With Voltage Magnitude Control Patents (Class 318/808)
  • Patent number: 8283880
    Abstract: A motor drive device including a converter for a power running operation and a power regenerative operation. The converter has power switching elements, a first power regenerative control unit for controlling the power switching elements in the power regenerative operation by using pulse width modulation signal whose pulse width changes with a value indicated by a command signal; a second power regenerative control unit for controlling the power switching elements in the power regenerative operation to generate respective power regenerative currents in a phase representing the maximum potential among three phases of a three-phase AC power supply and a phase representing the minimum potential among the three phases, and a power regenerative operation switching unit for switching a control of the power switching elements in the power regenerative operation between a control by the first power regenerative control unit and a control by the second power regenerative control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: FANUC Corporation
    Inventors: Yasusuke Iwashita, Shinichi Horikoshi, Takashi Harada, Shinichi Mizukami
  • Patent number: 8283885
    Abstract: A drive control signal is effectively obtained. An offset control circuit (32) adds an offset to a rotational state signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Semiconductor Components Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Takashi Ogawa, Tsutomu Murata
  • Patent number: 8278865
    Abstract: A control device that controls a plurality of inverters respectively provided corresponding to a plurality of alternating-current electric motors so as to control the plurality of alternating-current electric motors by current feedback. The control device comprises a carrier frequency setting unit that individually selects and sets one of a plurality of carrier frequencies, each of which is a frequency of a carrier for generating switching control signals for the inverter based on a pulse width modulation method, for each of the plurality of inverters, and a switching timing table that specifies a switching timing serving as a permissible timing of switching to a different carrier frequency pair from each of a plurality of carrier frequency pairs each of which is composed of a combination of the carrier frequencies set for each of the plurality of inverters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Arinori Shimada, Mitsuru Nakamura, Subrata Saha, Ken Iwatsuki
  • Patent number: 8264209
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for operating an asynchronous motor (1) with double feeds, having a stator (1a) connected to a grid and a rotor (1b) connected to an inverter (6), said inverter (6) being designed such that it impresses a target value for an electrical variable in the rotor (1b). In a method according to the invention, after detecting a transient grid voltage change, a target value for the electrical variable determined from at least the rotor flux and the stator flux is impressed in the rotor (1b) such that an active reduction in the torque occurring during the transient grid voltage change is achieved. The target value of the electrical variable is preferably determined from a suitable weighting of the stator flux, rotor flux, stator voltage, stator current, rotor current, and, if available as a measured variable, stator voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Woodward Kempen GmbH
    Inventor: Jörg Kretschmann
  • Patent number: 8258734
    Abstract: An energy converter includes magnetic coils of N phases (N is an integer of 3 or more), and a PWM drive circuit for driving the magnetic coils of N phases, wherein the magnetic coil of each phase can be independently controlled by the PWM drive circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Kesatoshi Takeuchi, Kazuyoshi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8248013
    Abstract: A fan device with improved speed control module includes a stator, a rotor, and a speed control module. The stator has a driving unit outputting currents for the stator to generate alternative magnetic fields and thus turn the rotor. The speed control module includes a control unit and a speed adjusting circuit, with the control unit generating a control command for the driving unit and further outputting a state signal for the speed adjusting circuit to control whether a PWM signal enters the control circuit or not.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Sunonwealth Electric Machine Industry Co, Ltd.
