Patents by Inventor Ludovic Andre Chretien
Ludovic Andre Chretien has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11881801Abstract: Controllers for controlling hybrid motor drive circuits configured to drive a motor are provided herein. A controller is configured to drive the motor using an inverter when a motor commanded frequency is not within a predetermined range of line input power frequencies, and couple line input power to an output of the inverter using a first switch device when the motor commanded frequency is within the predetermined range of line input power frequencies.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2023Date of Patent: January 23, 2024Inventors: Ludovic Andre Chretien, Roger Carlos Becerra, Kamron Mark Wright, Lester Benjamin Manz
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Publication number: 20240014763Abstract: A motor controller for an electric motor is provided. The motor controller includes an inverter configured to supply current to stator windings of the electric motor. The motor controller further includes a plurality of sensors configured to generate a sensor signal in response to detecting a parameter. The sensor signal represents a measured parameter. The motor controller further includes a processor coupled in communication with the inverter and with the plurality of sensors. The processor is configured to, in a first mode, transmit a control signal to the inverter to operate the electric motor at a first frequency. The processor is further configured to receive the sensor signal from the plurality of sensors. The processor is further configured to determine a first fault condition is present at the electric motor based on the measured parameter represented by the sensor signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2023Publication date: January 11, 2024Inventors: Ludovic Andre Chretien, Brian Lee Beifus, Michael R. Koller
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Publication number: 20230421086Abstract: A motor controller for an electric motor is provided. The motor controller includes a voltage limiting circuit configured to be coupled to an alternating current (AC) source and is configured to limit a voltage at an output node of the AC source, a filter configured to be coupled to the AC source and is configured to produce a filtered line frequency AC signal, a rectifier coupled to the filter and configured to produce a direct current (DC) signal from the filtered line frequency AC signal, an inverter coupled to the rectifier and configured to produce an AC signal on an input node of the electric motor, and a line contactor coupled between the AC source and the input node of the electric motor and configured to supply the input node of the electric motor directly from the AC source to energize stator windings therewith when the inverter is disabled.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2023Publication date: December 28, 2023Inventor: Ludovic Andre Chretien
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Patent number: 11815279Abstract: Described herein is an electric motor assembly for an environmental control system. The electric motor assembly includes a fan configured to rotate to circulate air within a controlled environment chamber of the environmental control system, and an electric motor coupled to the fan and configured to rotate the fan. The electric motor includes a motor controller configured to receive a braking control signal from a sensor associated with the controlled environment chamber. The braking control signal indicates an entrance to the controlled environment chamber is about to be opened. The motor controller is also configured to initiate braking the electric motor in response to receiving the braking control signal.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2020Date of Patent: November 14, 2023Assignee: Regal Beloit America, Inc.Inventors: Ludovic Andre Chretien, Leonard Theodore McElhose, Mohamad Khalil Dahouk, Paul Steven Mullin
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Publication number: 20230344379Abstract: Controllers for controlling hybrid motor drive circuits configured to drive a motor are provided herein. A controller is configured to drive the motor using an inverter when a motor commanded frequency is not within a predetermined range of line input power frequencies, and couple line input power to an output of the inverter using a first switch device when the motor commanded frequency is within the predetermined range of line input power frequencies.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2023Publication date: October 26, 2023Inventors: Ludovic Andre Chretien, Roger Carlos Becerra, Kamron Mark Wright, Lester Benjamin Manz
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Publication number: 20230341153Abstract: An HVAC system including a multi-capacity compressor, and a control system for the multi-capacity compressor are described herein. The control system includes an AC line voltage source, a variable-voltage variable-frequency drive, and a processor. The AC line voltage source is configured to operate the multi-capacity compressor. The variable-voltage variable-frequency drive is coupled to the AC line voltage source and is configured to operate the multi-capacity compressor at a variable speed. The processor is coupled to the AC line voltage source and the variable-voltage variable-frequency drive and is configured to selectively couple the AC line voltage source and the variable-voltage variable-frequency drive to the multi-capacity compressor to operate the multi-capacity compressor. The processor is further configured to transmit a capacity control signal to the multi-capacity compressor.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2023Publication date: October 26, 2023Inventors: Ludovic Andre Chretien, Norman C. Golm
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Patent number: 11791760Abstract: A motor controller for an electric motor is provided. The motor controller includes an inverter configured to supply current to stator windings of the electric motor. The motor controller further includes a plurality of sensors configured to generate a sensor signal in response to detecting a parameter. The sensor signal represents a measured parameter. The motor controller further includes a processor coupled in communication with the inverter and with the plurality of sensors. The processor is configured to, in a first mode, transmit a control signal to the inverter to operate the electric motor at a first frequency. The processor is further configured to receive the sensor signal from the plurality of sensors. The processor is further configured to determine a first fault condition is present at the electric motor based on the measured parameter represented by the sensor signal.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2021Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: Regal Beloit America, Inc.Inventors: Ludovic Andre Chretien, Brian Lee Beifus, Michael R. Koller
