the second source has positive and negative terminals and the second means for connecting comprises a switch operable to conduct from the positive terminal of the second source to the at least one phase winding.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
89 words
A switched reluctance drive comprising a reluctance motor having a stator, at least one energizable phase winding, and a converter circuit for the reluctance motor, the circuit comprising: first source of electrical energy for supplying energy to the at least one phase winding at a first voltage; first means for connecting the first source to the at least one phase winding; a second source of electrical energy for supplying energy at a second voltage; and second means for connecting the second source to the at least one phase winding.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
89 words
A switched reluctance drive comprising a reluctance motor having a stator, at least one energizable phase winding, and a converter circuit for the reluctance motor, the circuit comprising: first source of electrical energy for supplying energy to the at least one phase winding at a first voltage; first means for connecting the first source to the at least one phase winding; a second source of electrical energy for supplying energy at a second voltage; and second means for connecting the second source to the at least one phase winding.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
21 words
A switched reluctance drive as claimed in claim 10 in which the first means for connecting includes a two-switches-per-phase switch circuit.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
45 words
A switched reluctance drive as claimed in claim 10 , further comprising a bi-directional DC-to-DC converter, providing an up conversion of the second voltage to the first voltage at its output and down conversion of the first voltage to the second voltage at its input.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
33 words
A switched reluctance drive as claimed in claim 12 , further comprising means for connecting the drive to an internal combustion engine for use of the drive as a starter/generator for the engine.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
194 words
A method of operating a switched reluctance drive comprising a reluctance motor having a stator, at least one energizable phase winding, and a converter circuit for the reluctance motor, tie circuit comprising: a first source of electrical energy for supplying energy to the at least one phase winding at a first voltage; first means for connecting the first source to the at least one phase winding; a second source of electrical energy for supplying energy at a second voltage; and second means for connecting the second source to the at least one phase winding; the method operating the drive to apply two voltages successively across the at least one phase winding during a conduction period, the method comprising: actuating the first means for connecting to apply the first voltage across the at least one phase winding; monitoring a parameter of the motor to control the output of the motor; and actuating the second means for connecting to apply the second voltage to the at least one phase winding when the monitored parameter reaches a predetermined value so that the voltage across the at least one phase winding is reduced relative to the first value.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
194 words
A method of operating a switched reluctance drive comprising a reluctance motor having a stator, at least one energizable phase winding, and a converter circuit for the reluctance motor, tie circuit comprising: a first source of electrical energy for supplying energy to the at least one phase winding at a first voltage; first means for connecting the first source to the at least one phase winding; a second source of electrical energy for supplying energy at a second voltage; and second means for connecting the second source to the at least one phase winding; the method operating the drive to apply two voltages successively across the at least one phase winding during a conduction period, the method comprising: actuating the first means for connecting to apply the first voltage across the at least one phase winding; monitoring a parameter of the motor to control the output of the motor; and actuating the second means for connecting to apply the second voltage to the at least one phase winding when the monitored parameter reaches a predetermined value so that the voltage across the at least one phase winding is reduced relative to the first value.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method as claimed in claim 14 in which the monitored parameter of the motor is a winding current.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
52 words
A method as claimed in claim 14 in which the output of the motor is controlled according to hysteresis control, the second voltage being applied to the at least one phase winding when the monitored parameter reaches a predetermined value to maintain the current within a predetermined band during the conduction period.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
145 words
A method as claimed in claim 14 in which the first means for connecting includes a two-switches-per-phase switch circuit, further in which the two-switches-per-phase switch circuit comprises an upper switch connected between the first source and one end of the at least one phase winding, a lower switch connected between the first source and The other end of the at least one phase winding; and recirculating diodes which are respectively connected in parallel with each of the upper and lower switches and the at least one phase winding, the second means for connecting including a switch connected between the second source and the one end of the at least one phase winding, the method comprising deactuating one of the upper and lower switches for the current to decay in the at least one phase winding when the parameter of the motor reaches an upper value.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
145 words
A method as claimed in claim 14 in which the first means for connecting includes a two-switches-per-phase switch circuit, further in which the two-switches-per-phase switch circuit comprises an upper switch connected between the first source and one end of the at least one phase winding, a lower switch connected between the first source and the other end of the at least one phase winding; and recirculating diodes which are respectively connected in parallel with each of the upper and lower switches and the at least one phase winding, the second means for connecting including a switch connected between the second source and the one end of the at least one phase winding, the method comprising: deactuating both of the upper and lower switches for the current to decay in the at least one phase winding when the parameter of the motor reaches an upper value.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method as claimed in claim 17 in which the upper and lower switches are deactuated alternately for each decaying interval within the conduction period or deactuated alternately for successive conduction periods.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
39 words
A method as claimed in claim 17 in which the second means for connecting is actuated to apply the second voltage to the at least one phase winding when the parameter reaches a lower level within the conduction period.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method as claimed in claim 17 in which the current is decayed by opening the lower switch so that the second source of energy is transferred to the first source through the upper switch.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
49 words
A method as claimed in claim 17 in which the current is decayed by closing the upper switch and then opening both the upper and lower switches so that the energy stored in the at least one phase winding is transferred to the first source through the recirculating diodes.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method as claimed in claim 21 , wherein during the conduction period the first voltage of the first source is maintained.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method as claimed in claim 17 in which the second means for connecting is actuated to connect the second voltage across the at least one phase winding at the beginning of the conduction period.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method as claimed in claim 17 in which the voltage of the first source is raised by actuating the second means for connecting and actuating the lower switch repeatedly.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method as claimed in claim 25 in which the voltage of the first source is raised outside the conduction period of that phase.