    Inventors: Alex Horng, Chun-Yuan Huang, Chung-Ken Cheng, Nguyen Nguyen, Susheela Narasimhan
  • Publication number: 20120206083
    Abstract: A winding switching apparatus includes a winding switching device and a drive circuit. The winding switching device is configured to switch a plurality of windings of an AC motor. The drive circuit is configured to control the winding switching device. The winding switching device includes a winding switch, a diode bridge, and a capacitor. The diode bridge includes a positive-side DC output terminal, a negative-side DC output terminal, and AC input terminals. The AC input terminals corresponds to respective phases of the AC motor. The positive-side and negative-side DC output terminals are respectively connected to positive-side and negative-side DC buses provided in an inverter. The AC input terminals are respectively connected to winding-switching terminals corresponding to the respective phases of the AC motor. The AC input terminals are respectively connected to phase terminals provided in the winding switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Yaskawa Denki
    Inventors: Koji HIGASHIKAWA, Kenji Yamada, Katsutoshi Yamanaka
  • Patent number: 8237396
    Abstract: A motor driving device includes a first power supply terminal, a second power supply terminal, a drive unit that is coupled to the first power supply terminal, the second power supply terminal, and a motor winding, a control unit that controls the drive unit, and a resistive element that is coupled between the drive unit and the first power supply terminal. The control unit makes the motor winding and the resistive element form a loop circuit when a voltage between the first power supply terminal and the second power supply terminal exceeds a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Satoshi Ikei
  • Patent number: 8217597
    Abstract: A drive circuit comprising: a direct current power source; a control unit for supplying control signals; a power switch topology comprising a first switch and a second switch each having an input terminal, an output terminal, and a control terminal, the input terminals being respectively connected to the power source, the control terminals being connected to the control unit for receiving the control signals there from, the output terminals being connected to a node; and an inductance connected with a capacitive load in series between the node and the power source, wherein the control signals control the switches to alternately conduct to thereby cause the node to output a pulse signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Johnson Electric S.A.
    Inventors: Chi Ping Sun, Jian Qun Wu, Hai Bo Jiang, Jian Han
  • Patent number: 8207701
    Abstract: A control method of the electromotor comprises: setting a target alternating axis current based on the rotor angular velocity of the electromotor and a target direct axis current based on the torque of the motor; simultaneously detecting three-phase currents and current rotor position angle of the electromotor; converting the three-phase currents to an actual alternating axis current and an actual direct axis current by Park and Clark conversions; inputting the difference between the target current and the actual current to a current loop, outputting the required direct axis current and the required alternating axis current; determining the three phase voltages according to the required direct axis current and alternating axis current and the angle of the electromotor rotor position; obtaining PWM control waveform through three-phase voltages, wherein said PWM control waveform is configured to control the conversion from direct current to alternating current and drives the electromotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: BYD Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Xiaohua Tang, Xuguang Zhou, Hongbin Luo, Ming Yu, Nan Liu, Jian Gong, Guangming Yang
  • Patent number: 8209057
    Abstract: A universal control panel for controlling operation of a cooling component. The universal control panel may have a variable frequency drive (VFD) that incorporates an input voltage and frequency sensing circuit; and logic, memory and communications circuits. The VFD accepts a plurality of differing input signals, analyzes the input signals and generates an output signal having a desired voltage and frequency to provide real time control over an electrical component operably associated with the cooling component. The VFD controls the cooling component in relation to changes in at least one of sensed pressure and a sensed temperature of a fluid, to dampen response of the electrical component, to thus achieve more efficient use of the cooling component being used to cool the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Liebert Corporation
    Inventors: John F. Judge, James W. Holdren, Wanlai Lin
  • Patent number: 8164297
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a power converter in which the open-phase can be detected in a broader frequency region even if a predetermined relation is kept between the output voltage and the frequency. In order to achieve the above objects, a power converter including: an inverter unit having phase unit inverters provided with a plurality of multiple connected single-phase cell inverters for every phase; an inverter controller for controlling the inverter unit so that a predetermined relation is kept between an output voltage and a frequency; and a plurality of transformers for detecting output voltages of the plurality of phase unit inverters, in which the inverter controller is provided with a fault detection unit for detecting whether a phase-to-phase voltage deviation calculated by the output voltage is within range of an allowable voltage deviation calculated as a function of the frequency is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Daisuke Tan, Masahiro Tobise, Hirohisa Satomi