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Patent number: 11784602Abstract: A motor controller for an electric motor is provided. The motor controller includes a voltage limiting circuit configured to be coupled to an alternating current (AC) source and is configured to limit a voltage at an output node of the AC source, a filter configured to be coupled to the AC source and is configured to produce a filtered line frequency AC signal, a rectifier coupled to the filter and configured to produce a direct current (DC) signal from the filtered line frequency AC signal, an inverter coupled to the rectifier and configured to produce an AC signal on an input node of the electric motor, and a line contactor coupled between the AC source and the input node of the electric motor and configured to supply the input node of the electric motor directly from the AC source to energize stator windings therewith when the inverter is disabled.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2022Date of Patent: October 10, 2023Assignee: Regal Beloit America, Inc.Inventor: Ludovic Andre Chretien
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Publication number: 20230283216Abstract: An electric motor system is described. The electric motor system includes a drive circuit configured to supply variable frequency current and a contactor configured to supply line frequency current, wherein the drive circuit includes a three-phase inverter and an H-bridge including two phases of the inverter. The electric motor system also includes an electric motor and a controller. The controller is configured to control the inverter to supply variable frequency current to the electric motor over a first duration and determine to control the drive circuit to transition from supplying variable frequency current to supplying line frequency current. The controller is also configured to determine a polarity of a sensed alternating current (AC) voltage, disable at least two switches of the H-bridge, and control the contactor to close, thereby preventing the contactor and the inverter from energizing the electric motor at the same time once the contactor is closed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2023Publication date: September 7, 2023Inventor: Ludovic Andre Chretien
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Patent number: 11716040Abstract: Controllers for controlling hybrid motor drive circuits configured to drive a motor are provided herein. A controller is configured to drive the motor using an inverter when a motor commanded frequency is not within a predetermined range of line input power frequencies, and couple line input power to an output of the inverter using a first switch device when the motor commanded frequency is within the predetermined range of line input power frequencies.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2021Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: Regal Beloit America, Inc.Inventors: Ludovic Andre Chretien, Roger Carlos Becerra, Kamron Mark Wright, Lester Benjamin Manz
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Patent number: 11689137Abstract: An electric motor system is described. The electric motor system includes a drive circuit configured to supply variable frequency current and a contactor configured to supply line frequency current, wherein the drive circuit includes a three-phase inverter and an H-bridge including two phases of the inverter. The electric motor system also includes an electric motor and a controller. The controller is configured to control the inverter to supply variable frequency current to the electric motor over a first duration and determine to control the drive circuit to transition from supplying variable frequency current to supplying line frequency current. The controller is also configured to determine a polarity of a sensed alternating current (AC) voltage, disable at least two switches of the H-bridge, and control the contactor to close, thereby preventing the contactor and the inverter from energizing the electric motor at the same time once the contactor is closed.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2022Date of Patent: June 27, 2023Assignee: Regal Beloit America, Inc.Inventor: Ludovic Andre Chretien
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Publication number: 20230123360Abstract: An electric motor system is described. The electric motor system includes a drive circuit including an inverter configured to supply variable frequency current and a contactor configured to supply line frequency current. The electric motor system also includes an electric motor coupled to the drive circuit wherein the electric motor is communicatively coupled to a controller. The controller is configured to control the inverter to supply variable frequency current to the electric motor, thereby operating the electric motor at a motor speed, and determine, based upon at least one input parameter, a maximum potential motor speed the inverter can achieve. The controller is also configured to receive a command to operate the electric motor at line frequency current and control the drive circuit to transition from supplying variable frequency current to supplying line frequency current before the maximum potential motor speed the inverter can achieve is reached.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2022Publication date: April 20, 2023Inventors: Ludovic Andre Chretien, Lester Benjamin Manz
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Publication number: 20230006595Abstract: A motor controller for an electric motor is provided. The motor controller includes a voltage limiting circuit configured to be coupled to an alternating current (AC) source and is configured to limit a voltage at an output node of the AC source, a filter configured to be coupled to the AC source and is configured to produce a filtered line frequency AC signal, a rectifier coupled to the filter and configured to produce a direct current (DC) signal from the filtered line frequency AC signal, an inverter coupled to the rectifier and configured to produce an AC signal on an input node of the electric motor, and a line contactor coupled between the AC source and the input node of the electric motor and configured to supply the input node of the electric motor directly from the AC source to energize stator windings therewith when the inverter is disabled.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2022Publication date: January 5, 2023Inventor: Ludovic Andre Chretien
