Patents by Inventor Nitinkumar R. Patel
Nitinkumar R. Patel 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: 10116174Abstract: A synchronous reluctance electric machine is described, and includes a stator including a plurality of electrical windings and a rotor disposed in a cylindrically-shaped void formed within the stator. The rotor includes a plurality of steel laminations assembled onto a shaft, wherein the shaft defines a longitudinal axis. Each of the steel laminations includes a plurality of poles and each of the poles includes a plurality of slots disposed near an outer periphery. The slots of the steel laminations are longitudinally aligned. A plurality of packets assembled from anisotropic material are disposed in the slots.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2016Date of Patent: October 30, 2018Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Constantin C. Stancu, Peter J. Savagian, Khwaja M. Rahman, Nitinkumar R. Patel, Robert T. Dawsey
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Patent number: 10056792Abstract: An interior permanent magnet electric machine is described, and includes a stator including a plurality of electrical windings and a rotor disposed in a cylindrically-shaped void formed within the stator. The rotor includes a plurality of steel laminations assembled onto a shaft, wherein the shaft defines a longitudinal axis. Each of the steel laminations includes a plurality of poles and each of the poles includes a plurality of slots disposed near an outer periphery. The slots of the steel laminations are longitudinally aligned. A plurality of permanent magnets are disposed in a first subset of the slots, and plurality of packets assembled from anisotropic material are disposed in a second subset of the slots.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2016Date of Patent: August 21, 2018Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Khwaja M. Rahman, Constantin C. Stancu, Peter J. Savagian, Nitinkumar R. Patel, Robert T. Dawsey
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Publication number: 20170229928Abstract: A synchronous reluctance electric machine is described, and includes a stator including a plurality of electrical windings and a rotor disposed in a cylindrically-shaped void formed within the stator. The rotor includes a plurality of steel laminations assembled onto a shaft, wherein the shaft defines a longitudinal axis. Each of the steel laminations includes a plurality of poles and each of the poles includes a plurality of slots disposed near an outer periphery. The slots of the steel laminations are longitudinally aligned. A plurality of packets assembled from anisotropic material are disposed in the slots.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2016Publication date: August 10, 2017Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Constantin C. Stancu, Peter J. Savagian, Khwaja M. Rahman, Nitinkumar R. Patel, Robert T. Dawsey
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Publication number: 20170229934Abstract: An interior permanent magnet electric machine is described, and includes a stator including a plurality of electrical windings and a rotor disposed in a cylindrically-shaped void formed within the stator. The rotor includes a plurality of steel laminations assembled onto a shaft, wherein the shaft defines a longitudinal axis. Each of the steel laminations includes a plurality of poles and each of the poles includes a plurality of slots disposed near an outer periphery. The slots of the steel laminations are longitudinally aligned. A plurality of permanent magnets are disposed in a first subset of the slots, and plurality of packets assembled from anisotropic material are disposed in a second subset of the slots.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2016Publication date: August 10, 2017Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Khwaja M. Rahman, Constantin C. Stancu, Peter J. Savagian, Nitinkumar R. Patel, Robert T. Dawsey
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Patent number: 8913352Abstract: A method for monitoring an inverter module for a multi-phase electric motor/generator includes deactivating operation of the inverter module, monitoring voltage on a high-voltage bus configured to supply electric power to the inverter module, detecting occurrence of a true fault when a change in the voltage on the high-voltage bus is greater than a predetermined threshold, and detecting occurrence of a false fault when the change in the voltage on the high-voltage bus is less than the predetermined threshold.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2013Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Konstantin S. Majarov, David Tang, Reynaldo Arturo Suazo Zepeda, Nitinkumar R. Patel, Daniel L. Kowalewski
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Publication number: 20140218826Abstract: A method for monitoring an inverter module for a multi-phase electric motor/generator includes deactivating operation of the inverter module, monitoring voltage on a high-voltage bus configured to supply electric power to the inverter module, detecting occurrence of a true fault when a change in the voltage on the high-voltage bus is greater than a predetermined threshold, and detecting occurrence of a false fault when the change in the voltage on the high-voltage bus is less than the predetermined threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2013Publication date: August 7, 2014Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: KONSTANTIN S. MAJAROV, DAVID TANG, REYNALDO ARTURO SUAZO ZEPEDA, NITINKUMAR R. PATEL, DANIEL L. KOWALEWSKI