Claim 30
Independent Claim
62 words
A method of energizing a phase winding of a switched reluctance motor during a conduction period, including: supplying energy to the winding at a first voltage from a first source connectable in parallel with the winding; and supplying energy to the winding subsequently within the same conduction period at a second voltage from a second source connectable in parallel with the winding.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
62 words
A method of energizing a phase winding of a switched reluctance motor during a conduction period, including: supplying energy to the winding at a first voltage from a first source connectable in parallel with the winding; and supplying energy to the winding subsequently within the same conduction period at a second voltage from a second source connectable in parallel with the winding.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
56 words
The method of claim 27 , wherein the second voltage is supplied by a source of electrical energy having positive and negative terminals; further wherein the source of electrical energy is connected to the phase winding via a switch operable to conduct from the positive terminal of the source of electrical energy to the phase winding.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
123 words
A converter circuit for a switched reluctance motor, the motor having at least one energizable phase winding, the circuit comprising: a first source of electrical energy for supplying energy to the at least one phase winding at a first voltage; a first switch operable to connect the first source to the at least one phase winding; a second source of electrical energy for supplying energy at a second voltage; and a second switch operable to connect the second source to the at least one phase winding; wherein the first source of electrical energy is connectable in parallel with the at least one phase winding; further wherein the second source of electrical energy is connectable in parallel with the at least one phase winding.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
123 words
A converter circuit for a switched reluctance motor, the motor having at least one energizable phase winding, the circuit comprising: a first source of electrical energy for supplying energy to the at least one phase winding at a first voltage; a first switch operable to connect the first source to the at least one phase winding; a second source of electrical energy for supplying energy at a second voltage; and a second switch operable to connect the second source to the at least one phase winding; wherein the first source of electrical energy is connectable in parallel with the at least one phase winding; further wherein the second source of electrical energy is connectable in parallel with the at least one phase winding.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
44 words
A circuit as claimed in claim 29 in which the second source has positive and negative terminals and the second switch comprises a thyristor operable to conduct from the positive terminal of the source of electrical energy to the at least one phase winding.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
32 words
A circuit as claimed in claim 30 further comprising a further switch operable to conduct from the at least one phase winding to the negative terminal of the source of electrical energy.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
15 words
A circuit as claimed in claim 31 in which the further switch is a thyristor.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
118 words
A converter circuit for a switched reluctance machine having at least one energizable phase winding, the circuit comprising: a first source of electrical energy for supplying energy to the at least one phase winding at a first voltage; first means for connecting the first source to the at least one phase winding; a second source of electrical energy for supplying energy at a second voltage; and second means for connecting the second source to the at least one phase winding; wherein the second source has positive and negative terminals and the second means for connecting comprises a thyristor operable to conduct from the positive terminal of the source of electrical energy to the at least one phase winding.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
118 words
A converter circuit for a switched reluctance machine having at least one energizable phase winding, the circuit comprising: a first source of electrical energy for supplying energy to the at least one phase winding at a first voltage; first means for connecting the first source to the at least one phase winding; a second source of electrical energy for supplying energy at a second voltage; and second means for connecting the second source to the at least one phase winding; wherein the second source has positive and negative terminals and the second means for connecting comprises a thyristor operable to conduct from the positive terminal of the source of electrical energy to the at least one phase winding.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
92 words
A converter circuit for a switched reluctance machine having at least one energizable phase winding, the circuit comprising: a first source of electrical energy for supplying energy to the at least one phase winding at a first voltage; first means for connecting the first source to the at least one phase winding; a second source of electrical energy for supplying energy at a second voltage; and second means for connecting the second source to the at least one phase winding; wherein the second source of electrical energy comprises an electrical storage device.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
92 words
A converter circuit for a switched reluctance machine having at least one energizable phase winding, the circuit comprising: a first source of electrical energy for supplying energy to the at least one phase winding at a first voltage; first means for connecting the first source to the at least one phase winding; a second source of electrical energy for supplying energy at a second voltage; and second means for connecting the second source to the at least one phase winding; wherein the second source of electrical energy comprises an electrical storage device.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
91 words