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Patent number: 11539319Abstract: An electric motor system is described. The electric motor system includes a drive circuit including an inverter configured to supply variable frequency current and a contactor configured to supply line frequency current. The electric motor system also includes an electric motor coupled to the drive circuit wherein the electric motor is communicatively coupled to a controller. The controller is configured to control the inverter to supply variable frequency current to the electric motor, thereby operating the electric motor at a motor speed, and determine, based upon at least one input parameter, a maximum potential motor speed the inverter can achieve. The controller is also configured to receive a command to operate the electric motor at line frequency current and control the drive circuit to transition from supplying variably frequency current to supplying line frequency current before the maximum potential motor speed the inverter can achieve is reached.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2021Date of Patent: December 27, 2022Assignee: Regal Beloit America, Inc.Inventors: Ludovic Andre Chretien, Lester Benjamin Manz
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Patent number: 11515742Abstract: An interior permanent magnet machine is described. The machine includes a rotor rotatable about a central machine axis. The rotor includes a plurality of permanent magnet openings and a plurality of permanent magnets disposed therein. The permanent magnet openings are separated by rotor webs configured to facilitate reducing leakage flux through the rotor webs. The machine also includes a stator disposed coaxially with the rotor and separated from the rotor by a circumferential air gap. The stator includes a plurality of stator teeth that define a plurality of stator slots therebetween. The stator teeth include a stator tooth tip configured to facilitate reducing cogging torque and torque ripple.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2019Date of Patent: November 29, 2022Assignee: REGAL BELOIT AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Kerry B. Shelton, Subhash Marutirao Brahmavar, Marshall Miers, Ludovic Andre Chretien
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Patent number: 11515765Abstract: A motor control assembly for an electric motor. The motor control assembly is configured to be coupled to the electric motor, and includes a wireless communication module, an input power connector, and an inverter module. The wireless communication module is configured to receive a wireless signal from a system controller. The input power connector is configured to receive a DC voltage from an external power supply module. The inverter module is coupled to the wireless communication module and the input power connector. The inverter module is configured to convert the DC voltage to an AC voltage to operate the electric motor according to the wireless signal.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2020Date of Patent: November 29, 2022Assignee: Regal Beloit America, Inc.Inventors: Ludovic Andre Chretien, Roger Carlos Becerra
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Publication number: 20220345063Abstract: An electric motor system is described. The electric motor system includes a drive circuit configured to supply variable frequency current and a contactor configured to supply line frequency current, wherein the drive circuit includes a three-phase inverter and an H-bridge including two phases of the inverter. The electric motor system also includes an electric motor and a controller. The controller is configured to control the inverter to supply variable frequency current to the electric motor over a first duration and determine to control the drive circuit to transition from supplying variable frequency current to supplying line frequency current. The controller is also configured to determine a polarity of a sensed alternating current (AC) voltage, disable at least two switches of the H-bridge, and control the contactor to close, thereby preventing the contactor and the inverter from energizing the electric motor at the same time once the contactor is closed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2022Publication date: October 27, 2022Inventor: Ludovic Andre Chretien
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Publication number: 20220341434Abstract: A control system for an electric motor in a compressor system includes a processing system configured to control an inverter to supply variable frequency power to the electric motor from the inverter. The processing system is configured to determine when to transition from supplying variable frequency power to supplying line frequency power to the electric motor. The processing system is configured to engage a pressure equalization mechanism to at least partially reduce a pressure differential developed between a suction portion and a discharge portion of the compressor system. The processing system is configured to apply line frequency power to at least one winding of the electric motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2022Publication date: October 27, 2022Inventor: Ludovic Andre Chretien
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Publication number: 20220255489Abstract: A motor controller for an electric motor is provided. The motor controller includes an inverter configured to supply current to stator windings of the electric motor. The motor controller further includes a plurality of sensors configured to generate a sensor signal in response to detecting a parameter. The sensor signal represents a measured parameter. The motor controller further includes a processor coupled in communication with the inverter and with the plurality of sensors. The processor is configured to, in a first mode, transmit a control signal to the inverter to operate the electric motor at a first frequency. The processor is further configured to receive the sensor signal from the plurality of sensors. The processor is further configured to determine a first fault condition is present at the electric motor based on the measured parameter represented by the sensor signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2021Publication date: August 11, 2022Inventors: Ludovic Andre Chretien, Brian Lee Beifus, Michael R. Koller
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Publication number: 20220239246Abstract: An electric motor system is described. The electric motor system includes a drive circuit including an inverter configured to supply variable frequency current and a contactor configured to supply line frequency current. The electric motor system also includes an electric motor coupled to the drive circuit wherein the electric motor is communicatively coupled to a controller. The controller is configured to control the inverter to supply variable frequency current to the electric motor, thereby operating the electric motor at a motor speed, and determine, based upon at least one input parameter, a maximum potential motor speed the inverter can achieve. The controller is also configured to receive a command to operate the electric motor at line frequency current and control the drive circuit to transition from supplying variably frequency current to supplying line frequency current before the maximum potential motor speed the inverter can achieve is reached.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2021Publication date: July 28, 2022Inventors: Ludovic Andre Chretien, Lester Benjamin Manz