ROTATABLE ELECTRIC MACHINES

MACHINES ELECTRIQUES TOURNANTES

English Abstract

An apparatus includes a brushless permanent magnet motor assembly with
rotatable shaft
configured to be rotatable about a longitudinal shaft axis extending along the
rotatable shaft. A
rotatable disk assembly is rigidly mounted to the rotatable shaft in such a
way that rotatable
disk assembly and the rotatable shaft are concurrently rotatable.
Electromagnets of the stator
assembly are arranged to magnetically interact with permanent magnets of the
rotatable disk
assembly in such a way to produce continuous rotation about a longitudinal
shaft axis. The
electromagnets are switched by a digital controller using angular rotation
data from an encoder
positioned on the rotatable shaft. The switching of the electromagnets is
achieved using a
switching interface module with the switching sequence done in such a way that
the
electromechanical torque developed at the rotational shaft increases with the
speed of the
rotatable shaft.

Claims

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CLAIMS
WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. A method for controlling a motor, comprising:
providing at least one disk connectable to a common rotatable shaft, said disk
having at
least one magnet mounted therein;
providing at least one electromagnet to around said at least one disk;
receiving an angular counter clockwise engagement limit from a user defining a
position counter clockwise to a magnetic neutral point of said at least one
magnet;
receiving an angular clockwise engagement limit from a user defining a
position
clockwise to a magnetic neutral point of said at least one magnet;
determining an angular position of said at least one electromagnet relative to
said at
least one magnet; and
causing said at least one electromagnet to be energized when said at least one
magnet
is between said angular counter clockwise engagement limit and said clockwise
engagement limit.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising causing said at least one
electromagnet to be
disengaged when said at least one magnet leaves a region defined by said
angular counter
clockwise engagement limit and said clockwise engagement limit.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein said angular counter clockwise engagement
limit and
said clockwise engagement limit values are inputted by a user.

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4. The method of claim 1 wherein the angular position of said at least one
electromagnet
relative to said at least one magnet is determined by an encoder mounted to
said common
rotatable shaft.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein at least one electromagnet comprises a
pair of
electromagnets disposed to opposite sides of said disk.
6. The method of claim 5 wherein said pair of electromagnets are positioned
at a radial
position relative to said common rotatable shaft corresponding to said at
least one magnet.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein at least one electromagnet is positioned
radially around
said disk.

Description

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ROTATABLE ELECTRIC MACHINES
TECHNICAL FIELD
[01] This document relates to the technical field of (and is not limited
to) permanent magnet
brushless DC electric machines (with rotatable shaft and fixed stator
assembly), which are
controlled using angular-based triggered switching assembly in such a way that
the
electromechanical torque transmitted to the rotatable shaft increases with
speed and
method therefor.
BACKGROUND
[02] The interaction of like poles (north or south) of two magnetic bodies
results in a
mechanical repulsive force between the bodies that forces them apart. While
the
interaction of unlike poles of two magnetic bodies results in an attractive
force that pulls
the bodies to each other. This basic phenomenon of magnetic attraction and
repulsion can
be harnessed to produce continuous mechanical energy using various
arrangements of
permanent magnets and electromagnets. The use of electromagnets is essential
to the
production of continuous mechanical energy, as their magnetic polarity can be
manipulated by changing the direction of the current flow in the windings of
the
electromagnets. Thus, magnetic attraction and repulsion can be controlled by
changing the
magnetic polarity of an electromagnet to interact with either another
electromagnet or
permanent magnet.
[03] It will be appreciated that there exists a need to mitigate (at least
in part) at least one
problem associated with the existing electric rotating machines, such as
electrical motors
and electrical generators (also called the existing technology). After much
study of the
known systems and methods with experimentation, an understanding of the
problem and
its solution has been identified and is articulated as follows:
[04] The electromechanical torque developed at the shaft of a typical dc
electric motor
(brushed or brushless) tends to increase as the magnitude of the current that
flows through
its stator windings increases and vis-versa. However, as the angular speed of
the shaft
increases, the current in the stator windings decreases and so does the
electromechanical
torque developed at the shaft. This is due to the back-EMF developed across
the stator
windings, which tends to oppose the supply voltage and thus the magnitude of
the stator
current.
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[05] Based on the classic dc motor equations, electromechanical torque is
highest at motor
start-up and decreases linearly with the increasing speed of the shaft.
Consequently, the
mechanical power of a dc motor increases non-linearly from zero at start-up
and reaches a
maximum value at a mid-range speed, after which it reduces non-linearly
towards zero.
[06] Therefore, a dc motor is normally operated in a specific speed range
to maximize its
performance and electromechanical conversion efficiency.
[07] Cogging torque is associated with brushless permanent magnet dc motors
and its
magnitude is dependent on angular position and periodicity per revolution
based on the
number of magnetic poles. Cogging torque is an undesirable component for the
operation
of such a motor. It is especially prominent at lower speeds, with the symptom
of jerkiness.
Cogging torque results in torque as well as speed ripple; however, at high
speed, the
moment of inertia of the rotor filters out the effect of the cogging torque.
Brushless
permanent magnet dc motors typically require more mechanical energy to
overcome the
cogging torques in order to initiate and sustain rotation.
[08] The problem associated with known (conventional) rotating electric
machines, such
as electric motors, typically have peak electromechanical conversion
efficiencies in the
range of about 75 percent to about 80 percent (%). However, some electric
motors have
been known to achieve peak electromechanical conversion efficiencies of up to
95 percent
(%).
SUMMARY
[09] To mitigate, at least in part, at least one problem associated with
the existing
technology (that is, the existing electric rotating machines), there is
provided an apparatus.
This apparatus includes (and is not limited to) a DC power module, a
controller that
consists of an array of switching devices that are triggered based on the
angular position of
a rotatable shaft and a brushless permanent magnet motor assembly consisting
of a
rotatable disk assembly, a rotatable shaft and stator assembly. The controller
accepts
power from a DC power module and energizes the electromagnets of the stator
assembly
in such a way to cause the permanent magnets on the rotatable disk assembly to
be
continuously attracted towards and repelled away from the magnetic neutral
point of the
ferromagnetic cores of the electromagnets of the stator assembly. The magnetic
neutral
point is a position adjacent to the ferromagnetic core at which a permanent
magnet of the
rotatable disk assembly would come rest with the controller de-energized. The
stator
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assembly remains fixed and the rotatable disk assembly is mechanically coupled
to a
rotatable shaft, which is used to drive a load.
[010] To mitigate, at least in part, at least one problem associated with
the existing
technology (that is, the existing electric rotating machines), there is
provided a method.
The method includes (and is not limited to) the sequence of energizing and de-
energizing
the electromagnets of the stator assembly using the controller in such a way
that magnitude
of the current in the windings of the electromagnets increases with the speed
of the shaft
and the rotatable disk assembly. Consequently, the electromechanical torque
developed at
the shaft is increased with speed.
[011] To mitigate, at least in part, at least one problem associated with
the existing
technology (that is, the existing electric rotating machines), there is
provided a method.
The method includes (and is not limited to) the periodic harvesting of the
energy stored in
the magnetic field of the electromagnets of the stator assembly to achieve
maximum
electromechanical conversion efficiency of the brushless permanent magnet
motor
assembly at all operating speeds.
[012] To mitigate, at least in part, at least one problem associated with
the existing
technology (that is, the existing electric rotating machines), there is
provided (in
accordance with a first major aspect) an apparatus. The apparatus includes
(and is not
limited to) a rotatable common (or coupled) shaft configured to be rotatable
about a fixed
longitudinal axis extending along the rotatable shaft. The apparatus also
includes multiple
disk assemblies that are mechanically coupled to a common rotatable shaft.
This is done in
such a way that the disk assemblies of the brushless permanent magnet motor
assemblies
and the common (or coupled) rotatable shaft are coaxially arranged and
concurrently
rotatable about a common longitudinal axis. The apparatus also includes fixed
stator
assemblies that are so arranged to allow magnetic interaction with the
permanent magnets
mounted on the disk assemblies. These disk assemblies and stator assemblies
are arranged
in such a way that a net cogging torque which is imparted to the common
rotatable shaft is
reduced.