A converter circuit for a switched reluctance machine having at least one energizable phase winding, the circuit comprising: a first source of electrical energy for supplying energy to the at least one phase winding at a first voltage; first means for connecting the first source to the at least one phase winding; a second source of electrical energy for supplying energy at a second voltage; and second means for connecting the second source to the at least one phase winding; wherein the first source includes a capacitor for maintaining its voltage.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
91 words
A converter circuit for a switched reluctance machine having at least one energizable phase winding, the circuit comprising: a first source of electrical energy for supplying energy to the at least one phase winding at a first voltage; first means for connecting the first source to the at least one phase winding; a second source of electrical energy for supplying energy at a second voltage; and second means for connecting the second source to the at least one phase winding; wherein the first source includes a capacitor for maintaining its voltage.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
113 words
A converter circuit for a switched reluctance machine having at least one energizable phase winding, the circuit comprising: a first source of electrical energy for supplying energy to the at least one phase winding at a first voltage; first means for connecting the first source to the at least one phase winding; a second source of electrical energy for supplying energy at a second voltage; second means for connecting the second source to the at least one phase winding; and a converter having an input arranged to receive the second voltage and an output connected to the first source, the converter being operable to convert from the second voltage to the first voltage.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
113 words
A converter circuit for a switched reluctance machine having at least one energizable phase winding, the circuit comprising: a first source of electrical energy for supplying energy to the at least one phase winding at a first voltage; first means for connecting the first source to the at least one phase winding; a second source of electrical energy for supplying energy at a second voltage; second means for connecting the second source to the at least one phase winding; and a converter having an input arranged to receive the second voltage and an output connected to the first source, the converter being operable to convert from the second voltage to the first voltage.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
90 words
A converter circuit for a switched reluctance machine having at least one energizable phase winding, the circuit comprising: a first source of electrical energy for supplying energy to the at least one phase winding at a first voltage; first means for connecting the first source to the at least one phase winding; a second source of electrical energy for supplying energy at a second voltage; and second means for connecting the second source to the at least one phase winding; wherein the second voltage is lower than the first voltage.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
90 words
A converter circuit for a switched reluctance machine having at least one energizable phase winding, the circuit comprising: a first source of electrical energy for supplying energy to the at least one phase winding at a first voltage; first means for connecting the first source to the at least one phase winding; a second source of electrical energy for supplying energy at a second voltage; and second means for connecting the second source to the at least one phase winding; wherein the second voltage is lower than the first voltage.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
86 words
A switched reluctance drive comprising a reluctance machine having a stator, at least one phase winding, and a converter circuit, the converter circuit comprising: a first source of electrical energy for supplying energy to the at least one phase winding at a first voltage; first means for connecting the first source to the at least one phase winding; a second source of electrical energy for supplying energy at a second voltage; and second means for connecting the second source to the at least one phase winding.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
86 words
A switched reluctance drive comprising a reluctance machine having a stator, at least one phase winding, and a converter circuit, the converter circuit comprising: a first source of electrical energy for supplying energy to the at least one phase winding at a first voltage; first means for connecting the first source to the at least one phase winding; a second source of electrical energy for supplying energy at a second voltage; and second means for connecting the second source to the at least one phase winding.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
120 words
A converter circuit for a switched reluctance machine having at least one energizable phase winding, the circuit comprising: a first source of electrical energy for supplying energy to the at least one phase winding at a first voltage; a first switch operable to connect the first source to the at least one phase winding; a second source of electrical energy for supplying energy at a second voltage; and a second switch operable to connect the second source to the at least one phase winding; wherein the second source has positive and negative terminals and the second switch comprises a thyristor operable to conduct from the positive terminals of the source of electrical energy to the at least one phase winding.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
120 words
A converter circuit for a switched reluctance machine having at least one energizable phase winding, the circuit comprising: a first source of electrical energy for supplying energy to the at least one phase winding at a first voltage; a first switch operable to connect the first source to the at least one phase winding; a second source of electrical energy for supplying energy at a second voltage; and a second switch operable to connect the second source to the at least one phase winding; wherein the second source has positive and negative terminals and the second switch comprises a thyristor operable to conduct from the positive terminals of the source of electrical energy to the at least one phase winding.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2005-12-16 | 2006-06-17 | 2006-12-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2009-12-16 | 2010-06-17 | 2010-12-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2013-12-16 | 2014-06-17 | 2014-12-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |