JP6691700B2 - Blower system and method - Google Patents

Description

  Embodiments of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein relate to blower systems and related methods of operation.

  The propulsion system may include one or more motors. For example, propulsion systems having one or more traction motors can be utilized in mining, locomotive, marine, automotive, or drilling applications. In one example, a vehicle equipped with a traction motor can perform dynamic braking to decelerate the vehicle. During dynamic braking operation, the traction motor can generate electrical power that can be transmitted to a grid (such as an energy storage device), which is partly due to the specific electrical resistance of its elements, Heat is generated according to the supplied power. The blower may provide forced air to cool the grid. When not in use, the blower may be cold enough to accumulate ice or debris, which can impair blower performance or startup. Simply running the blower constantly to avoid freezing is energy consuming, noisy and wears out the parts. Various other problems may occur with the configurations described above.

  In one aspect, a grid coupled to an electrical bus, a power modulator coupled to the electrical bus and capable of outputting modified power received from the electrical bus, and a power modulator coupled to the power modulator A system is provided that includes a blower motor that can receive an electrical power output and that can provide a flow of air to affect the temperature of the grid, and a controller. The speed of the blower motor can be based at least in part on the amount of changed power. The controller can receive the operating parameter and respond to that parameter by varying the amount of power that has been changed for the power modulator. The blower motor speed can be controlled based at least in part on the operating parameters.

  A control method is provided that includes generating an amount of power across an electrical bus. At least a portion of the amount of power is modulated. Further, the modulated power is provided to the motor of the blower to control the speed and / or direction of the motor based at least in part on operating conditions.

  The invention may be understood by reading the following description of non-limiting embodiments, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle system. It is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the composition of a grid blower drive. FIG. 6 is a schematic view of another embodiment of the configuration of the grid blower driving device. FIG. 7 is a schematic view of still another embodiment of the configuration of the grid blower driving device. FIG. 3 is a line graph comparing performance of a grid blower connected to the configuration of the grid blower drive device of FIG. 2 and a grid blower directly connected to both ends of a resistive element of the grid in a high air density environment. FIG. 3 is a line graph comparing performance of a grid blower connected to the configuration of the grid blower drive device of FIG. 2 and a grid blower directly connected to both ends of a resistive element of the grid in a low air density environment. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of an audible noise level control method. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an inverter / motor combination configuration. FIG. 9 illustrates a flow chart of an exemplary power distribution method utilizing the inverter motor combination configuration of FIG. 8.

  The subject matter disclosed herein may relate to blowers useful for cooling grids. Embodiments may relate to a mechanism for dissipating heat. A suitable power consuming device can be arranged in a vehicle system, for example an electric vehicle or a hybrid electric vehicle, or a diesel electric locomotive.

  As used herein, resistive elements, grids, and energy storage devices (collectively referred to as "grids") consume, store, and store electrical energy produced by a motor in a dynamic braking mode of operation. Or any device that can be discarded. Furthermore, the temperature of the device may increase during such a process. The term cycle skip refers to a technique in which one or more thyristors can couple a source of alternating current to a motor and be switched at appropriate times to generate the fundamental frequency component of the alternating current. ..

  In one embodiment, the controller can trigger the thyristor for the phase line of the AC power supply during several consecutive positive half cycles of the AC voltage on the power supply line, and for one or more cycles of the power supply voltage. Thyristor is not triggered. The thyristor can then be triggered during several consecutive negative half cycles of the power line voltage. This pattern can be repeated with one or more periods of pause between each pattern. The thyristors of the other two phase lines of the three-phase circuit may be fired with the same pattern but with a phase shift of 120 degrees. This pattern can apply current to a motor having an effective frequency that is a fraction of the AC power frequency. The motor rotates at a slow speed in synchronization with this low frequency. The cycle skip can be replaced by a relatively sophisticated AC frequency converter. Thus, in some embodiments, a frequency conversion device can be used.

  According to one embodiment, the system can include a grid, an electrical bus, a power modulator, a blower motor, and a controller. The grid is coupled to the electrical bus. The power modulator is coupled to the electrical bus and is capable of outputting modified power received from the electrical bus. The blower motor is coupled to the power modulator and can receive the modified power output and can provide an air flow to affect the temperature of the grid. The speed of the blower motor can be based at least in part on the amount of changed power. The controller can receive the operating parameter and respond to that parameter by varying the amount of power that has been changed for the power modulator. The blower motor speed can be controlled based at least in part on the operating parameters.

  During operation, a quantity of power is provided to the entire electrical bus. At least a portion of the amount of power is modulated. Further, the modulated power may be provided to the motor of the blower to control the speed and / or direction of the motor based at least in part on operating conditions. A sensor or the like can determine ambient conditions as operating conditions. Suitable operating conditions can include ambient temperature, or ambient humidity level, or both. These operating conditions may come from direct sensor readings, or may be estimated or implied. That is, in winter in a cold region, for example, the possibility of freezing can be shown without a temperature sensor.

  When the motor is cold and / or is not operating, ambient temperature and / or ambient humidity levels can cause ice formation in the blower, or the motor, or both the blower and the motor, or in close proximity. Enough to do or facilitate. If so, the controller can raise the temperature of the motor and / or operate the blower fan to provide the blower with a sufficient amount of modulated power to reduce or prevent ice formation. it can. The controller can still operate the motor to avoid icing, even when the grid temperature is comparable to ambient temperature. That is, when it is not necessary to cool the grid, the blower does not rotate normally, and the service life is worn.

  The fact that the motor operates to heat the motor but not to cool the grid can be achieved at a slower speed than the maximum speed of the motor. In one embodiment, operating the blower to avoid icing may include operating the motor at a speed in the range of about 1% to about 10% of the maximum operating speed of the motor. Other speeds may be selected based on motor type, ambient operating conditions, and the desired level of extending the useful life of the equipment. The motor may be supplied with sufficient current to provide a relatively constant temperature that is at least about 15 ° C. higher than if the motor was not supplied with current (ie, ambient temperature).