[013] To mitigate, at least in part, at least one problem associated with
the existing
technology (that is, the existing electric rotating machines), there is
provided (in
accordance with a second major aspect) a method. The method includes (and is
not limited
to) arranging multiple disk assemblies and corresponding stator assemblies
about a
common (or coupled) rotatable shaft configured to be rotatable about a
longitudinal shaft
axis extending along the common (or coupled) rotatable shaft. These disk
assemblies and
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stator assemblies are arranged in such a way that a net cogging torque which
is imparted to
the rotatable shaft is reduced.
[014] To mitigate, at least in part, at least one problem associated with
the existing
technology (that is, the existing rotatable electric machines), there is
provided (in
accordance with a second major aspect) an apparatus. The apparatus includes a
rotatable
common (or coupled) shaft configured to be rotatable about a longitudinal
shaft axis
extending along the rotatable common (or coupled) shaft. Brushless permanent
magnet
motor assemblies are arranged at spaced-apart positions along a rotatable
common (or
coupled) shaft. The brushless permanent magnet motor assemblies each have a
respective
rotatable disk assembly that is circumferentially shifted relative to the
other rotatable disk
assemblies about the longitudinal shaft axis. This is done in such a way that
disk
assemblies of the brushless permanent magnet motor assemblies and the
rotatable common
(or coupled) shaft are concurrently rotatable, and a net cogging torque, which
is imparted
to the rotatable common (or coupled) shaft, is reduced.
[015] Other aspects are identified in the claims. Other aspects and
features of the non-
limiting embodiments may now become apparent to those skilled in the art upon
review of
the following detailed description of the non-limiting embodiments with the
accompanying
drawings. This Summary is provided to introduce concepts in simplified form
that are
further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not
intended to
identify key features or essential features of the disclosed subject matter,
and is not
intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the
disclosed
subject matter. Many other novel advantages, features, and relationships will
become
apparent as this description proceeds. The figures and the description that
follow more
particularly exemplify illustrative embodiments.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[016] The non-limiting embodiments may be more fully appreciated by reference
to the
following detailed description of the non-limiting embodiments when taken in
conjunction
with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[017] FIG. 1 depicts a partial perspective schematic view of an embodiment of
an apparatus
including a controller;
[018] FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 depict a perspective view (FIG. 2) and a schematic
view (FIG. 3)
of a net cogging force generated as a result of using the apparatus of FIG. 1;
[019] FIG. 4 depicts a close-up partial perspective view of an embodiment
of an electric
motor assembly of the apparatus of FIG. 1;
[020] FIG. 5 depicts a close-up partial perspective view of an embodiment of
one
electromagnet coil pair (also called windings) of a second stationary
electromagnetic coil
pair collection usable for any one of the first rotatable electric machine,
the second
rotatable electric machine, and the third rotatable electric machine of the
apparatus of FIG.
1;
[021] FIG. 6 depicts a side view of an embodiment of the first stationary
electromagnetic
coil pair collection usable for any one of the first rotatable electric
machine, the second
rotatable electric machine, and the third rotatable electric machine of the
apparatus of FIG.
1;
[022] FIGS. 7 and 8 depict side views of embodiments of the first magnet
collection usable
for any one of the first disk assembly of the first rotatable electric
machine, the second disk
assembly of the second rotatable electric machine and the second third disk
assembly of
the third rotatable electric machine of FIG. 1;
[023] FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 depict side views of embodiments of a first magnet
collection, a
second magnet collection, and a third magnet collection respectively usable
for the first
rotatable electric machine, the second rotatable electric machine, and the
third rotatable
electric machine of the apparatus of FIG. 1;
[024] FIG. 12 depicts a partial perspective view of an embodiment of a first
magnet
assembly, a first stationary coil pair and an illustrated coaxial offset
usable for any one of
the first rotatable electric machine, the second rotatable electric machine,
and the third
rotatable electric machine of the apparatus of FIG. 1;
[025] FIGS. 13, 14, 15 and 16 depict side views of embodiments of a first
magnet assembly
and a first stationary coil pair usable for any one of the first rotatable
electric machine, the
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second rotatable electric machine, and the third rotatable electric machine of
the apparatus
of FIG. 1;
[026] FIGS. 17, 18, and 19 depict side views of embodiments of a first magnet
assembly
and a first stationary coil pair usable for any one of the first rotatable
electric machine, the
second rotatable electric machine, and the third rotatable electric machine of
the apparatus
of FIG. 1;
[027] FIGS.
20, 21, and 22 depict side views of embodiments of the first magnet
collection,
the second magnet collection and the third magnet collection respectively
usable for the
first rotatable electric machine, the second rotatable electric machine, and
the third
rotatable electric machine of FIG. 1;
[028] FIG. 23 depicts a schematic view of an embodiment of an electric motor
interface
module usable for the case where any one of the first rotatable electric
machine, the second
rotatable electric machine, and the third rotatable electric machine of FIG. 1
are operated
as an electric motor assembly;
[029] FIG. 24 depicts a schematic view of an embodiment of the CP-A motor
interface
module (PART A) and the DC/DC converter module both of the electric motor
interface
module of FIG. 23;
[030] FIG. 25 and FIG. 26 depict schematic views of embodiments of the battery
charging
switching module of FIG. 24, in which FIG. 25 also depicts a schematic view of
an
embodiment of the CP-A motor interface module (Part B) of the electric motor
interface
module of FIG. 23, and in which FIG. 26 also depicts a schematic view of an
embodiment
of the CP-A motor interface module (Part C) of the electric motor interface
module of FIG.
23;
[031] FIGS. 27 and 28 depict schematic views of embodiments of a battery
module for use
with the electric motor interface module of FIG. 23;
[032] FIG. 29 and FIG. 30 depict a reduced schematic view (FIG. 29) and a
perspective
view (FIG. 30) of an embodiment of part A of the electric motor interface
module of FIG.
23, and the first stationary coil pair and the first magnet assembly
(respectively), in which
part A of the electric motor interface module operates in a first motor
operation mode and
a sixth motor operation mode;
[033] FIG. 31 and FIG. 32 depict a reduced schematic view (FIG. 31) and a
perspective
view (FIG. 32) of an embodiment of part A of the electric motor interface
module of FIG.
23, and the first stationary coil pair and the first magnet assembly
(respectively), in which
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part A of the electric motor interface module operates in a second motor
operation mode
and a seventh motor operation mode;
[034] FIG. 33 and FIG. 34 depict a reduced schematic view (FIG. 33) and a
perspective
view (FIG. 34) of an embodiment of part A of the electric motor interface
module of FIG.
23, and the first stationary coil pair and the first magnet assembly
(respectively), in which
part A of the electric motor interface module operates in a third motor
operation mode and
an eighth motor operation mode;
[035] FIG. 35 and FIG. 36 depict a reduced schematic view (FIG. 35) and a
perspective
view (FIG. 36) of an embodiment of part A of the electric motor interface
module of FIG.
23, and the first stationary coil pair and the first magnet assembly
(respectively), in which
part A of the electric motor interface module of FIG. 23 operates in a fourth
motor
operation mode and a ninth motor operation mode;
[036] FIG. 37 and FIG. 38, and FIG. 39 depict reduced schematic views (FIG. 37
and FIG.