  • Patent number: 8159168
    Abstract: A method for estimating a rotor position in an electrical machine is provided. The method is applicable to electrical machines that have magnetic saliency. The method includes extracting the rotor position from a demodulated output signal generated in response to an injected high frequency carrier signal and determining a position error compensation based upon a demodulation delay and a velocity or rotational frequency of the electrical machine. The method also includes estimating the rotor position by applying the position error compensation to the extracted rotor position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jingbo Liu, Thomas Nondahl, Peter B. Schmidt, Semyon Royak, Mark H. Harbaugh
  • Patent number: 8143840
    Abstract: A device for controlling an induction motor includes a voltage/frequency controller, a pulse width modulation controller, and a converter. The voltage/frequency controller receives a controlling frequency, and outputs a controlling voltage corresponding to the controlling frequency. The pulse width modulation controller receives the controlling voltage and the controlling frequency, and generates PWM signals according to the controlling voltage and the controlling frequency. The converter receives the PWM signals, and controls the induction motor according to the PWM signals. There is a predetermined relationship between the controlling voltage and the controlling frequency stored in the voltage/frequency controller. The controlling voltage is greater than zero in response to the controlling frequency being zero, and increasing the controlling frequency increases the controlling voltage as in the predetermined relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Foxnum Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: You-Ren Lin, Rong-Cong Hung, Shen-An Chen, Rong-Hwang Horng, Shih-Chang Chen, Yaw-Shen Lai
  • Patent number: 8106620
    Abstract: There is provided a vector control device for an alternating-current electric motor having a damping controller which automatically calculates an optimum damping operation amount and does not require any gain setting itself, whereby an adjustment work of a control system can be simplified. The vector control device is equipped with a vector controller 30 for executing vector control on the alternating-current electric motor 6 in accordance with a current command or a torque command, and a damping controller 40 for calculating a damping operation amount for suppressing variation of a capacitor voltage Efc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Hidetoshi Kitanaka
  • Patent number: 8102142
    Abstract: A double ended inverter system for an AC electric traction motor of a vehicle is disclosed. The inverter system serves as an interface between two different energy sources having different operating characteristics. The inverter system includes a first energy source having first operating characteristics associated therewith, and a first inverter subsystem coupled to the first energy source and configured to drive the AC electric traction motor. The inverter system also includes a second energy source having second operating characteristics associated therewith, wherein the first operating characteristics and the second operating characteristics are different, and a second inverter subsystem coupled to the second energy source and configured to drive the AC electric traction motor. In addition, the inverter system has a controller coupled to the first inverter subsystem and to the second inverter subsystem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Gregory S. Smith, Brian A. Welchko, George John, Sibaprasad Chakrabarti, Milun Perisic, James M. Nagashima
  • Patent number: 8084986
    Abstract: A dead-time compensation method is applied to a PWM inverter, which is provided to drive an induction motor using a constant V/f control. The method first calculates a root-mean-square current of the output instantaneous current of the inverter. Afterward, a lookup table of the root-mean-square current is used to obtain a dead-time compensation base voltage and a dead-time compensation per-unit voltage. Finally, the dead-time compensation base voltage is multiplied by the dead-time compensation per-unit voltage to produce a dead-time compensation voltage of the PWM inverter. Accordingly, the method reduces complexity of converting the current to the voltage to reach a faster real-time response. Furthermore, a more accurate dead-time compensation voltage is obtained without increasing hardware costs and the efficiency of operating the induction motor is improved at low speed and light load condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Lung-Jay Cheng, Ting-Chung Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8080957
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a motor control device capable of suppressing voltage composite vector fluctuation to increase the output of a brushless motor, and a motor-driven power steering system using this device. The present control device calculates motor phase current command values based on a target current and a rotor rotational position detection value, calculates voltage command values based on the motor phase current command values and phase current detection values, and supplies phase currents to a three-phase brushless motor based on the voltage command values. The present control device outputs the phase current command values so that the absolute value of a composite vector of respective phase drive voltages is substantially a value ?3/2 times the power supply voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: NSK, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomohiro Miura, Masahiro Maeda, Yousuke Imamura, Lilit Kovudhikulrungsri
  • Patent number: 8072181
    Abstract: A controller for electrically adjustable furniture includes a main-voltage area and a low-voltage area that are electrically isolated from one another. A rectifying power supply unit, which is located in the main-voltage area, serves to generate a rectified voltage available at power supply terminals from an alternating main voltage. The rectified voltage present at the power supply terminals can be delivered to a first motor terminal located in the main-voltage area depending on a first control signal. The controller furthermore includes a first control unit that is located in the main-voltage area and which incorporates an operating terminal and a first control output for the supply of a first control signal. An operating unit located in the low-voltage area is connected via an electrically isolating coupling to the operating terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: LOGICDATA Electronic & Software Entwicklungs GmbH
    Inventor: Walter Koch
  • Patent number: 8026691
    Abstract: A double ended inverter system for an AC traction motor of a vehicle includes a fuel cell configured to provide a DC voltage, an impedance source inverter subsystem coupled to the fuel cell, a DC voltage source, and an inverter subsystem coupled to the DC voltage source. The impedance source inverter subsystem, which includes an ultracapacitor, is configured to drive the AC traction motor. The inverter subsystem is configured to drive the AC electric traction motor. The ultracapacitor is implemented in a crossed LC network coupled to the fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: James M. Nagashima, Brian A. Welchko, Sibaprasad Chakrabarti, Milun Perisic, Gregory S. Smith, George John
  • Patent number: 8022659
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a rotary machine, comprising a variable-voltage variable frequency (VVVF) inverter for driving the rotary machine, a voltage detector for detecting a DC voltage at the inverter's input, current detectors for detecting phase currents of the rotary machine, an inverter-electric-power command unit for determining an inverter-electric-power command value, an actual-inverter-electric-power calculation unit for calculating an actual inverter-electric-power value, a secondary-magnetic-flux command calculation unit for calculating a secondary-magnetic-flux command value, a predetermined-secondary-magnetic-flux command unit for outputting a predetermined secondary-magnetic-flux command value, and a secondary-magnetic-flux command changeover unit for selecting either one of the secondary-magnetic-flux command value and the predetermined secondary-magnetic-flux command value as a secondary-magnetic-flux command value which is used to control the rotary machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Masaki Kono, Hiroyuki Kayano, Tsuneyasu Kakizaki
  • Publication number: 20110156632
    Abstract: A dead-time compensation method is applied to a PWM inverter, which is provided to drive an induction motor using a constant V/f control. The method first calculates a root-mean-square current of the output instantaneous current of the inverter. Afterward, a lookup table of the root-mean-square current is used to obtain a dead-time compensation base voltage and a dead-time compensation per-unit voltage. Finally, the dead-time compensation base voltage is multiplied by the dead-time compensation per-unit voltage to produce a dead-time compensation voltage of the PWM inverter. Accordingly, the method reduces complexity of converting the current to the voltage to reach a faster real-time response. Furthermore, a more accurate dead-time compensation voltage is obtained without increasing hardware costs and the efficiency of operating the induction motor is improved at low speed and light load condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventors: Lung-Jay Cheng, Ting-Chung Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7969039
    Abstract: A controller is capable of executing direct couple control that directly couples a first power device and a second power device without causing a DC/DC converter to convert voltage. During the direct couple control, a drive signal that causes no voltage conversion is intermittently output to at least one of a plurality of switching devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoyuki Mimatsu, Yasushi Kojima, Seigo Murashige, Yutaka Asano
  • Patent number: 7956569
    Abstract: A double ended inverter system suitable for use with an AC electric traction motor of a vehicle is provided. The double ended inverter system cooperates with a first DC energy source and a second DC energy source, which may have different nominal voltages. The double ended inverter system includes an impedance source inverter subsystem configured to drive the AC electric traction motor using the first energy source, and an inverter subsystem configured to drive the AC electric traction motor using the second energy source. The double ended inverter system also utilizes a controller coupled to the impedance source inverter subsystem and to the inverter subsystem. The controller is configured to control the impedance source inverter subsystem and the inverter subsystem in accordance with a boost operating mode, a traditional inverter operating mode, and a recharge operating mode of the double ended inverter system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Brian A. Welchko, James M. Nagashima, Gregory S. Smith, Sibaprasad Chakrabarti, Milun Perisic, George John
  • Publication number: 20110101907