  FIG. 1 schematically shows an example of a vehicle system 100. The vehicle system includes an engine 102 that can generate a torque output that drives a converter 104. The converter is capable of producing electrical power that can be supplied to various electrical components by electrical bus 106. In some embodiments, the converter can include one or more alternators that generate alternating current (AC) power. In some embodiments, the converter can include one or more rectifiers that produce direct current (DC) power. Further, in some embodiments, the converter can include both one or more alternators and one or more rectifiers. Correspondingly, in some embodiments, the electrical bus may be a DC electrical bus. Further, in some embodiments, the electrical bus may be an AC electrical bus.

  One or more power modulators 108 can receive power from an electrical bus. The power modulator can be modified into a form suitable for providing the power received from the electrical bus to the electrical components of the vehicle system. The power modulator can change parameters of power, such as voltage or frequency. In some embodiments, the power modulator may include an inverter. In one embodiment, among other variations, the inverter converts DC power to AC power. In some embodiments, the power modulator may include a converter. In one embodiment, the converter changes the voltage of the DC power from the DC electrical bus to a different voltage to provide DC power to the DC electrical component.

  A motor, such as the illustrated traction motor 110, can receive power from the power modulator and provide traction to propel the vehicle. For simplicity of explanation, only one motor is shown, which is the traction motor. The plurality of traction motors can use electric power supplied from the electric bus to provide traction to propel the vehicle. The motor can function as a generator that provides dynamic braking to decelerate the vehicle. During dynamic braking, the traction motor can provide torque in the opposite direction to the vehicle's direction of rotation, producing electric power that can be delivered to the grid 112 via an electrical bus. In one embodiment, power can flow through multiple resistive elements of the grid, and the grid can include one element or stack of resistive elements connected in series with an electrical bus. In another embodiment, the grid is an energy storage device that includes one or more, such as batteries and ultracapacitors, so that power is stored within the grid. In either case, the grid temperature rises and the heat generated needs to be dissipated.

  In some embodiments, the electrical bus may include one or more switches (not shown) that may be adjusted to control the transmission of electrical power. During power generation braking, the state of the switch can be changed from one position to another in order to transmit the electric power generated by the traction motor. In one aspect, power can be delivered to a grid or auxiliary power system, a post-treatment regenerator, or the like. Alternatively, the grid may include both resistive elements and energy storage devices as components, in which way the switch selectively transmits power to one, other, or both grid components. be able to.

  The temperature of the grid and the traction motor may rise during vehicle operation. Accordingly, the grid and traction motor can be forced air cooled. The traction motor blower 114 can blow air to cool the traction motor. The traction motor blower may be powered by a traction motor blower motor, the traction motor blower motor configured to receive power from a power modulator 108 that modifies the power received from the electrical bus. Similarly, the grid blower 118 can be blown with air to cool the grid 112. The grid blower 118 can be powered by a grid blower motor 120, which receives power from a power modulator that modifies the power received from the electrical bus. The vehicle system may include multiple grid blowers that cool one or more grids.

  Other components of the vehicle system can be forced air cooled. The auxiliary blower 122 may blow air to cool the auxiliary component 124. The auxiliary blower can be powered by the auxiliary blower motor 126, which is configured to receive power from a power modulator that modifies the power received from the electrical bus. In some embodiments, the auxiliary component can receive power from an electrical bus. For example, the auxiliary component may include a compressor configured to compress intake air, such as a supercharger or turbocharger. However, the auxiliary component does not have to receive power. For example, the auxiliary component may include a radiator for cooling the diesel engine. The auxiliary blower can be used to cool the intake air before it enters the compressor to improve engine efficiency.

  The vehicle system may include a plurality of different power modulators, each of which may power different components. Alternatively or optionally, the vehicle system may include one or more power modulators connected to the switch that may be controlled to selectively provide power to different components connected to the switch. ..

  The vehicle may include a controller 128 that controls certain components, such as the engine, traction motor, blower drive, and the like. The controller can include a microcomputer having a processor and electronic storage media for executing programs and storing calibration and control data. The controller can receive a signal from a sensor coupled to a component of the vehicle system and provide feedback / feedforward control based on the signal. Examples of signals that can be received by the controller include engine speed, motor speed, blower speed, engine temperature, motor temperature, grid temperature, ambient temperature, engine load, motor load, voltage, current, and the like. In addition, the controller can vary the blower speed based on various operating conditions by adjusting the state of the power modulator that supplies power to the blower motor. Specifically, the power modulator can include multiple switches, and the states of the switches can be toggled to modulate the power. For example, the power modulator can be controlled to increase / decrease the voltage, increase / decrease the frequency, adjust the phase.

  FIG. 2 schematically shows one embodiment of the configuration of the grid blower driving device of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the grid 200 includes three resistive elements (R1, R2, R3) connected in series with the DC electrical bus 202. The grid may include a suitable number of resistive elements to dissipate the power in the form of heat.

  During the dynamic braking mode of operation, electrical power can be generated as a result of the traction motor that produces torque to decelerate the vehicle. The generated electric power can be transmitted from the traction motor to the resistance element via the DC bus. As a result, the temperature of the resistive elements of the grid can rise to temperatures of, for example, about 600 ° C or higher. A blower (not shown) can be operated to blow air onto the grid to help dissipate the heat. The blower may be powered by a grid blower driver 204 that includes an AC grid blower motor. The AC grid blower motor can be coupled to a power electronics package that can include an inverter 206, which can itself be coupled to a tap on the DC bus. The inverter may provide the AC grid blower motor 208 with a variable frequency and / or variable voltage output. As an example, the inverter may be a DC-three-phase inverter with a three-phase output. In the illustrated embodiment of the drive arrangement, the inverter is directly connected to the DC bus so that the grid blower motor can be driven by the full voltage of the DC bus, and the grid blower can be driven at high speed if desired. Can be operated.

  Since the AC grid blower motor receives power from the inverter rather than directly from across the resistive element, the operation of the grid blower motor and the corresponding speed of the grid blower can be separated from the power on the grid. The speed of the grid blower can be manipulated and adjusted independently of the amount of power on the grid. By allowing independent speed control of the grid blower motor, the acceleration and / or speed of the grid blower can be varied regardless of the voltage level of the grid. As a result, the grid blower speed can be controlled to improve the cooling of the grid, prolonging the useful life of the grid and increasing the braking capacity.

  Due, at least in part, to the variable speed control of the grid blower, the speed of the grid blower can be reduced or maintained at a substantially constant speed under some conditions. For example, the grid blower speed can be reduced to reduce inertial stress in the impeller or fan blades of the grid blower to extend the useful life of the grid blower. As another example, the speed of the grid blower can be reduced in response to the detected vibration level. In one embodiment, the response may be to reduce the audible noise level of the grid blower to the desired audible noise level. A grid blower control scheme for managing audible noise is described in further detail below with reference to FIG. Further, the speed of the grid blower can be maintained at a substantially constant speed as the power on the grid or bus changes to reduce the stress on the grid due to centrifugal forces.

  FIG. 3 schematically shows another embodiment of the configuration of the grid blower drive device of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the grid 300 includes three resistive elements (R1, R2, R3) connected in series to the DC electrical bus 302. A grid blower (not shown) can be provided to generate forced air cooling of the grid 300. The grid blower may be powered by a grid blower driver 304 that includes an inverter 306 that may be connected to taps on both ends of the grid 300. Inverter 306 can provide a variable frequency and / or variable voltage AC output to an AC grid blower motor 308 connected to the output of inverter 306. As a particular example, the inverter may be a DC-three-phase inverter with a three-phase AC output. In one embodiment of the drive arrangement, the inverter is connected to the taps across the resistive element of the grid, thus increasing the amount of current supplied to the inverter and / or the grid blower motor. In addition, the increased current allows different AC grid blower motors to be used for forced air cooling of the grid. For example, larger and / or more powerful AC grid blower motors, low voltage motors, or standard voltage (isolated) motors can be used.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the inverter may be connected across one or several of the resistive elements of the grid, depending on the power handling capabilities of the inverter and / or the grid blower motor. By using an AC motor for the grid blower drive, maintenance of the drive can be reduced compared to using a DC motor. Specifically, DC motors have commutation brushes that require routine maintenance. Since the AC motor has no commutation brush, maintenance can be reduced. Furthermore, since AC motors do not have commutation brushes, the blower can run faster before being mechanically limited, as compared to DC motors, which can be mechanically limited by commutation brushes.

  FIG. 4 schematically shows still another embodiment of the configuration of the grid blower driving device of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the grid 400 includes three resistive elements (R1, R2, R3) connected in series to the DC electrical bus 402. A grid blower (not shown) can be provided to create forced air cooling of the grid 400. The grid blower may be powered by a grid blower driver 404 that includes a DC-DC converter 406 that may be connected to taps on both ends of the grid 400. The DC-DC converter 406 can provide a variable voltage DC output to a DC grid blower motor 408 that is coupled to the output of the DC-DC converter 406. This exemplary drive arrangement may be implemented as a low cost alternative to the embodiments described above, where a converter and / or a DC grid blower motor is better than an inverter and / or an AC grid blower motor. This is because the cost is low. Only two wires are used to connect one motor in series, but for non-series machines such as parallel machines or separately excited motors, a configuration with three wires can be used. Please note. Moreover, tap changes between various voltage levels (eg, high voltage taps and low voltage taps) can be utilized to achieve at least some of the variable speed control functions.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of performance comparison of equal horsepower grid blower motors performed in a high air density environment. The speed of the first motor is controlled independently of the grid voltage, and the speed of the second motor is dependent on the grid voltage. In this exemplary comparison, a first grid blower motor was connected according to the drive configuration shown in FIG. 2 and a second motor was connected directly to the taps across the resistive element of the grid. Therefore, the operation of the first motor was independent of the amount of power on the grid, while the operation of the second motor was dependent on the amount of power on the grid. Line graph 500 compares the speed of the grid blower motors, with the X axis showing the voltage in DC volts and the Y axis showing the speed of the grid blower motor in revolutions per minute (RPM). The performance of the first grid blower motor is shown by a solid line, and the performance of the second grid blower motor is shown by a broken line.

  The line graph 500 clearly shows that the first grid blower motor achieves higher speeds when compared to the second grid blower motor when operating at the same voltage, and thus the first Motors of FIG. 2 can be controlled to accelerate faster than the second motor can accelerate based on the power on the grid. The advantage of operating acceleration of the first motor is present until the performance limit of operating speed of the grid blower motor is reached (at about 3400 RPM and 1400 VDC). Therefore, for faster acceleration, the first grid blower motor can reach maximum operating speed at a much lower voltage (about 800 VDC) compared to the second grid blower motor (about 1400 VDC). Thus, an independently controlled grid blower can have enhanced forced air cooling that can extend the operating life of the grid.

  Moreover, the operational advantages of the first grid blower motor as compared to the second grid blower motor may be more pronounced in low air density environments. FIG. 6 shows a line chart 600 for an exemplary performance comparison of the equal horsepower grid blower motor of FIG. 5 performed in a low air density environment. Similar to the high air density example, when operating at the same voltage, the first grid blower motor can achieve higher speed compared to the second grid blower motor, which is And the grid resistance voltage are separated from each other, and the frequency of the inverter of the first grid blower is controlled. However, the low air density allows the first grid blower motor to achieve a higher maximum speed than the second grid blower motor. In the particular case where the second grid blower motor is a DC motor, the speed capability of the second grid blower motor may be mechanically limited by the commutation brushes of the DC grid blower motor, while the first motor commutates. It can be an AC grid blower motor operating without a brush and has a higher mechanical threshold. Thus, the AC grid blower motor can maintain the operational advantages of the DC grid blower over a larger operating range in a low air density environment.

  The comparisons shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 are examples. Furthermore, it should be noted that the comparison of DC motors connected according to the drive arrangement described above may have the operational advantages of DC motors directly connected to the grid.

  The grid blower can be run at the highest speed possible to produce maximum cooling of the grid. However, under some conditions it may be desirable to operate the grid blower motor at different speeds. For example, the speed of the grid blower motor can be adjusted based on the audible noise level produced as a result of the noise, vibration, and harshness produced by the grid blower. In one particular example, a vehicle needs to operate below an audible noise threshold level when traveling in different areas, such as residential areas or mountain roads. To meet the audible noise threshold, various components of the vehicle, including the grid blower, can be adjusted to reduce audible sound levels. FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of an exemplary method for controlling an audible noise output of a vehicle based on the audible noise output capability of a grid blower. Flowchart 700 begins at step 702, and the method may include evaluating operating conditions of the vehicle system. Non-limiting examples of operating conditions that can be evaluated include vehicle speed, engine speed, motor speed, ambient temperature, component temperature, air density, and the like.

  In step 704, the method may include evaluating the total audible noise level output of the locomotive component based on the evaluated operating conditions. In one example, the audible noise level of each part of the locomotive may be determined based on one or more given operating parameters of the part. Specifically, the audible noise level of each component can be mapped to one or more operating parameters in a look-up table stored in memory. In this way, the noise level of each component can be determined from a look-up table to assess the total audible noise level of the blower and / or any vehicle supporting the blower.

  At step 706, the method may include setting an audible noise threshold. The audible noise threshold may indicate a level of audible noise that the total audible noise level generated by locomotive operation should not exceed. In some embodiments, the audible noise threshold may be set based on locomotive position. For example, the threshold can be set to a high audible noise level when the locomotive is traveling in the countryside, and the threshold can be set to a low audible noise level when the locomotive is traveling in the city. Can be set to noise level. In one example, the position-based threshold level can be set manually. In another example, the position can be estimated based on the speed of the locomotive and the threshold can be set based on the speed. In one example, the audible noise threshold may be based on coordinate information of the global position system, or another signal received by the locomotive, such as an extended radio frequency signal sent by a sensor in close proximity to a railroad track. Can be based on. For example, a sensor at the railroad crossing or bridge can signal a locomotive. In yet another example, the threshold may be based on the locomotive configuration. For example, the threshold may be set based on the number of grid blowers and / or other equipment currently in operation.

  At step 708, the method may include comparing the locomotive's total audible noise level to a threshold audible noise level. If it is determined that the total audible noise level of the locomotive exceeds the threshold audible noise level, then the flow chart proceeds to step 710. Otherwise, the flowchart ends.

  In step 710, if the total audible noise level is above the threshold audible noise level, the noise level should be reduced. Therefore, the method can compare the audible noise level adjustment capability of the grid blower to audible noise levels above the threshold audible noise level. This comparison determines if changes in grid blower operation can reduce the total audible noise level below the threshold audible noise level. If the audible noise level adjustment capability of the grid blower is greater than the audible noise level above the threshold audible noise level, then the flow chart proceeds to step 712. Otherwise, the audible noise level adjustment capability of the grid blower is below the audible noise level above the threshold audible noise level and the flow chart proceeds to step 714.

  At step 712, the method may include adjusting the speed of the grid blower motor to reduce the audible noise level of the grid blower, thus thresholding the total audible noise level of the locomotive. It can be reduced below the audible noise level.

  In step 714, the method reduces the total audible noise level of the locomotive below the threshold audible noise level because the grid blower's audible noise level adjustment capability is less than the audible noise level above the threshold audible noise level. In order to do so, the step of adjusting the operation of parts of the locomotive other than the grid blower can be included. For example, engine and / or traction motor output may be adjusted to reduce the locomotive's audible noise level below a threshold audible noise level.

  Since the speed of the grid blower does not depend on the power on the grid, the grid blower can be adjusted to achieve different operating purposes. Specifically, under some conditions, increasing the speed of the grid blower to provide enhanced forced air cooling that would not be achieved quickly if the operation of the grid blower depends on the power on the grid. Can be adjusted to. Further, under some conditions, the speed of the grid blower can be adjusted to reduce the level of audible noise to meet the desired audible noise level.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a combined configuration of the inverter / motor drive device. The inverter-motor combination configuration utilizes transfer switches to allow two different inverters to each selectively supply power to one of three different motors in the vehicle system based on operating conditions. To do. Inverter / motor combination configuration 800 includes an auxiliary blower inverter 802 and a traction motor blower inverter 804 coupled to respective inputs of transfer switch 806. Both the auxiliary blower inverter and the traction motor blower inverter 804 can receive DC voltage from a DC power source, such as a DC bus. Further, both the auxiliary blower inverter and the traction motor blower inverter 804 can reverse the DC voltage to the AC voltage, and in some cases change the frequency and / or voltage into a form suitable for one of the motors. Can be made

  AC auxiliary blower motor 808, AC traction motor blower motor 810, and AC grid blower motor 812 can be coupled to respective outputs of the transfer switches. The AC auxiliary blower motor can provide power to the auxiliary blower to provide forced air cooling. Forced air cooling can be provided by an auxiliary blower to cool auxiliary components of the vehicle system. For example, the auxiliary component can include a radiator blower that cools the radiator of the vehicle system. As another example, the auxiliary component can include an intake air cooler that cools the intake air that is drawn in for compression by the compression device. The AC traction motor blower motor can provide power to the traction motor blower, which provides forced air cooling to the traction motor. AC grid blower motor 812 can provide power to a grid blower that provides forced air cooling to the grid.

  The traction motor blower inverter may be designated primarily to power the traction motor blower motor, and, under some conditions, to one of the other motors connected to transfer switch 806. Power may be provided. Similarly, an auxiliary blower inverter may be specified to power an auxiliary blower motor primarily in an auxiliary component of the vehicle system, and, under some conditions, to other motors connected to the transfer switch. Power may be provided to one of them.

  The configurations described above can be modified to include additional blower motors and / or inverters selectively connected via one or more switches without departing from the scope of the invention. In some embodiments, the one or more AC blower motors can be replaced with a DC motor connected to a chopper or speed control circuit.

  FIG. 9 shows a flow chart of an exemplary method for distributing power by controlling the transfer switches of FIG. 8 based on operating conditions of the vehicle system. More specifically, power can be selectively distributed from the inverter to the motor based on the operating mode of the vehicle system. The flowchart 900 begins at step 902, and the method can include evaluating operating conditions. Evaluating the operating condition can include receiving a signal from the sensor and calculating various operating parameters based on the signal from the sensor. Operating parameters can include, but are not limited to, engine load, traction motor load, heat dissipation grid load, and the like. Furthermore, the step of evaluating the operating parameters can be performed in view of the current system configuration. The system configuration may include an engine that transmits electric power to the traction motor, an engine that transmits at least a portion of electric power to the grid, and a traction motor that supplies at least a portion of electric power to the grid. The evaluated operating conditions can be used to detect the operating mode of the vehicle system.

  At step 904, the method may include detecting if the vehicle system is operating in a first mode, such as a driving mode. The driving mode can include operation of the engine to generate electrical power for the traction motor so that the traction motor can generate a torque output that propels the vehicle system. If the operation mode is detected, the flowchart proceeds to step 906. If not, the operation mode is not detected and the flowchart proceeds to step 910.

  At step 906, the method may include connecting the auxiliary blower inverter to the auxiliary blower motor. The operation of the auxiliary blower can, in some embodiments, correspond to engine operation. In one embodiment, during the operating mode, the auxiliary blower can be used for forced air cooling of auxiliary components such as radiators that can be used to dissipate the heat of the engine during engine operation. In another example, during the operating mode, the auxiliary blower can be used to cool the intake air to improve the combustion efficiency of the engine.

  At step 908, the method may include connecting the traction motor blower inverter to the traction motor blower motor. Since the traction motor is operating during the operating mode, power can be provided to the traction motor blower to provide forced air cooling to the traction motor. Because the engine and traction motors are operating and little or no power is provided to the grid during the operating mode, blower operation related to the engine and traction motors can take precedence over the grid blower.

  At step 910, the method may include detecting whether the vehicle system is operating in a second mode, such as a dynamic braking mode. The dynamic braking mode can include the operation of a traction motor to generate a torque output that decelerates the vehicle. This torque output can produce power that can be provided to the grid. If the dynamic braking mode is detected, the flowchart proceeds to step 912. Otherwise, the dynamic braking mode is not detected and the flowchart proceeds to step 916.

  In step 912, the method may include connecting the auxiliary blower inverter to the grid blower motor. During the dynamic braking mode, the temperature of the grid may rise due to the electric power generated by the traction motor and flowing through the resistance of the grid. Therefore, the grid blower may be provided with power to provide forced air cooling to the grid.

  At step 914, the method may include connecting the traction motor blower inverter to the traction motor blower motor. Since the traction motor is operating during the dynamic braking mode, the traction motor blower can be provided with electric power to provide forced air cooling to the traction motor. During the dynamic braking mode, the traction motor is operating and power is being provided to the grid so that the operation of the blower associated with the traction motor and the grid can take precedence over the auxiliary blower.

  At step 916, the method may include detecting if the vehicle system is operating in a third mode, such as a self-loading mode. The self-loading mode can include, for example, the operation of the engine to generate electrical power to load the vehicle system for diagnostic purposes. During self-loading mode, the power generated as a result of engine operation can be provided to the grid and little or no to the traction motor. If the self-loading mode is detected, the flowchart proceeds to step 918. Otherwise, self-loading is not detected and the flowchart ends.

  Alternatively, the third mode may be another mode of operation in which at least some power is supplied to the grid blower via the inverter, but substantially no power is supplied to the grid. The third mode of operation can be performed for the purpose of deicing the grid in cold climates, as well as for moving the bearings of the grid blower for anti-brineling purposes, so that the lubricating film of the bearing is effective. In one embodiment, the grid blower may operate based on the lubrication hardness level, and thus the grid blower may prevent the lubrication of the bearing from reaching a predetermined hardness level. It can operate like moving bearings.

  In addition, this third mode of operation can be performed after the braking action, where the grid blower operates to cool the elements even if the temperature of the elements of the grid increases and power is not dissipated in the grid. be able to. Even without sufficient air flow, the insulation device may generate heat to a higher temperature than when it is powered and then cool to room temperature. Higher transient temperatures can cause higher failure rates, as materials of this type can degrade at higher temperatures. In this third mode of operation, since the airflow is maintained, this does not occur, the temperature does not rise and the failure mode is reduced or eliminated.

  At step 918, the method may include connecting the auxiliary blower inverter to the auxiliary blower motor. Since the auxiliary blower can be associated with engine operation and the engine can operate during the third mode, it can provide power to provide forced air cooling to the auxiliary blower.