39), and a perspective view (FIG. 38) of an embodiment of part A of the
electric motor
interface module of FIG. 23, and the first stationary coil pair and the first
magnet assembly
(respectively), in which part A of the electric motor interface module
operates in a fifth
motor operation mode and a tenth motor operation mode;
[037] FIG. 40 depicts a schematic view of an embodiment of the operation modes
associated with the electric motor interface module of FIG. 23;
[038] FIG. 41 depicts a schematic view of an embodiment of a flow chart usable
by the
controller of FIG. 1 for controlling the operations of the electric motor
interface module of
FIG. 23 in accordance with the schematic diagram of FIG. 40 in run mode;
[039] FIG. 42 depicts a schematic view of an embodiment of one cycle of an
induced
electromotive force (emf or EMF) generated in the one of the stationary coil
pairs as a
result of the first magnet assembly approaching and moving past the stationary
coil pairs in
accordance with the timing diagram of FIG. 40;
[040] FIG. 43 depicts a schematic view of an embodiment of a first
generator interface
module or a second generator interface module usable for the case where any
one of the
first rotatable electric machine, the second rotatable electric machine, and
the third
rotatable electric machine of FIG. 1 are operated as a first electric
generator assembly or as
a second electric generator assembly;
[041] FIG. 44 depicts a schematic view of an embodiment of the first
generator interface
module or a second generator interface module for use with a first coil pair
(also called
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coil windings) of any one of (A) the first rotatable electric machine, (B) the
second
rotatable electric machine, and (C) the third rotatable electric machine of
FIG. 1;
[042] FIG. 45 and FIG. 46 depict a reduced schematic view (FIG. 45) and a
perspective
view (FIG. 46) of an embodiment of a reduced circuit for the CP-A first
generator
interface module of FIG. 44, and the first stationary coil pair of FIG. 44,
respectively, and
in which the reduced circuit for the CP-A first generator interface module
operates in a
first generator operation mode and a fifth generator operation mode;
[043] FIG. 47 and FIG. 48 depict a reduced schematic view (FIG. 47) and a
perspective
view (FIG. 48) of an embodiment of a reduced circuit for the CP-A first
generator
interface module of FIG. 44, and the first stationary coil pair of FIG. 44,
respectively, and
in which the reduced circuit for the CP-A first generator interface module
operates in a
second generator operation mode and a sixth generator operation mode;
[044] FIG. 49 and FIG. 50 depict a reduced schematic view (FIG. 49) and a
perspective
view (FIG. 50) of an embodiment of a reduced circuit for the CP-A first
generator
interface module of FIG. 44, and the first stationary coil pair of FIG. 44,
respectively, in
which the reduced circuit for the CP-A first generator interface module
operates in a third
generator operation mode and a seventh generator operation mode;
[045] FIG. 51 and FIG. 52 depict a reduced schematic view (FIG. 51) and a
perspective
view (FIG. 52) of an embodiment of a reduced circuit for the CP-A first
generator
interface module of FIG. 44, and the first stationary coil pair of FIG. 44,
respectively, in
which the reduced circuit for the CP-A first generator interface module
operates in a fourth
generator operation mode and an eighth generator operation mode; and
[046] FIG. 53 depicts a schematic view of an embodiment of the operation modes
of the
first generator interface module and/or a second generator interface module of
FIG. 44.
[047] FIG. 54 depicts a hysteresis curve of the magnetic characteristics of
the ferromagnetic
cores of the electromagnet pair collection usable for the apparatus of FIG. 1;
[048] FIG. 55 depicts a schematic of a family of electromechanical torque
(developed at the
rotatable shaft) versus speed curves for four different DC input voltage
levels to the
brushless permanent magnet motor assembly apparatus of FIG. 1.
[049] FIG. 56 is a cross-sectional view of a radial arrangement of the
apparatus according
to a further embodiment.
[050] FIG. 57 depicts a schematic view of a further embodiment of the CP-A
motor
interface module (PART A) and the DC/DC converter module both of the electric
motor
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interface module of FIG. 23 with an H-Bridge control circuit according to a
further
embodiment;
[051] FIG. 58 depicts a reduced schematic view of a further embodiment of part
A of the
electric motor interface module of FIG. 23 with the CP-A motor interface
module (PART
A) and the DC/DC converter module of FIG. 57, and the first stationary coil
pair and the
first magnet assembly (respectively), in which part A of the electric motor
interface
module operates in a first motor operation mode and a fifth motor operation
mode;
[052] FIG. 59 depicts a reduced schematic view of a further embodiment of part
A of the
electric motor interface module of FIG. 23 with the CP-A motor interface
module (PART
A) and the DC/DC converter module of FIG. 57, and the first stationary coil
pair and the
first magnet assembly (respectively), in which part A of the electric motor
interface
module operates in a second motor operation mode and a sixth motor operation
mode.
[053] FIG. 60 depicts a reduced schematic view (FIG. 33A) of a further
embodiment of part
A of the electric motor interface module of FIG. 23 with the CP-A motor
interface module
(PART A) and the DC/DC converter module of FIG. 57, and the first stationary
coil pair
and the first magnet assembly (respectively), in which part A of the electric
motor
interface module operates in a third motor operation mode and a seventh motor
operation
mode;
[054] FIG. 61 depicts a reduced schematic view of a further embodiment of part
A of the
electric motor interface module of FIG. 23 with the CP-A motor interface
module (PART
A) and the DC/DC converter module of FIG. 57, and the first stationary coil
pair and the
first magnet assembly (respectively), in which part A of the electric motor
interface
module operates in a fourth motor operation mode and an eighth motor operation
mode;
[055] FIG. 62 depicts a schematic view of an embodiment of a flow chart usable
by the
controller of FIG. 1 for controlling the operations of the electric motor
interface module of
FIG. 23 in accordance with the schematic diagram of FIG. 40 in start up mode;
[056] FIG. 63 depicts a schematic view of a further embodiment of the
operation modes
associated with the electric motor interface module of FIG. 23 with the CP-A
motor
interface module (PART A) and the DC/DC converter module of FIG. 57;
[057] The
drawings are not necessarily to scale and may be illustrated by phantom lines,
diagrammatic representations and fragmentary views. In certain instances,
details
unnecessary for an understanding of the embodiments (and/or details that
render other
details difficult to perceive) may have been omitted. Corresponding reference
characters
indicate corresponding components throughout the several figures of the
drawings.
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Elements in the several figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and
have not been
drawn to scale. The dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be
emphasized
relative to other elements for facilitating an understanding of the various
disclosed
embodiments. In addition, common, but well-understood, elements that are
useful or
necessary in commercially feasible embodiments are often not depicted to
provide a less
obstructed view of the embodiments of the present disclosure.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE NON-LIMITING EMBODIMENT(S)
[058] The following detailed description is merely exemplary and is not
intended to limit
the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described
embodiments. As
used, the word "exemplary" or "illustrative" means "serving as an example,
instance, or
illustration." Any implementation described as "exemplary" or "illustrative"
is not
necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other
implementations. All
of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided
to
enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the
disclosure and are
not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. The scope may be defined by
the claims
(in which the claims may be amended during patent examination after filing of
this
application). For the description, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "rear,"
"right,"
"front," "vertical," "horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the
examples as
oriented in the drawings. There is no intention to be bound by any expressed
or implied
theory in the preceding Technical Field, Background, Summary or the following
detailed
description. It is also to be understood that the devices and processes
illustrated in the
attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are exemplary
embodiments (examples), aspects and/or concepts defined in the appended
claims. Hence,
dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments
disclosed are not
to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. It
is understood
that the phrase "at least one" is equivalent to "a". The aspects (examples,
alterations,
modifications, options, variations, embodiments and any equivalent thereof)
are described
regarding the drawings. It should be understood that the invention is limited
to the subject
matter provided by the claims, and that the invention is not limited to the
particular aspects
depicted and described.
[059] FIG. 1 depicts a partial perspective schematic view of an embodiment of
an apparatus
including a controller 110.
[060] In accordance with an embodiment, the apparatus includes (and is not
limited to) a
synergistic combination of a rotatable common shaft 102, a first rotatable
electric machine
104, a second rotatable electric machine 106, a third rotatable electric
machine 108, and
the controller 110. It will be appreciated that although three rotatable disks
are illustrated
in FIG. 1, more or less, including a single disk may also be utilized with the
control and
operation as set out in greater detail below.
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[061] The rotatable common shaft 102 is mounted to a support (known and not
depicted,
such as a bearing assembly) configured to support rotational movement of the
rotatable
common shaft 102.
[062] It will be appreciated that the bearing assembly may include a
mechanical bearing
assembly (and any equivalent thereof) and/or a magnetic bearing assembly (and
any
equivalent thereof). It will also be appreciated that an external mechanical
impulse
(generated by a starter assembly) may be required to initiate rotation of the
rotatable
common shaft 102 although the controller may also be configured to start the
motor
through the start up sequence 350 set out in FIG.62 as will be more fully
described below.
[063] The starter assembly consists of a rotatable electromechanical component
(a
commercially available product similar to that used to start the engine of a
conventional
motor vehicle) that, when or once activated with an electrical pulse, causes a
rotatable
electromechanical component to mechanically couple onto the rotatable common
shaft 102
thereby initiating the rotation of the rotatable common shaft 102. The starter
assembly is so
configured to mechanically disengage the rotatable electromechanical component
from the
rotatable common shaft 102 at a predetermined speed of rotation. After the
starter
assembly is disengaged from the rotatable common shaft 102, the rotation of
the rotatable
common shaft 102 is maintained and controlled using the controller 110 and the
first
electric-machine interface module 114, the second electric-machine interface
module 116
and the third electric-machine interface module 118.
[064] The first disk assembly 134 of the first rotatable electric machine
104 is affixed to the
rotatable common shaft 102. This is done in such a way that the first disk
assembly 134
and the rotatable common shaft 102 are rotatable together. For simplifying the
view of the
apparatus, the entirety of the first rotatable electric machine 104 is not
fully depicted in
FIG. 1. The first rotatable electric machine 104 includes a combination of
coil pairs (also
called windings or coil windings, and any equivalent thereof) and magnets
(permanent
magnets) of the first disk assembly 134, in which the coil pairs and the
magnets, in use,
magnetically interact with each other. The first rotatable electric machine
104 includes a
first disk assembly 134 that is affixed to the rotatable common shaft 102. The
magnets are
affixed to the first disk assembly 134. The coil pairs are spaced apart from
the first disk
assembly 134, and are stationary (not movable) relative to the first disk
assembly 134. This
is done in such a way that the first disk assembly 134, in use, moves
(rotates) the magnets
past (beyond) from between each of the coil pairs of the first stationary
electromagnetic
coil pair collection 124. To simplify the view of the apparatus, one of the
coil pairs of the
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first stationary electromagnetic coil pair collection 124 of the first
rotatable electric
machine 104 is depicted in FIG. 1.
[065] The second disk assembly 136 of the second rotatable electric machine
106 is affixed
to the rotatable common shaft 102. This is done in such a way that the second
disk
assembly 136 and the rotatable common shaft 102 are rotatable together. For
simplifying
the view of the apparatus, the entirety of the second rotatable electric
machine 106 is not
fully depicted in FIG. 1. The second rotatable electric machine 106 includes a
combination
of coil pairs and magnets (permanent magnets) of the second disk assembly 136,
in which
the coil pairs and the magnets, in use, magnetically interact with each other.
The second
rotatable electric machine 106 includes a second disk assembly 136 that is
affixed to the
rotatable common shaft 102. The magnets are affixed to the second disk
assembly 136.
The coil pairs are spaced apart from the second disk assembly 136, and are
stationary (not
movable) relative to the second disk assembly 136. This is done in such a way
that the
second disk assembly 136, in use, moves (rotates) the magnets between each of
the coil
pairs of the second stationary electromagnetic coil pair collection 126 (along
a circular
path). To simplify the view of the apparatus, one of the coil pairs of the
second stationary
electromagnetic coil pair collection 126 of the second rotatable electric
machine 106 is
depicted in FIG. 1.
[066] The
third disk assembly 138 of the third rotatable electric machine 108 is affixed
to
the rotatable common shaft 102. This is done in such a way that the third disk
assembly
138 and the rotatable common shaft 102 are rotatable together. For simplifying
the view of
the apparatus, the entirety of the third rotatable electric machine 108 is not
fully depicted
in FIG. 1. The third rotatable electric machine 108 includes a combination of
coil pairs and
magnets (permanent magnets) of the third disk assembly 138, in which the coil
pairs and
the magnets, in use, magnetically interact with each other. The third
rotatable electric
machine 108 includes a third disk assembly 138 that is affixed to the
rotatable common
shaft 102. The magnets are affixed to the third disk assembly 138. The coil
pairs are
spaced apart from the third disk assembly 138, and are stationary (not
movable) relative to
the third disk assembly 138. This is done in such a way that the third disk
assembly 138, in
use, moves (rotates) the magnets between each of the coil pairs of the third
stationary
electromagnetic coil pair collection 128 (along a circular path). To simplify
the view of the
apparatus, one of the third stationary electromagnetic coil pair collection
128 of the third
rotatable electric machine 108 is depicted in FIG. 1.
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[067] The controller 110 is configured to interface with (electrically
connect with) the first
rotatable electric machine 104, the second rotatable electric machine 106, and
the third
rotatable electric machine 108.
[068] In accordance with an embodiment, the controller 110 may be called a
computer
system having a processor. The controller 110 is configured to interface with
a memory
assembly 111 that is configured to tangibly receive and store a program 113.
The program
113 is read by the controller 110, and the controller 110 is configured to
execute tasks in
response to reading the program 113. In accordance with an alternative
embodiment, the
controller 110 includes application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC)
configured to
operate or execute specific operations. The ASIC includes an integrated
circuit (IC)
customized (configured) for a particular use or for a general-purpose use.
[069] Preferably, the controller 110 is configured to interface with
(electrically connect
with) the coil pairs of the first rotatable electric machine 104, the second
rotatable electric
machine 106, and the third rotatable electric machine 108 (via an interface
module or
interface circuit). The controller 110 is configured to control, in use, the
precisely timed
activation of the coil pairs of the first rotatable electric machine 104, the
second rotatable
electric machine 106 and the third rotatable electric machine 108 to ensure
optimum (A)
torque at the rotatable common shaft 102, and (B) power generation associated
with the
first rotatable electric machine 104 and the third rotatable electric machine
108. The disk
assemblies of the first rotatable electric machine 104, the second rotatable
electric machine
106 and the third rotatable electric machine 108 are mechanically shifted in
accordance
with FIGS. 9, 10 and 11, which results in a reduction of the net cogging force
(torque) seen
(experienced) at the rotatable common shaft 102. For the case where the first
rotatable
electric machine 104 and the third rotatable electric machine 108 are not
utilized, the net
cogging force created or generated by the second rotatable electric machine
106 (operating
or rotating on its own) is greater than zero (and may not be smooth). It will
be appreciated
that the first rotatable electric machine 104, the second rotatable electric
machine 106 and
the third rotatable electric machine 108 all experience a cogging torque as
they rotate.
However, the algebraic sum (the net cogging torque), which is transmitted to
the rotatable
common shaft 102, is reduced (or preferably eliminated).
[070] Generally, the cogging torque opposes the electromechanical force
generated by a
rotating electric machine at least 50 percent of the time (that is, 50 percent
of each rotation
cycle of an electric rotating machine).
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[071] It will be appreciated that the use of two or more of the rotatable
disk assemblies
mounted to the rotatable common shaft 102, in use, may reduce or cancel the
cogging
torque (cogging force).
[072] It will be appreciated that the first rotatable electric machine 104,
the second rotatable
electric machine 106 and the third rotatable electric machine 108, by virtue
of their relative
mechanical arrangement (a relative angular displacement that exists between
the disk
assemblies of the rotatable electric machines, as depicted, for instance, in
FIGS. 9, 10 and
11), cooperate (work together) in such a way that the net cogging force is
reduced
(preferably eliminated if possible), so that the net cogging torque that is
transmitted to (and
received by) the rotatable common shaft 102 is reduced (preferably
eliminated).
[073] It will be appreciated that the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 1
includes three
rotatable disk assemblies (the first disk assembly 134, the second disk
assembly 136, and
the third disk assembly 138), and that other embodiments may utilize more than
three disks
(such as, six disks, etc.) or less than three disks (such as, one or two
disks).
[074] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the apparatus is adapted
such that the
first rotatable electric machine 104 includes the first disk assembly 134
affixed to the
rotatable common shaft 102. The second rotatable electric machine 106 includes
the
second disk assembly 136 affixed to the rotatable common shaft 102. The third
rotatable
electric machine 108 includes the third disk assembly 138 affixed to the
rotatable common
shaft 102. The first disk assembly 134, the second disk assembly 136, and the
third disk
assembly 138 are spaced apart from each other.