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Patent number: 8634976Abstract: A method for operating an electric motor is provided. The method includes receiving a torque request; determining long term torque capabilities and short term torque capabilities of the electric motor; generating a torque command based on the torque request and at least one of the long term torque capabilities or the short term torque capabilities; and controlling the electric motor in accordance with the torque command.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2010Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Brian A. Welchko, Nitinkumar R. Patel, Leah Dunbar, William R. Cawthorne, Steven E. Schulz
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Patent number: 8487575Abstract: A temperature estimation controller and methods are provided for estimating stator winding temperature over a full range of motor operating speeds. In one implementation, the angular velocity of a motor is determined along with a total power loss for each phase of said motor. The total power loss in each phase comprises stator winding power loss and a core power loss. Stator winding temperatures for each phase of motor can then estimated based on the total power loss in that phase, and a combined thermal impedance for that phase. The combined thermal impedance comprises a first thermal impedance between the stator winding and the stator core, and a second thermal impedance between the stator core and the motor coolant.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2009Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Chia-Chou Yeh, Nitinkumar R. Patel, Yo Chan Son, Steven E. Schulz
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Patent number: 8414270Abstract: A fluid system includes a fluidic device, an electrically-actuated fluid pump having a pump motor, and a control system. The control system controls a speed of the pump using a commanded torque value, and calculates a feedforward torque term as a function of a set of operating values, including a desired fluid line pressure. The control system determines the speed control torque term using pump speed error, and adds the feedforward torque term to the speed control torque term to calculate the commanded torque value. The speed control torque term may be determined using an integral term of a proportional integral derivative (PID) portion of the control system. A method for controlling pump speed includes calculating the feedforward torque term, determining the speed control torque term using a pump speed error, and adding the feedforward torque term to the speed control torque term to calculate the commanded torque value.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2010Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Jy-Jen F. Sah, Ali K. Naqvi, Vincent Rawls, Nitinkumar R. Patel
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Patent number: 8378605Abstract: A multiphase alternating current permanent magnet synchronous electric motor is coupled to an actuator. A sensorless electric motor drive control system controls operation of the electric motor. An initial phase angle and a rotational speed of a rotor of the electric motor are estimated. Operation of the sensorless electric motor drive control system and the electric motor are monitored using the estimated initial phase angle and the estimated rotational speed of the rotor of the electric motor. A fault in one of the sensorless electric motor drive control system and the electric motor is detected based upon the monitored operation.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2010Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Wei D. Wang, Nitinkumar R. Patel, Yo Chan Son
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Patent number: 8340848Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling an electric motor are provided. A signal comprising at least first and second cycles is provided to the electric motor. A first flux value for the electric motor associated with the first cycle of the signal is calculated. A second flux value for the electric motor associated with the second cycle of the signal is calculated based on the first flux value.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2007Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Yo Chan Son, Nitinkumar R. Patel, Steven E. Schulz
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Patent number: 8339081Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for startup of a permanent magnet alternating current (AC) motor. The method comprises the steps of detecting startup of the permanent magnet AC motor; detecting a mechanical oscillation of the permanent magnet AC motor when startup of the permanent magnet AC motor is detected; and, in response to detection of the mechanical oscillation of the permanent magnet AC motor when startup is detected, suppressing the mechanical oscillation of the permanent magnet AC motor.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2009Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Nitinkumar R. Patel, Yo Chan Son
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Patent number: 8319460Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling an electric motor are provided. The motor includes a plurality of windings. Each winding is coupled to a respective set of first and second switches. The first switch of each set of switches is simultaneously activated. Current flow through the plurality of windings is measured while the first switch of each set of switches is activated. The electric motor is controlled according to a first motor control method if the measured current is below a predetermined threshold. The electric motor is controlled according to a second motor control method if the measured current is above the predetermined threshold.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2009Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Yo Chan Son, Jihoon Jang, Brian A. Welchko, Nitinkumar R. Patel, Steven E. Schulz