  At step 920, the method may include connecting the traction motor blower inverter to the grid blower motor. During the third mode, because the grid or power bus is receiving power, it can provide power to operate the grid blower to provide forced air cooling, deicing, anti-brineling, etc. .. During the third mode, the engine can operate and power can be provided to the grid so that the operation of the blower associated with the engine and the grid can take precedence over the traction motor blower.

  In some embodiments, during various modes of operation, the grid blower motor can temporarily run in the reverse direction for purposes of intake cleaning, such as when the intake of the grid blower is blocked by debris. Because the blower motor can be connected to the inverter, power can be applied to the grid without the blower motor operating. For example, the grid may be powered during the light load condition, the low audible noise output condition, or to prevent the formation of moisture / ice on the grid, without any blowing action.

  As described in the above method, the connection between the motor and the inverter can be achieved by controlling the state of the transfer switch by the controller of the vehicle system or the like. By connecting the inverter and motor to the transfer switch and controlling the state of the transfer switch based on the operating mode of the vehicle system, power distribution can be prioritized over components operating during a particular operating mode. .. Therefore, the amount of inverters used with the motor can be reduced, and the manufacturing cost of the vehicle system can be reduced.

  In some embodiments, one or more AC blower motors and their inverters can be replaced with DC motors connected via choppers or speed control circuits. Further, the transfer switch can be controlled to selectively connect the DC motor to the chopper circuit based on the operating mode.

  The exemplary control and estimation routines and / or methods included herein can be used with various system configurations. The particular routines described herein may represent one or more of many processing schemes such as event driven, interrupt driven, multitasking, multithreading, and the like. As such, various illustrated operations, acts, or functions may be performed in the order shown, in parallel, or in some cases omitted. Similarly, the order of processing is not necessarily required. One or more of the illustrated operations, functions, or acts may be repeatedly performed depending on the particular scheme used. Further, the acts, functions, and / or operations described may graphically represent code programmed into a computer-readable storage medium of a control system.

  In one embodiment, a system includes a grid coupled to an electrical bus, a power modulator coupled to the electrical bus and configured to output modified power received from the electrical bus, and a power modulator. A blower motor coupled to the device and configured to receive the modified power output and provide a flow of air to affect the temperature of the grid.

  The speed of the blower motor is based at least in part on the amount of changed power. The system is operable to receive an operating parameter to vary the amount of power modified to the power modulator, thereby controlling the speed of the blower motor based at least in part on the operating parameter. And further includes a controller configured to.

  In one embodiment, a system includes a grid coupled to an electrical bus, a power modulator coupled to the electrical bus and configured to output modified power received from the electrical bus, and a power modulator. A blower motor coupled to the device and configured to receive the modified power output and provide a flow of air to affect the temperature of the grid.

  The speed of the blower motor is based at least in part on the amount of changed power. The system is operable to receive an operating parameter to vary the amount of power modified to the power modulator, thereby controlling the speed of the blower motor based at least in part on the operating parameter. And further includes a controller configured to. The grid includes one or more resistive elements and the blower motor is coupled to a fan that cools the resistive elements during operation.

  In one embodiment, a system includes a grid coupled to an electrical bus, a power modulator coupled to the electrical bus and configured to output modified power received from the electrical bus, and a power modulator. A blower motor coupled to the device and configured to receive the modified power output and provide a flow of air to affect the temperature of the grid.

  The speed of the blower motor is based at least in part on the amount of changed power. The system is operable to receive an operating parameter to vary the amount of power modified to the power modulator, thereby controlling the speed of the blower motor based at least in part on the operating parameter. And further includes a controller configured to. The grid includes an energy storage device.

  In one embodiment, a system includes a grid coupled to an electrical bus, a power modulator coupled to the electrical bus and configured to output modified power received from the electrical bus, and a power modulator. A blower motor coupled to the device and configured to receive the modified power output and provide a flow of air to affect the temperature of the grid.

  The speed of the blower motor is based at least in part on the amount of changed power. The system is operable to receive an operating parameter to vary the amount of power modified to the power modulator, thereby controlling the speed of the blower motor based at least in part on the operating parameter. And further includes a controller configured to. The controller is further configured to operate the blower motor in a cycle skip firing pattern. In one embodiment, for example, the blower motor operates at 1/4 or 1/2 speed. In another embodiment, as another example, the blower motor is supplied with sufficient current to provide a relatively constant temperature that is at most about 15 ° C. higher than if the blower motor was not supplied with current. In another embodiment, as another example, the blower motor has sufficient current to operate the blower motor but insufficient current to heat the blower motor about 15 ° C. higher than if the blower motor was not supplied with current. Supplied.

  In one embodiment, a system includes a grid coupled to an electrical bus, a power modulator coupled to the electrical bus and configured to output modified power received from the electrical bus, and a power modulator. A blower motor coupled to the device and configured to receive the modified power output and provide a flow of air to affect the temperature of the grid.

  The speed of the blower motor is based at least in part on the amount of changed power. The system is operable to receive an operating parameter to vary the amount of power modified to the power modulator, thereby controlling the speed of the blower motor based at least in part on the operating parameter. And further includes a controller configured to. Operating parameters include one or both of ambient temperature and ambient humidity levels.

  In another embodiment, a method operates by generating an amount of power across an electrical bus, modulating at least a portion of the amount of power, and supplying the blower motor with modulated power. Controlling at least one of speed and direction of the motor based at least in part on the condition.

  In another embodiment, a method operates by generating an amount of power across an electrical bus, modulating at least a portion of the amount of power, and supplying the blower motor with modulated power. Controlling at least one of speed and direction of the motor based at least in part on the condition.

  The method comprises storing the amount of power across the grid's electrical bus, the operating condition being the temperature of the grid, and providing a flow of air from the blower to the grid, thereby cooling the grid. The method further includes:

  In another embodiment, a method operates by generating an amount of power across an electrical bus, modulating at least a portion of the amount of power, and supplying the blower motor with modulated power. Controlling at least one of speed and direction of the motor based at least in part on the condition.