[075] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the apparatus is adapted
such that the
first disk assembly 134 includes a first magnet collection 144 (a collection
of spaced-apart
permanent magnets). The second disk assembly 136 includes a second magnet
collection
146 (a collection of spaced-apart permanent magnets). The third disk assembly
138
includes a third magnet collection 148 (a collection of spaced-apart permanent
magnets).
[076] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the apparatus is adapted
such that the
first rotatable electric machine 104 includes a first stationary
electromagnetic coil pair
collection 124 (a collection of spaced-apart coil pairs). The second rotatable
electric
machine 106 includes a second stationary electromagnetic coil pair collection
126 (a
collection of spaced-apart coil pairs). The third rotatable electric machine
108 includes a
third stationary electromagnetic coil pair collection 128 (a collection of
spaced-apart coil
pairs).
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[077] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the apparatus is adapted
such that the
controller 110 is configured to interface with the first rotatable electric
machine 104 via a
first electric-machine interface module 114. The first electric-machine
interface module
114 is configured to electrically connect with the first stationary
electromagnetic coil pair
collection 124. The controller 110 is configured to interface with the second
rotatable
electric machine 106 via a second electric-machine interface module 116. The
second
electric-machine interface module 116 is configured to electrically connect
with the second
stationary electromagnetic coil pair collection 126. The controller 110 is
configured to
interface with the third rotatable electric machine 108 via a third electric-
machine interface
module 118. The third electric-machine interface module 118 is configured to
electrically
connect with the third stationary electromagnetic coil pair collection 128.
[078] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the apparatus is adapted
such that the
first rotatable electric machine 104 includes a first electric generator
assembly 204. The
second rotatable electric machine 106 includes an electric motor assembly 206.
The third
rotatable electric machine 108 includes a second electric generator assembly
208. The
electric motor assembly 206 is positioned between the first electric generator
assembly 204
and the second electric generator assembly 208. It will be appreciated that
this
arrangement of the embodiment is arbitrary, and does not provide an advantage
over any
other arrangement of the embodiment.
[079] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the apparatus is adapted
such that the
first electric-machine interface module 114 includes a first generator
interface module 214
configured to electrically interface with the first electric generator
assembly 204. The
second electric-machine interface module 116 includes an electric motor
interface module
216 configured to electrically interface with the electric motor assembly 206.
The third
electric-machine interface module 118 includes a second generator interface
module 218
configured to electrically interface with the second electric generator
assembly 208.
[080] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the apparatus is adapted such
that the
first electric-machine interface module 114 is electrically connected to each
of the coil
pairs (also called electromagnets) of the first rotatable electric machine
104, such as the
first stationary electromagnetic coil pair collection 124 of the first
rotatable electric
machine 104. It will be appreciated that a single coil pair is depicted for
the first stationary
electromagnetic coil pair collection 124 for the sake of clarifying the view
of the
embodiment as depicted in FIG. 1. For the preferred embodiments, a plurality
of coil pairs
are depicted in other figures, and the plurality of coil pairs for the first
rotatable electric
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machine 104 (or for the first electric generator assembly 204) are evenly, or
geometrically
and equally spaced, around or about the first disk assembly 134. Preferably,
the stationary
coil pairs or windings of the first stationary electromagnetic coil pair
collection 124
include electromagnetic coil pairs each having respective ferromagnetic cores
mounted
therein. More preferably, for the case where the first electric-machine
interface module
114 includes the first generator interface module 214, the first generator
interface module
214 is electrically connected to each of the coil pairs (also called the first
electric generator
coil pairs) of the first electric generator assembly 204.
[081] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the apparatus is adapted
such that the
second electric-machine interface module 116 is electrically connected to each
of the coil
pairs (also called electromagnets) of the second rotatable electric machine
106, such as the
second stationary electromagnetic coil pair collection 126 of the second
rotatable electric
machine 106. It will be appreciated that a single coil pair (also called
electromagnets) is
depicted for the second stationary electromagnetic coil pair collection 126
for the sake of
clarifying the view of the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 1. For the preferred
embodiments, a plurality of coil pairs are depicted in other figures, and the
plurality of coil
pairs for the second rotatable electric machine 106 (or for the electric motor
assembly 206)
are evenly, or geometrically and equally spaced, around or about the second
disk assembly
136. Preferably, the stationary coil pairs (also called electromagnets or
windings) of the
second stationary electromagnetic coil pair collection 126 include
electromagnetic coil
pairs each having respective ferromagnetic cores mounted therein. More
preferably, for the
case where the second electric-machine interface module 116 includes the
electric motor
interface module 216, the electric motor interface module 216 is electrically
connected to
each of the coil pairs (also called electromagnets or electric motor coil
pairs) of the electric
motor assembly 206.
[082] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the apparatus is adapted
such that the
third electric-machine interface module 118 is electrically connected to each
of the coil
pairs (also called electromagnets) of the third rotatable electric machine
108, such as a
third stationary electromagnetic coil pair collection 128 of the third
rotatable electric
machine 108. It will be appreciated that a single coil pair is depicted for
the third stationary
electromagnetic coil pair collection 128 for the sake of clarifying the view
of the
embodiment as depicted in FIG. 1. For the preferred embodiments, a plurality
of coil pairs
is depicted in other figures, and the plurality of coil pairs for the third
rotatable electric
machine 108 (or for the second electric generator assembly 208) are evenly, or
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geometrically and equally spaced, around or about the third disk assembly 138.
Preferably,
the stationary coil pairs or windings of the third stationary electromagnetic
coil pair
collection 128 include electromagnetic coil pairs each having respective
ferromagnetic
cores mounted therein. More preferably, for the case where the third electric-
machine
interface module 118 includes the second generator interface module 218, the
second
generator interface module 218 is electrically connected to each of the coil
pairs (also
called the second electric generator coil pairs) of the second electric
generator assembly
208.
[083] Preferably, each of the first stationary electromagnetic coil pair
collection 124, the
second stationary electromagnetic coil pair collection 126 and the third
stationary
electromagnetic coil pair collection 128 includes a ferromagnetic core 129.
Preferably, the
ferromagnetic core 129 has a relatively high magnetic permeability, low
magnetic
hysteresis loss and low eddy-current loss. More preferably, the magnetic
hysteresis BH
(the magnetic flux density versus the magnetic field strength) curve of the
ferromagnetic
core 129 has low coercivity and high remnant flux density as illustrated in
FIG. 54 and will
be understood by those in the art. In particular, it will be appreciated that
the curve
represents the lag between the magnetizing force (H) and the resulting flux
density (B) in
the ferromagnetic core due to the magnetizing force. It will be appreciated
that such a BH
curve is traced out when a dual polarity current flows in the windings of the
electromagnet.
The hysteresis occurs because the magnetic flux is different when the current
increases in
the windings and when the current decreases in the windings. Coercivity is the
resistance
of a magnetic material to changes in magnetization, equivalent to the field
intensity
necessary to demagnetize the fully magnetized material.
[084] Preferably, the diameter of the ferromagnetic core 129 (of the first
stationary
electromagnetic coil pair collection 124, the second stationary
electromagnetic coil pair
collection 126 and the third stationary electromagnetic coil pair collection
128) is
(respectively) about (approximately) the same diameter as the permanent
magnets of the
first magnet collection 144, the permanent magnets of the second magnet
collection 146
and the permanent magnets of the third magnet collection 148. It will be
appreciated that
the size, geometry and magnetic strength of the permanent magnets of the first
magnet
collection 144, the second magnet collection 146 and the third magnet
collection 148
should, preferably, be the same.