    Abstract: A grounding system for a semiconductor module of a variable speed drive includes a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer; a substrate disposed between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer; and a base attached to the second conductive layer, the base being connected to earth ground via a grounding harness. The first conductive layer is in electrical contact with the semiconductor module and the substrate, and electrically insulated from the second conductive layer by the substrate. The second conductive layer is in electrical contact with the substrate and disposed between the substrate and the base in electrical communication with an earth ground. The first conductive layer, the substrate and the second conductive layer form a capacitance path between the semiconductor module and the base as well as electrical conductors and the base for reduction circulating currents within the semiconductor module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: JOHNSON CONTROLS TECHNOLOGY COMPANY
    Inventors: Konstantin Borisov, Michael S. Todd, Shreesha Adiga-Manoor, Ivan Jadric
  • Publication number: 20110030414
    Abstract: Air conditioning systems including a refrigeration circuit having at least one fan or blower are provided. The air conditioning systems also include a multi-voltage induction motor coupled to the fan/blower. The multi-voltage induction motor includes motor windings adapted for use when the motor windings are wired in a first voltage wiring configuration and a second voltage wiring configuration, the second voltage being greater than the first voltage. The multi-voltage induction motor may be wired in the first voltage wiring configuration, and a variable frequency drive may be adapted to maintain an operating voltage to frequency ratio of the multi-voltage induction motor at approximately a voltage to frequency design ratio of the multi-voltage induction motor. Also provided are power conductors adapted to transmit power to the variable frequency drive at a voltage approximately equal to the second voltage for operation of the multi-voltage induction motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: Hobart Brothers Company
    Inventors: Ty Allan Newell, Benjamin Eric Newell, Alexander Yemma Long
  • Publication number: 20100327798
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide a method for connection or application of a converter to a rotating asynchronous machine which is operated without an encoder, without a high current and without a torque surge. The method provides a control unit, using an inverter or converter, for feeding the asynchronous machine which rotates at a mechanical rotary speed. The asynchronous machine is regulated by the control unit. A stator current vector is ascertained from measured currents of the stator windings of the asynchronous machine and a rotating stator voltage vector. Calculation is effected in respect of a stator flux change vector from the stator current vector, the stator voltage vector and a stator resistance in accordance with a motor model. An angle difference between the stator current vector and the stator flux change vector is calculated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: LENZE DRIVES GMBH
    Inventor: Heiko Stichweh
  • Patent number: 7835630
    Abstract: An integrated circuit for controlling a DC motor is disclosed. The integrated circuit includes at least one digital position and speed circuit (DPS) for providing measurements of speed, position, and direction of the motor, the DPS being in signal communication with the motor for receiving a pair of signals having a quadrature relationship; and at least one programmable gain amplifier (PGA) electrically coupled to the motor, the PGA being configured to receive a feedback signal indicative of current flowing through the motor and to apply a second signal to the motor for adjusting the speed of the motor; and at least two analog-to-digital converters (A/D), one A/D being used to quantize the output of the PGA for an off-chip processor; and another A/D to provide motor reference position from an analog sensor, such as a potentiometer; and at least two digital-to-analog converters (D/A), one D/A used to set the motor voltage; and another D/A used to set the motor current limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Peter Kazanzides, Ndubuisi John Ekekwe, Ralph Etienne-Cummings
  • Patent number: 7830642
    Abstract: A disc apparatus which can judge accurately whether or not a spindle motor is at fault due to a short circuit is provided. A disc apparatus (1) includes a spindle motor (3) which rotates a disc (2), a differential operational amplifier (5) which successively detects output voltages of the spindle motor (3), and a failure judgment unit (10) which calculates an average voltage of the plural output voltages and judges whether or not the spindle motor (3) is at fault in accordance with the average voltage and the output voltages. When counting number of occurrences of a specific state which indicates that one of the two output voltages detected successively is larger than the average voltage and other of the two output voltages is smaller than the average voltage, the failure judgment unit (10) judges that the spindle motor (3) is at fault.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuki Kajikawa, Futoshi Takeda, Toshiaki Fukui, Kazuhiro Ichikawa, Kazuto Kitagawa
  • Patent number: 7821224
    Abstract: A voltage estimation system for motor control feedback is described. The system may include one or more control modules which may generate voltage commands. An overmodulation or “clipping” module receiving a voltage command can generate a clipped voltage. Rather than measuring directly, a voltage estimator may estimate the clipped voltage based on the duty cycle command to the inverter. This estimated voltage may then be used by a flux estimator to estimate a flux value. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew David Baglino, Troy Adam Nergaard, Heath Hofmann
  • Patent number: 7808203