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Patent number: 8310189Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for sensorless control of a permanent magnet motor. The method includes the step of determining a sensorless position signal and a sensorless speed signal in a torque-speed plane in response to phase currents corresponding to currents on one or more of the plurality of phases.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2009Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Nitinkumar R. Patel, Yo Chan Son
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Patent number: 8269445Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a limp home operational mode for an electric motor system. The method includes determining whether a resolver has failed. When the resolver has not failed, operation of the electric motor system uses resolver signals. When the resolver fails, operation of the electric motor system uses sensorless rotor position and rotor speed signals.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2009Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Nitinkumar R. Patel, Peter J. Savagian, Yo Chan Son, Rostam Dehmoobed Nasrabadi
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Patent number: 8258736Abstract: A method for operation of an internal permanent magnet motor having a rotor includes determining whether a neutral point access signal is received from the rotor and operating the internal permanent magnet motor using sensorless signals corresponding to a rotor position and a rotor speed derived by a first sensorless signal estimation method when the neutral point access signal is received, wherein the first sensorless signal estimation method utilizes the neutral point access signal to generate the rotor position and the rotor speed. The method further includes operating the internal permanent magnet motor using sensorless signals corresponding to a rotor position and a rotor speed derived by a second sensorless signal estimation method when the neutral point access signal is not received, wherein the second sensorless signal estimation method does not utilize the neutral point access signal to generate the rotor position and the rotor speed.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2009Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Nitinkumar R. Patel, Tim M. Grewe, Yo Chan Son
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Patent number: 8253360Abstract: A vector controlled motor drive system is provided that includes a test vector and duty cycle generator module designed to receive a set of three-phase voltage command signals and designed to generate a set of pulse width modulated (PWM) waveforms. The set of PWM waveforms comprise: a first modified switching vector signal for a first motor phase that comprises at least two test pulses over three consecutive PWM cycles. The first modified switching vector signal has a first amplitude value that changes between a high amplitude value and a low amplitude value during the three consecutive PWM cycles. A number of transitions by the first modified switching vector signal between the low amplitude value and the high amplitude value over the three consecutive PWM cycles is greater than six and less than twelve.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2009Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Steven E. Schulz, Yo Chan Son, Nitinkumar R. Patel
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Publication number: 20120121438Abstract: A fluid system includes a fluidic device, an electrically-actuated fluid pump having a pump motor, and a control system. The control system controls a speed of the pump using a commanded torque value, and calculates a feedforward torque term as a function of a set of operating values, including a desired fluid line pressure. The control system determines the speed control torque term using pump speed error, and adds the feedforward torque term to the speed control torque term to calculate the commanded torque value. The speed control torque term may be determined using an integral term of a proportional integral derivative (PID) portion of the control system. A method for controlling pump speed includes calculating the feedforward torque term, determining the speed control torque term using a pump speed error, and adding the feedforward torque term to the speed control torque term to calculate the commanded torque value.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2010Publication date: May 17, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Jy-Jen F. Sah, Ali K. Naqvi, Vincent Rawls, Nitinkumar R. Patel
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Methods, systems and apparatus for dynamically controlling an electric motor that drives an oil pump
Patent number: 8174222Abstract: Methods, system and apparatus are provided for sensorless control of a vector controlled motor drive system that includes an electric motor used to drive an auxiliary oil pump.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2009Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Nitinkumar R. Patel, Yo Chan Son -
Publication number: 20110213518Abstract: A method for operating an electric motor is provided. The method includes receiving a torque request; determining long term torque capabilities and short term torque capabilities of the electric motor; generating a torque command based on the torque request and at least one of the long term torque capabilities or the short term torque capabilities; and controlling the electric motor in accordance with the torque command.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2010Publication date: September 1, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: BRIAN A. WELCHKO, NITINKUMAR R. PATEL, LEAH DUNBAR, WILLIAM R. CAWTHORNE, STEVEN E. SCHULZ