[085] Preferably, the ferromagnetic cores 129 (of the first stationary
electromagnetic coil
pair collection 124, the second stationary electromagnetic coil pair
collection 126 and the
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third stationary electromagnetic coil pair collection 128) are respectively
coaxially offset
from the permanent magnets of the first magnet collection 144, the permanent
magnets of
the second magnet collection 146 and the permanent magnets of the third magnet
collection 148. Preferably, each of the permanent magnets of the disk
assemblies are
spaced apart from the stationary ferromagnetic cores of the stationary
electromagnet coil
pairs by an air gap (a relatively small air gap) and a coaxial offset. There
is a coaxial offset
between the ferromagnetic cores 129 (of the first stationary electromagnetic
coil pair
collection 124, the second stationary electromagnetic coil pair collection 126
and the third
stationary electromagnetic coil pair collection 128) and the permanent magnets
of the first
magnet collection 144, the permanent magnets of the second magnet collection
146 and
the permanent magnets of the third magnet collection 148. The coaxial offset
is clearly
depicted in, for instance, FIG. 12 and FIG. 13. The coaxial offset is a radial
distance
between the center axis of the stationary electromagnet coil pairs and the
central axis of the
permanent magnets of the disk assemblies (134, 136, 138) with respect to the
longitudinal
shaft axis 103.
[086] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the apparatus is adapted such
that a
battery module 112 is electrically interfaced with the controller 110. The
controller 110 is
configured to interface with, and control operation of, the battery module
112. The battery
module 112 is configured to provide electrical energy to the first electric-
machine interface
module 114, the second electric-machine interface module 116 and the third
electric-
machine interface module 118 (when needed). The battery module 112 is
configured to
electrically connect with the rotatable electric machines (104, 106, 108) in
such a way that
the battery module, in use, interacts with coil pairs of the rotatable
electric machines (104,
106, 108). The controller 110 is configured to interface with, and control
operation of, the
battery module in such a way that: (A) the battery module 112, in use,
provides electrical
power to the rotatable electric machines (104, 106, 108) in such a way that
any electrical
power that is provided to the rotatable electric machines (104, 106, 108), in
use, urges
rotation of the rotatable electric machines (104, 106, 108), and (B) the
battery module 112,
in use, receives electrical power from the stored energy in the rotatable
electric machines
(104, 106, 108) in such a way that the electrical power that is provided by
the stored
energy in the rotatable electric machines (104, 106, 108), in use, charges the
battery
module 112 as needed.
[087] In
accordance with a preferred embodiment, the apparatus further includes an
angular
encoder 115 configured to be coupled to the rotatable common shaft 102, and
interfaced or
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electrically connected (directly or indirectly) to the controller 110. The
angular encoder
115 is configured to provide, in use, an angular positon (angular
displacement) of the
rotatable common shaft 102 to the controller 110.
[088] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the controller 110 is
interfaced with a
memory assembly 111. A program 113 is tangibly stored in the memory assembly
111.
The program 113 includes coded instructions (programmed coded instructions)
that are
configured to be readable by (and executable by) the controller 110. The
instructions, in
use, urge the controller 110 to perform predetermined operations. The memory
assembly
111 is a device configured to store the program 113 having coded instructions
that are
readable by and executable by the controller 110. The controller 110 is
configured to read
the coded instructions (from the memory assembly 111), and execute the
instructions that
urge the controller 110 to read, for instance, the encoder position (angular
displacement of
the rotatable common shaft 102) from the angular encoder 115 (that is
operatively
connected to the controller 110), and then write the encoder position to the
memory
assembly 111. For instance, the controller 110 is configured to read coded
instructions that
instruct the controller 110 to (A) read the voltage sensor assembly Vconl
(depicted in FIG.
28) and the voltage sensor assembly Vcon2 (depicted in FIG. 28), which are
inputs to the
controller 110 via an interface module, (B) compute the status of the
batteries (Batt1 or
battery 1) and Batt2 or battery 2), and (C) write the battery status to the
memory assembly
111. Preferably, the controller 110 is configured to accept the digital output
from the
angular encoder 115 directly.
[089] Electrical communication between the controller 110 and the battery
module 112 is
also bi-directional as the controller 110 reads the status of the batteries in
the battery
module 112, and also outputs digital states to the switches of the battery
module 112 based
on the status of the batteries. Electrical communication between the
controller 110 and the
first generator interface module 214, the electric motor interface module 216
and the
second generator interface module 218 is unidirectional. That is, the
controller 110 is
configured to write the digital status to (or to control the state of) the
controllable switches
that are associated with (A) the first generator interface module 214, (B) the
electric motor
interface module 216, and (C) the second generator interface module 218 based
on the
encoder position (which was provided by the angular encoder 115) that is
stored in the
memory assembly 111.
[090] Preferably, the controller 110 is configured to interface with the
rotatable electric
machines. The controller 110 is configured to prevent electromechanical
retardation (or
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= braking) of the rotatable common shaft 102 when (A) a current is flowing
in the stationary
electromagnet coil windings of the rotatable electric machines, and (B) the
rotatable
common shaft 102 is rotated.
[091] Preferably, the controller 110 is configured to periodically recycle
any stored energy
in the rotatable electrical machines for any one of: (A) supplementing the
electrical energy
supplied from a DC source (such as the battery module 112 as depicted in FIG.
1), (B)
recharging the batteries of the battery module 112, and (C) providing
electrical power to an
external load (depicted in FIG. 43 and FIG. 44).
[092] To mitigate, at least in part, at least one problem associated with
the existing
technology, there is provided (in accordance with a major aspect) an
apparatus. The
apparatus includes a rotatable common shaft 102 configured to be rotatable
about a
longitudinal shaft axis 103 extending along the rotatable common shaft 102.
Rotatable
electric machines are arranged on the rotatable common shaft 102 in such a way
that the
disk assemblies of the rotatable electric machines and the rotatable common
shaft 102 are
concurrently rotatable. The disk assemblies of the rotatable electric machines
are arranged
on the rotatable common shaft 102 in such a way that a net cogging force 900,
which is
generated by the rotatable electric machines, and which is imparted to the
rotatable
common shaft 102, is reduced.
[093] In view of the foregoing, there is provided (in accordance with a major
aspect) a
method. The method includes arranging rotatable electric machines on a
rotatable common
shaft 102 configured to be rotatable about a longitudinal shaft axis 103
extending along the
rotatable common shaft 102. This is done in such a way that (A) disk
assemblies of the
rotatable electric machines and the rotatable common shaft 102 are
concurrently rotatable,
and (B) a net cogging force 900, which is generated by the rotatable electric
machines, and
which is imparted to the rotatable common shaft 102, is reduced.
[094] In summary, the apparatus includes the rotatable common shaft 102
configured to be
rotatable about a longitudinal shaft axis 103 extending along the rotatable
common shaft
102. The disk assemblies of the rotatable electric machines are arranged on
(preferably
affixed to) the rotatable common shaft 102. This is done in such a way that
disk assemblies
of the rotatable electric machines and the rotatable common shaft 102 are
concurrently
rotatable. The rotatable electric machines are arranged on the rotatable
common shaft 102
in such a way that a net cogging force 900, which is generated by the
rotatable electric
machines, and which is imparted to the rotatable common shaft 102, is reduced.
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[095] In summary, the method for operating the rotatable electric machines
includes
arranging the rotatable electric machines on the rotatable common shaft 102,
which is
configured to be rotatable about a longitudinal shaft axis 103 extending along
the rotatable
common shaft 102. This is done in such a way that (A) disk assemblies of the
rotatable
electric machines and the rotatable common shaft 102 are concurrently
rotatable, and (B) a
net cogging force 900, which is generated by the rotatable electric machines,
and which is
imparted to the rotatable common shaft 102, is reduced.
[096] FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 depict a perspective view (FIG. 2) and a schematic
view (FIG. 3)
of a net cogging force 900 generated as a result of using the apparatus of
FIG. 1.
[097] Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3, it will be
appreciated that
the possible topologies (embodiments) of the apparatus may include any
combination of
(A) all electric motors, (B) all electric generators, or (C) any combination
of electric
motors and electric generators.
[098] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the second rotatable
electric machine
106 is configured (used) to rotate the rotatable common shaft 102 (the second
rotatable
electric machine 106 is considered the prime mover of the rotatable common
shaft 102),
and the first rotatable electric machine 104 and the third rotatable electric
machine 108 are
driven by virtue of being rigidly coupled to the rotatable common shaft 102.