    Abstract: A motor control device that includes a first speed estimator estimating the rotation speed of the rotor of a permanent-magnet synchronous motor and that controls the motor so that a first estimated rotation speed estimated by the first speed estimator follows the specified speed value further includes a second speed estimator that estimates the rotation speed of the rotor by an estimation method different from that used by the first speed estimator. The motor control device detects synchronization failure based on a comparison between a second estimated rotation speed estimated by the second speed estimator and the first estimated rotation speed or the specified speed value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshio Tomigashi
  • Patent number: 7755319
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for reducing voltage source inverter losses. One apparatus includes a sensor couplable to the motor and configured to sense an operating frequency of the motor and an amount of torque produced by the motor. The apparatus also includes a controller coupled to the sensor, the controller configured to determine a zero vector modulation (ZVM) based on the sensed frequency and torque. A system includes means for sensing a threshold output frequency of the motor and means for sensing a threshold torque of the motor. The system also includes means for determining a ZVM for the inverter based on the sensed threshold frequency and threshold torque. One method includes sensing that a motor is operating below a threshold frequency and is producing torque above a threshold torque amount. The method also includes determining a ZVM for the inverter based on the sensed frequency and torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Silva Hiti, Steven E. Schulz, Brian A Welchko
  • Publication number: 20100125371
    Abstract: A universal control panel for controlling operation of a cooling component. The universal control panel may have a variable frequency drive (VFD) that incorporates an input voltage and frequency sensing circuit; and logic, memory and communications circuits. The VFD accepts a plurality of differing input signals, analyzes the input signals and generates an output signal having a desired voltage and frequency to provide real time control over an electrical component operably associated with the cooling component. The VFD controls the cooling component in relation to changes in at least one of sensed pressure and a sensed temperature of a fluid, to dampen response of the electrical component, to thus achieve more efficient use of the cooling component being used to cool the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Applicant: Liebert Corporation
    Inventors: John F. Judge, James W. Holdren, Wanlai Lin
  • Patent number: 7710066
    Abstract: A motor control device that controls a permanent-magnet synchronous motor has: a magnetic flux controller that derives, as a specified excitation current value, a specified current value corresponding to a d-axis component of a current passing through an armature winding; and a current controller that controls, based on the specified excitation current value, the current passing through the armature winding. The magnetic flux controller makes the specified excitation current value vary periodically, based on an estimated or detected rotor position, in a current range in which the magnetic flux produced by the permanent magnet is weakened, and changes the specified excitation current value according to a rotation speed of the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eiichiro Hashimoto, Yoshio Tomigashi
  • Publication number: 20100097028
    Abstract: A device for controlling an induction motor includes a voltage/frequency controller, a pulse width modulation controller, and a converter. The voltage/frequency controller receives a controlling frequency, and outputs a controlling voltage corresponding to the controlling frequency. The pulse width modulation controller receives the controlling voltage and the controlling frequency, and generates PWM signals according to the controlling voltage and the controlling frequency. The converter receives the PWM signals, and controls the induction motor according to the PWM signals. There is a predetermined relationship between the controlling voltage and the controlling frequency stored in the voltage/frequency controller. The controlling voltage is greater than zero in response to the controlling frequency being zero, and increasing the controlling frequency increases the controlling voltage as in the predetermined relationship.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: FOXNUM TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: YOU-REN LIN, RONG-CONG HUNG, SHEN-AN CHEN, RONG-HWANG HORNG, SHIH-CHANG CHEN, YAW-SHEN LAI
  • Publication number: 20100097027
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided that include or provide a first three-phase induction machine including stator windings, a second three-phase induction machine including stator windings, wherein the stator windings of the first machine are coupled in series with the stator windings of the second machine, and an inverter circuit that provides a three-phase output signal coupled to the stator windings of the first machine. Other aspects are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert D. Jackson
  • Patent number: 7684900
    Abstract: A protection setting determiner (118) adaptively updates settings of protection functions in memory of a protection device (106) that protects a machine (102) that provides power to a power system (104), wherein the settings are updated based at least in part upon sensed data acquired during operation of the machine (102). A physical parameter determiner (110) receives the sensed data, which includes three-phase voltage and three-phase current values at the terminals of the machine (102), and uses any suitable real-time or off-line parameter estimation technique (such as Kalman Filtering for an augmented state) to determine physical parameters of the machine (102) and the power system (104). The protection setting determiner (118) uses the physical parameters to update the protection settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.