  The modulated power delivered can be controlled independently of the amount of power across the electrical bus.

  In another embodiment, a method operates by generating an amount of power across an electrical bus, modulating at least a portion of the amount of power, and supplying the blower motor with modulated power. Controlling at least one of speed and direction of the motor based at least in part on the condition.

  Operating conditions include detected vibrations above a threshold vibration level.

  In another embodiment, a method operates by generating an amount of power across an electrical bus, modulating at least a portion of the amount of power, and supplying the blower motor with modulated power. Controlling at least one of speed and direction of the motor based at least in part on the condition.

  The step of modulating may include a cycle skipping operation, and may further include the step of operating the motor for a period of time at a speed less than the maximum speed of the motor.

  In another embodiment, a method operates by generating an amount of power across an electrical bus, modulating at least a portion of the amount of power, and supplying the blower motor with modulated power. Controlling at least one of speed and direction of the motor based at least in part on the condition.

  Operating conditions include ambient temperature, or ambient humidity level, or both.

  In another embodiment, a method operates by generating an amount of power across an electrical bus, modulating at least a portion of the amount of power, and supplying the blower motor with modulated power. Controlling at least one of speed and direction of the motor based at least in part on the condition.

  Operating conditions include ambient temperature, or ambient humidity level, or both. Ambient temperature and humidity levels are used to allow or facilitate the formation of ice at or near the blower, or the motor, or both the blower and the motor when the motor is not operating. It is enough.

  In another embodiment, a method operates by generating an amount of power across an electrical bus, modulating at least a portion of the amount of power, and supplying the blower motor with modulated power. Controlling at least one of speed and direction of the motor based at least in part on the condition.

  Operating conditions include ambient temperature, or ambient humidity level, or both. Ambient temperature and humidity levels are used to allow or facilitate the formation of ice at or near the blower, or the motor, or both the blower and the motor when the motor is not operating. It is enough. The blower is configured to provide a flow of air from the blower to the grid, thereby cooling the grid, which raises the temperature of the motor to form ice when the temperature of the grid is about ambient temperature. Further comprising operating the blower at a speed slower than the maximum speed of the motor by providing a sufficient amount of modulated power to reduce or prevent In another embodiment, alternatively or additionally, operating the blower comprises operating the motor at a speed in the range of about 1% to about 10% of the maximum operating speed of the motor.

  In another embodiment, a method operates by generating an amount of power across an electrical bus, modulating at least a portion of the amount of power, and supplying the blower motor with modulated power. Controlling at least one of speed and direction of the motor based at least in part on the condition.

  Operating conditions include ambient temperature, or ambient humidity level, or both. Ambient temperature and humidity levels are used to allow or facilitate the formation of ice at or near the blower, or the motor, or both the blower and the motor when the motor is not operating. It is enough. Providing the modulated power includes providing the motor with sufficient current to provide a relatively constant temperature to the motor that is at most about 15 ° C. higher than if the blower motor were not powered.

  In another embodiment, a method operates by generating an amount of power across an electrical bus, modulating at least a portion of the amount of power, and supplying the blower motor with modulated power. Controlling at least one of speed and direction of the motor based at least in part on the condition.

  Operating conditions include ambient temperature, or ambient humidity level, or both. Ambient temperature and humidity levels are used to allow or facilitate the formation of ice at or near the blower, or the motor, or both the blower and the motor when the motor is not operating. It is enough. Providing the modulated power includes operating the motor in a cycle skip firing pattern.

  In another embodiment, a method operates by generating an amount of power across an electrical bus, modulating at least a portion of the amount of power, and supplying the blower motor with modulated power. Controlling at least one of speed and direction of the motor based at least in part on the condition.

  Modulating at least a portion of the amount of power includes adjusting at least one of voltage level and frequency.

  In another embodiment, a system (eg, a blower motor switching drive system for a rail car or other vehicle) includes a transfer switch, a first inverter coupled to a first input of the transfer switch, and a transfer switch. A second inverter coupled to the second input, a first AC blower motor (first AC blower motor coupled to the first output of the transfer switch) for supplying power to the auxiliary component blower, A second AC blower motor for supplying power to the motor blower (a second AC blower motor coupled to the second output of the transfer switch) and a third AC blower motor for supplying power to the grid blower (transfer switch A third AC blower motor coupled to the third output of the controller) and a controller.

  The controller causes the transfer switch to operate in the first mode of operation so as to connect the first inverter to the first AC blower motor and the second inverter to the second AC blower motor. In the third mode of operation, the first inverter is connected to the third AC blower motor so that the first inverter is connected to the first AC blower motor and the second inverter is connected to the third AC blower motor. And a second inverter connected to the second AC blower motor.

  This specification uses examples to disclose the invention and includes the best mode. Also, examples have been used to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any device or system and performing any incorporated method. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other conceivable embodiments. If such other embodiments have structural elements that do not differ from the literal words of the claim, or if they include equivalent structural elements that do not differ substantially from the literal words of the claim, Such other embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the claims.