It will be
appreciated that the first rotatable electric machine 104 and the third
rotatable electric
machine 108 may also be configured to rotate the rotatable common shaft 102
when
operated as either electric motors or electric generators. It will be
appreciated that the first
rotatable electric machine 104, the second rotatable electric machine 106 and
the third
rotatable electric machine 108 operate together (cooperate) to reduce the net
cogging
torque transmitted to the rotatable common shaft 102 to preferably zero or
close to zero.
[099] Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 3, the x-axis (the
horizontal axis)
represents 0, which is the angular displacement as detected by the angular
encoder 115 of
FIG. 1.
[0100] Tcl is generated by the first rotatable electric machine 104 (or the
first electric
generator assembly 204 of FIG. 1), and is the cogging torque acting on the
first disk
assembly 134, and Tel = T sin (m0).
[0101] Tc2 is generated by the second rotatable electric machine 106 (or the
electric motor
assembly 206 of FIG. 1), and is the cogging torque acting on the second disk
assembly
136, and Te2 = T sin (m0 ¨ 120 degrees).
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[0102] Tc3 is generated by the third rotatable electric machine 108 (or the
second electric
generator assembly 208 of FIG. 1), and is the cogging torque acting on the
third disk
assembly 138, and Tc3 = T sin (m0 ¨240 degrees).
[0103] The angle 0 of the rotatable common shaft 102 represents the
displacement from a
fixed starting position and varies from 0 degrees to 360 degrees for a
complete revolution
of the rotatable common shaft 102.
[0104] Tm is the instantaneous electromechanical torque transmitted to the
rotatable
common shaft 102 by the first rotatable electric machine 104. It will be
appreciated that
Tm may also be the algebraic sum of the instantaneous electromechanical
torques
transmitted to the rotatable common shaft 102 by the first rotatable electric
machine 104,
the second rotatable electric machine 106 and the third rotatable electric
machine 108.
[0105] T is the peak cogging torque acting on the first rotatable electric
machine 104, the
second rotatable electric machine 106 and the third rotatable electric machine
108.
[0106] Tnet is the net torque acting on the rotatable common shaft 102, and
Tnet = Tm + Tcl
+ Tc2 + Tc3.
[0107] Tcnet is the net cogging torque acting on the rotatable common shaft
102 due to the
cogging torques generated by the first rotatable electric machine 104, the
second rotatable
electric machine 106 and the third rotatable electric machine 108, which
preferably is zero
(or near zero).
[0108] Ac is the equiangular displacement between the stationary
electromagnetic coil
windings (coil pairs) about the longitudinal shaft axis 103. Am is the
equiangular
displacement between the permanent magnets about the longitudinal shaft axis
103. For
the embodiment presented in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, Ac = (360 / 5) = 72 degrees (as
depicted
in FIG. 6), and Am = 360 / 6 = 60 degrees (as depicted in FIG. 7).
[0109] It is understood that m = 360 degrees / (Ac ¨ Am).
[0110] It is appreciated that the "m" above is the coefficient of the angular
displacement 0 of
the rotatable common shaft 102 and represents the number of cycles of the
cogging torque
acting on the rotatable disk assemblies per revolution of the rotatable common
shaft 102.
[0111] N is the number of disk assemblies mounted to the rotatable common
shaft 102
(which is three for the embodiment as depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7).
[0112] The angular shift (AS) is the circumferential angular shift between the
disk
assemblies of the rotatable electric machines relative to the longitudinal
shaft axis 103 of
the rotatable common shaft 102, and is computed using the formula: AS =
absolute value
(Am ¨ Ac) / N.
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[0113] For the embodiment presented in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, Ac = (360 / 5) = 72
degrees (as
depicted in FIG. 6), and Am = 360 / 6 = 60 degrees (as depicted in FIG. 7).
[0114] For the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, m = 360 / (72 ¨
60) = 30
(which is the coefficient of angular displacement 0).
[0115] In accordance with the embodiments as depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7, there
are six
permanent magnets and five coil pairs per each of the first rotatable electric
machine 104
(the first electric generator assembly 204), the second rotatable electric
machine 106 (the
electric motor assembly 206), and the third rotatable electric machine 108
(the second
electric generator assembly 208).
[0116] In accordance with the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7,
the angular
shift (AS) = absolute value of (60 ¨ 72) / 3 = 4 degrees (which is also
depicted in FIGS. 9
and 11).
[0117] It will be appreciated that Tcl, Tc2 and Tc3 are sinusoidal in nature.
The algebraic
sum of the cogging torque, Tnet, is zero (preferably) due to the
circumferential angular
shift between the first disk assembly 134, the second disk assembly 136 and
the third disk
assembly 138. The circumferential angular shift (also called a relative
circumferential
phase shift, a relative circumferential mechanical phase shift, or a
mechanical phase shift,
or any equivalent thereof) between the first disk assembly 134, the second
disk assembly
136 and the third disk assembly 138 is depicted in FIG. 9, FIG. 10 and FIG.
11.
[0118] The rotatable electric machines are arranged on the rotatable common
shaft 102 in
such a way that a relative mechanical phase shift is maintained as the
rotatable electric
machines are rotated.
[0119] To cancel (reduce or eliminate) the net cogging force, multiple disk
assemblies (that
is, of the rotatable electric machines) may be mounted to the rotatable common
shaft 102,
in which each of the disk assemblies are mounted or arranged on the rotatable
common
shaft 102; this is done in such a way that there is an angular shift between
the first disk
assembly 134 of the first rotatable electric machine 104, the second disk
assembly 136 of
the second rotatable electric machine 106, and the third disk assembly 138 of
the third
rotatable electric machine 108.
[0120] The following formula is used to compute Tcnet = (Tel + Tc2 + TO).
[0121] Tenet = T sin (m0) + T sin (m0 ¨ 120 degrees) + T sin (m0 ¨ 240
degrees).
[0122] This trigonometric equation can be manipulated and reduced to show that
Tenet = 0.
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[0123] Tnet (net torque acting on the rotatable common shaft 102) = Tm (torque
generated
by the second rotatable electric machine 106 or by the electric motor assembly
206) +
Tcnet = Tm + 0 = Tm.
[0124] FIG. 4 depicts a close-up partial perspective view of an embodiment of
a second
rotatable electric machine 106 of the apparatus of FIG. 1.
[0125] Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 4, the second rotatable
electric
machine 106 includes the electric motor assembly 206 (as depicted in FIG. 1).
The second
rotatable electric machine 106 includes the second stationary electromagnetic
coil pair
collection 126. The coil pairs of the second stationary electromagnetic coil
pair collection
126 are positioned relative to each other in such a way that the second disk
assembly 136
is positionable between the coil pairs. The second disk assembly 136 is
configured to be
affixed to the rotatable common shaft 102 in such a way that the second disk
assembly
136, in use, rotates together with the rotatable common shaft 102 (in unison).
A stationary
housing 141 is configured to support the second stationary electromagnetic
coil pair
collection 126 relative to the second disk assembly 136.
[0126] In accordance with the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 4, the second
stationary
electromagnetic coil pair collection 126 includes a first stationary coil pair
126A, a second
stationary coil pair 126B, a third stationary coil pair 126C, a fourth
stationary coil pair
126D, and a fifth stationary coil pair 126E, all spaced apart from each other,
and each has
end sections that face the second disk assembly 136.
[0127] It will be appreciated that the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 4, for
the second
stationary electromagnetic coil pair collection 126 of the second rotatable
electric machine
106 (or of the electric motor assembly 206), is equally applicable for the
first stationary
electromagnetic coil pair collection 124 of the first rotatable electric
machine 104, and is
equally applicable for the third stationary electromagnetic coil pair
collection 128 of the
third rotatable electric machine 108, as depicted in FIG. 1.
[0128] FIG. 5 depicts a close-up partial perspective view of an embodiment of
the second
stationary electromagnetic coil pair collection 126 usable for any one of the
first rotatable
electric machine 104, the second rotatable electric machine 106, and the third
rotatable
electric machine 108 of the apparatus of FIG. 1.