    Inventors: Ernst Scholtz, Stefan Thorburn, Mohamed Y. Haj-Maharsi
  • Patent number: 7679311
    Abstract: A field weakening control system for use with an induction motor is disclosed. The field weakening control system has a sensing device configured to generate a signal indicative of a speed of the induction motor and a controller. The controller is configured to determine an initial voltage command based on the signal and determine an acceleration of the induction motor based on the signal. The controller is also configured to generate a desired voltage command based on at least one of the initial voltage command and the acceleration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Michael Sopko, Jackson Wai
  • Publication number: 20100013300
    Abstract: A device and a method for supplying electrical power to at least one induction machine on board an aircraft. This device includes at least one CVFR type source, in which the voltage and frequency are both variable but in a constant ratio, that supplies power to at least one induction machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: Airbus France
    Inventor: Jean-Louis Lando
  • Patent number: 7626836
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling an inverter, the apparatus including an adjustable frequency controller receiving a reference frequency value and generating a command frequency value as a function thereof, an adjustable voltage controller receiving a reference voltage value and generating a command voltage value as a function thereof and independent of the command frequency and a modulator receiving the command frequency value and the command voltage value and generating pulse width modulated (PWM) inverter control signals as a function thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David Leggate, Gary Leonard Skibinski, Gary R. Woltersdorf
  • Patent number: 7609024
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can comprise a system comprising an electric drive system for a machine. The system can comprise a rectifier adapted to convert AC power from an alternator to DC power. The system can comprise an inverter adapted to receive DC power from the rectifier and provide power to a traction motor and/or auxiliary devices. Certain exemplary embodiments can comprise a system and method for dissipating excess energy from a machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Raed H. Ahmad, Ekkehard Pittius
  • Publication number: 20090255740
    Abstract: A voltage estimation system for motor control feedback is described. The system may include one or more control modules which may generate voltage commands. An overmodulation or “clipping” module receiving a voltage command can generate a clipped voltage. Rather than measuring directly, a voltage estimator may estimate the clipped voltage based on the duty cycle command to the inverter. This estimated voltage may then be used by a flux estimator to estimate a flux value. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventors: Andrew David Baglino, Troy Adam Nergaard, Heath Hofmann
  • Publication number: 20090256519
    Abstract: An electrical submersible pumping (ESP) system can include a pump located in a wellbore, a motor attached to the pump, a power source located at the surface, a cable electrically coupling the power source and the motor, and a current sensor. The ESP system can also include a controller communicating with the current sensor to calculate a voltage drop associated with the cable responsive to an impedance of the cable. The controller can also control a power source output voltage responsive to the calculated voltage drop. For example, the controller can adjust the power source output voltage to minimize a cable current while maintaining a minimum motor voltage. The controller can also control a motor shaft speed by changing a power source output voltage frequency to compensate for changing slip and adjust the power source output voltage to minimize the cable current while maintaining a minimum motor voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Tom G. Yohanan, Dick L. Knox, John M. Leuthen, Jim E. Layton, Howard G. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20090243534
    Abstract: A motor drive circuit comprising: a triangle wave generation circuit configured to charge/discharge a capacitor with a charging/discharging current having a current amount corresponding to an amplitude control voltage for controlling an amplitude of an oscillation voltage that varies in a triangle wave shape, and to output a charging voltage of the capacitor as the oscillation voltage; a pulse signal generation circuit configured to generate a pulse signal having a duty ratio corresponding to a level of a speed control voltage for controlling a rotational speed of a motor, based on a comparison result between the speed control voltage and the oscillation voltage output from the triangle wave generation circuit; and a drive circuit configured to intermittently drive a motor coil based on the pulse signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicants: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd., Sanyo Semiconductor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Imai
  • Patent number: 7545115