100 Vehicle System 102 Engine 104 Converter 106 Electric Bus 108 Electric Power Modulator 110 Traveling Motor 112 Grid 114 Traveling Motor Blower 118 Grid Blower 120 Grid Blower Motor 122 Auxiliary Blower 124 Auxiliary Parts 126 Auxiliary Blower Motor 128 Controller 200 Grid 202 DC Electrical Bus 204 Grid Blower driving device 206 Inverter 208 AC grid blower motor 300 Grid 302 DC electric bus 304 Grid blower driving device 306 Inverter 308 AC grid blower motor 400 Grid 402 DC electric bus 404 Grid blower driving device 406 DC-DC converter 408 DC grid blower Motor 500 Line graph 600 Line graph 700 Flow chart 70 ～714 step 800 inverter motor coupling arrangement 802 the auxiliary blowers inverter 804 driving motor blower inverter 806 transfer switch 808 AC auxiliary blower motor 810 AC traction motor blower motor 812 AC grid blower motor 900 flowchart 902 to 920 steps

Claims (19)

A grid (112) coupled to the electrical bus (106),
A power modulator (108) coupled to the electrical bus (106) and configured to output modified power received from the electrical bus (106);
A blower motor (120) coupled to the power modulator (108) and configured to receive the altered power output and provide a flow of air to affect the temperature of the grid (112). A blower motor (120), wherein the speed of the blower motor (120) is based at least in part on the changed amount of power;
The blower motor (120) is operable to receive an operating parameter and varies the amount of the altered power to the power modulator (108), thereby at least in part based on the operating parameter. ) and a controller configured to control the speed of the (128), only contains,
The system wherein the blower motor (120) is supplied with sufficient current to provide a relatively constant temperature at least about 15 ° C. higher than if no current was supplied to the blower motor (120) .   The system of claim 1, wherein the grid (112) includes one or more resistive elements and the blower motor (120) is coupled to a fan that cools the resistive elements during operation.   The system of claim 1, wherein the grid (112) comprises an energy storage device.   The system of claim 1, wherein the controller (128) is further configured to operate the blower motor (120) in a cycle skip firing pattern.   The system of claim 4, wherein the blower motor (120) operates at a quarter or half speed.   The blower motor (120) has sufficient current to operate the blower motor (120), but to heat the blower motor (120) about 15 ° C. higher than if no current was supplied to the blower motor (120). The system of claim 4, wherein insufficient current is provided.   The system of claim 1, wherein the operating parameters include one or both of ambient temperature and ambient humidity level. A method of control,
Generating an amount of power across the electrical bus (106);
Modulating at least a portion of the amount of power;
Supplies power that is modulated in the blower motor (120) of the blower (118), viewed including the steps of controlling at least one of speed and direction of the blower motor (120) based at least in part, the operating conditions,
The operating condition is ambient temperature, or ambient humidity level, or both;
The ambient temperature and the ambient humidity level of the blower motor (120), or the blower motor (120), or the blower (118) and the blower motor (120) when the blower motor (120) is not operating. A method that is sufficient to allow or facilitate the formation of ice in both or in close proximity . Storing the amount of power across the electrical bus (106) of the grid (112), the operating condition being the temperature of the grid (112).
9. The method of claim 8 , further comprising: providing a flow of air from the blower (118) to the grid (112), thereby cooling the grid (112). 9. The method of claim 8 , wherein the provided modulated power is controllable independent of the amount of power over the electrical bus (106). 9. The method of claim 8 , wherein the operating condition comprises a detected vibration above a threshold vibration level. The step of modulating includes a cycle skip operation, maximum speed further includes the step of operating the fixed period the blower motor (120) than at a lower speed, the method according to claim 8 of the blower motor (120). The blower (118) is configured to provide a flow of air from the blower (118) to the grid (112), thereby cooling the grid (112), the temperature of the grid (112) being at ambient temperature. when the case is almost the same, by supplying the modulated power in an amount sufficient to raise the temperature to reduce or prevent the formation of ice of the blower motor (120), the blower motor of the (120) The method of claim 8 , further comprising operating the blower (118) at a speed below maximum speed. Providing a modulated power to the blower motor (120), at most sufficient to provide a relatively constant temperature higher by about 15 ℃ than if the current blower motor (120) is not supplied 9. The method of claim 8 including the step of providing an electric current. The method of claim 8 , wherein providing modulated power comprises operating the blower motor (120) in a cycle skip firing pattern. 9. The method of claim 8 , wherein modulating at least a portion of the amount of power comprises adjusting at least one of voltage level and frequency. A transfer switch (806),
A first inverter (802) coupled to a first input of the transfer switch (806);
A second inverter (804) coupled to the second input of the transfer switch (806);
A first AC blower motor (808) coupled to a first output of the transfer switch (806) for powering an auxiliary component blower (122);
A second AC blower motor (810) coupled to a second output of the transfer switch (806) for powering a traction motor blower (114);
A third AC blower motor (812) coupled to a third output of the transfer switch (806) for powering the grid blower (118);
A controller (128),
The controller (128) causes the transfer switch (806) to connect the first inverter (802) to the first AC blower motor (808) in the first operation mode, and to cause the second switch to operate. In a second mode of operation, the first inverter (802) is connected to the first AC blower motor (808) to connect the inverter (804) to the second AC blower motor (810), and In a third mode of operation, connecting the first inverter (802) to the third AC blower motor (812) so as to connect a second inverter (804) to the third AC blower motor (812). is not configured the second inverter (804) so as to connect to said second AC blower motor (810), one of the claims 1 to 7 The system according to item 1. A system used in a vehicle,
An engine that produces a torque output that drives a converter (104);
A grid (112) coupled to the electrical bus (106) through the converter (104) ;
A power modulator (108) coupled to the electrical bus (106) and configured to output modified power received from the electrical bus (106);
A blower motor (120) coupled to the power modulator (108) and configured to receive the altered power output and provide a flow of air to affect the temperature of the grid (112). A blower motor (120), wherein the speed of the blower motor (120) is based at least in part on the changed amount of power;
Operable to receive an audible noise level of the vehicle and varying the amount of the modified power to the power modulator (108) thereby causing the blower motor () to be based on the audible noise level. A controller (128) configured to control the speed of 120). A method of controlling a vehicle engine , comprising:
Generating an amount of power across the electrical bus (106);
Modulating at least a portion of the amount of power;
Supplying modulated power to a blower motor (120) of the blower (118) to control speed and / or direction of the blower motor (120) based on an audible noise level of the vehicle .