    Abstract: The invention proposes a system for driving a compressor, comprising an induction motor (2) for driving the compressor (3), said induction motor including a squirrel cage rotor, and a controller (1) for controlling the induction motor, said controller comprising a memory for storing drive patterns for driving the induction motor, a first frequency generation means for generating a field frequency based on a field command and/or a second field generation means for generating a voltage frequency based on a voltage command, wherein a drive pattern in extracted from the memory based on the generated frequency or frequencies. Alternatively, the invention proposes a system for driving a compressor, comprising an induction motor (2) for driving the compressor (3), said induction motor including a squirrel cage rotor, and a controller (1) for controlling the induction motor, wherein the controller is adapted to distinguish between a steady state and a transient state of the induction motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Pierre Barthelet, Nicolas Devulder, Chris Greentree, Cedric Lorant, Stanislaus Pouget, Kevin Stalsberg, Alain Wesquet
  • Publication number: 20090121560
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for building a component for an electrical rotating machine and comprises: providing powdered magnetic material; providing electrically conductive material; positioning the powdered magnetic material and the electrically conductive material within a mold functional to provide the materials with the required dimensions after application of a hot isostatic pressing (HIP) procedure; and applying at least one HIP procedure to the materials in the mold. Temperatures and pressures of the process are chosen to ensure that the electrically conducting and magnetic portions of the component are bonded without the materials seeping into each other. In one aspect the present invention thus provides a method for building small compact motor systems using motor components formed from pressed powder. A technical advantage of this approach is that the component has uniform grain structure and thus consistent magnetic and structural properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventors: Jonathan Sidney Edelson, Maynard Leo Stangeland, Donald Henry Morris, Robert Lincoln Carman, JR.
  • Patent number: 7501787
    Abstract: An inverter that supplies a desired primary voltage (v1) to an induction motor, a current detector that detects a primary current (i1) from the inverter to the induction motor, a voltage designation value calculating unit that generates a voltage designation value (v1*) for generating the voltage v1, an idling-time speed estimating unit that calculates an estimate value (?r#) of the rotation speed when the induction motor is idling, and a sequence circuit that commands the operations of these units are provided. The idling-time speed estimating unit switches a method for deriving the estimate value on the basis of a current value in the case where a short circuit is generated between windings when the induction motor is idling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Fuji Electric FA Components & Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirokazu Tajima, Yasuaki Hachisu
  • Patent number: 7479757
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can comprise a system comprising an electric drive system for a machine. The system can comprise a rectifier adapted to convert AC power from an alternator to DC power. The system can comprise an inverter adapted to receive DC power from the rectifier and provide power to a traction motor and/or auxiliary devices. Certain exemplary embodiments can comprise a system and method for dissipating excess energy from a machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: Raed H. Ahmad
  • Patent number: 7466906
    Abstract: A motor control apparatus includes a target value computation device which computes a target value of a current to be passed through a motor, a current detection device which detects a current passed through the motor, a command value computation device which computes a command value to the motor based on a deviation between the target value and the current value, a motor drive circuit which drives the motor based on the command value, a boosting circuit which boosts a voltage supplied to the motor, a judgment device which judges whether the command value exceeds a predetermined threshold, a rate-of-charge computation device which computes a rate of change of the command value to time, and a boosting control device which controls an boosting operation of the boosting circuit based on a result of the judgment device and the rate of change of the command value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ueno, Mayumi Komatsu
  • Patent number: 7463006
    Abstract: The invention provides a drive control device for the motor as well as an electric power steering apparatus using the motor and the drive control device. Respective phase current command values are calculated on the basis of vector control. Pseudo-vector control for controlling respective phases separately is used as current feedback control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: CaoMinh Ta, Shuji Endo