[0129] Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 5, the first stationary
coil pair 126A,
which are spaced apart from each other, are wound in the same direction (such
as the
counter-clockwise direction). The electrical terminals 125 electrically
connect the
windings of the first stationary coil pair 126A in such a way that the
magnetic polarity of
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the first stationary coil pair 126A, once the first stationary coil pair 126A
is energized or
electrified, assist each other and are not in opposition to one another. For
the case where
magnetic polarity N (north) is provided by a face section of one of the coil
pair of the first
stationary coil pair 126A, the adjacent face section of the neighboring coil
pair of the first
stationary coil pair 126A provides the magnetic polarity S (south) and vice
versa.
Generally, each coil section forming the electromagnet pair has opposing
polarity. That is,
if one coil section is a north pole towards the rotatable disk assembly, then
the other coil
section (the opposing coil section) is a south pole towards the rotatable disk
assembly and
vice versa.
[0130] It will be appreciated that the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 5, for
the second
stationary electromagnetic coil pair collection 126 of the second rotatable
electric machine
106 (or of the electric motor assembly 206), is equally applicable for the
first stationary
electromagnetic coil pair collection 124 of the first rotatable electric
machine 104, and is
equally applicable for the third stationary electromagnetic coil pair
collection 128 of the
third rotatable electric machine 108, as depicted in FIG. 1.
[0131] FIG. 6 depicts a side view of an embodiment of the first stationary
electromagnetic
coil pair collection 124 usable for any one of the first rotatable electric
machine 104, the
second rotatable electric machine 106, and the third rotatable electric
machine 108 of the
apparatus of FIG. 1.
[0132] In accordance with the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 6, the first
stationary
electromagnetic coil pair collection 124 includes the first stationary coil
pair 124A, the
second stationary coil pair 124B, the third stationary coil pair 124C, the
fourth stationary
coil pair 124D, and the fifth stationary coil pair 124E, all spaced apart from
each other.
Preferably, the stationary electromagnet coil pairs are positioned in the same
plane, at the
same perpendicular distance (also called a radial distance) from the
longitudinal shaft axis
103, and are also equally spaced apart from each other at positions that are
located around
(along) a circumferential path that is described by the radial position of the
stationary
electromagnet coil pairs relative to longitudinal shaft axis 103. The
stationary
electromagnet coil pairs are positioned equidistant from the longitudinal
shaft axis 103,
and are also spaced equally from each other (at positioned located) along a
circumferential
path described by the radial position (radial distance) of the stationary
electromagnet coil
pairs with respect to longitudinal shaft axis 103. The stationary
electromagnet coil pairs
are mounted (positioned) in the same plane.
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[0133] In accordance with the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 6, each of the
coil pairs of the
first stationary electromagnetic coil pair collection 124 are spaced apart at
a predetermined
angle relative to the rotation axis and positioned the same radial distance
from the axis of
rotation. For the case where there is a quantity of five coil pairs, the
angular spacing is,
preferably, about 72 degrees.
[0134] It will be appreciated that the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 6, for
the first
stationary electromagnetic coil pair collection 124, is equally applicable for
the second
stationary electromagnetic coil pair collection 126 of the second rotatable
electric machine
106, and is equally applicable for the third stationary electromagnetic coil
pair collection
128 of the third rotatable electric machine 108, as depicted in FIG. 1.
[0135] FIGS. 7 and 8 depict side views of embodiments of the second magnet
collection 146
usable for the second disk assembly 136 of the second rotatable electric
machine 106 of
FIG. 1.
[0136] Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 7, the second disk
assembly 136
faces the first rotatable electric machine 104 (or faces the first electric
generator assembly
204) of FIG. 1. As depicted in FIG. 8, the second disk assembly 136 faces the
third
rotatable electric machine 108 (or faces the second electric generator
assembly 208) of
FIG. 1. It will be appreciated that it is not strictly necessary to place the
second rotatable
electric machine 106 physically between the first rotatable electric machine
104 and the
third rotatable electric machine 108. That is, the second rotatable electric
machine 106 may
swap places or positions with either the first rotatable electric machine 104
or the third
rotatable electric machine 108 with no adverse impact on system performance.
It will be
appreciated that the permanent magnets are mounted to (affixed to) the disk
assemblies
(134, 136, 138), as depicted in FIG. 1.
[0137] The second magnet collection 146 includes spaced apart magnets
(preferably, spaced-
apart permanent magnets). The second magnet collection 146 includes a quantity
of six
magnet assemblies. Preferably, the second magnet collection 146 includes a
first magnet
assembly 146A, a second magnet assembly 146B, a third magnet assembly 146C, a
fourth
magnet assembly 146D, a fifth magnet assembly 146E, and a sixth magnet
assembly 146F.
[0138] In accordance with the embodiment as depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8, each of
the magnet
assemblies of the second magnet collection 146 are spaced apart at a
predetermined angle
relative to the rotation axis and positioned the same radial distance from the
axis of
rotation. For the case where there is a quantity of six magnet assemblies, the
angular
spacing is, preferably, about 60 degrees. It will be appreciated that the
embodiments as
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depicted in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, for the second magnet collection 146 of the
second rotatable
electric machine 106 (or of the electric motor assembly 206), is equally
applicable for the
first magnet collection 144 of the first rotatable electric machine 104, and
is equally
applicable for the third magnet collection 148 of the third rotatable electric
machine 108,
as depicted in FIG. 1.
[0139] FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 depict side views of embodiments of a first magnet
collection
144, a second magnet collection 146, and a third magnet collection 148
respectively usable
for the first rotatable electric machine 104, the second rotatable electric
machine 106, and
the third rotatable electric machine 108 of the apparatus of FIG. 1.
[0140] In accordance with the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 9, the first
magnet collection
144 is mounted to, and affixed to, the first disk assembly 134. The first
magnet collection
144 includes spaced-apart permanent magnets positioned radially from the
central zone of
the first disk assembly 134. The first magnet collection 144 includes a first
magnet
assembly 144A, a second magnet assembly 144B, a third magnet assembly 144C, a
fourth
magnet assembly 144D, a fifth magnet assembly 144E, and a sixth magnet
assembly 144F,
all spaced apart from each other.
[0141] In accordance with the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 10, the second
magnet
collection 146 is mounted to, and affixed to, the second disk assembly 136.
The second
magnet collection 146 includes spaced-apart permanent magnets positioned
radially from
the central zone of the second disk assembly 136. The second magnet collection
146
includes a first magnet assembly 146A, a second magnet assembly 146B, a third
magnet
assembly 146C, a fourth magnet assembly 146D, a fifth magnet assembly 146E,
and a
sixth magnet assembly 146F, all spaced apart from each other.
[0142] In accordance with the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 11, the third
magnet
collection 148 is mounted to, and affixed to, the third disk assembly 138. The
third magnet
collection 148 includes spaced-apart permanent magnets positioned radially
from the
central zone of the third disk assembly 138. The third magnet collection 148
includes a
first magnet assembly 148A, a second magnet assembly 148B, a third magnet
assembly
148C, a fourth magnet assembly 148D, a fifth magnet assembly 148E, and a sixth
magnet
assembly 148F, all spaced apart from each other.
[0143] In accordance with embodiments as depicted in FIGS. 9, 10 and 11, the
second
magnet collection 146 is mounted to, and affixed to, the second disk assembly
136 in such
a way that the second magnet collection 146 is positioned at a predetermined
mechanical
lagging angle 131 (also called a circumferential lagging offset angle)
relative to the first
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magnet collection 144 mounted to the second disk assembly 136. In accordance
with the
embodiment as depicted, the predetermined mechanical lagging angle 131 is
about four
degrees (that is, about four degrees from ahead of the vertical line extending
through the
first disk assembly 134).
[0144] In summary, the rotatable common shaft 102 is configured to be
rotatable about the
longitudinal shaft axis 103 extending along the rotatable common shaft 102.
Rotatable
electric machines (104, 106, 108) are arranged at spaced-apart positions along
the rotatable
common shaft 102. The rotatable electric machines (104, 106, 108) each have a
respective
disk assembly (134, 136, 138) that is circumferentially shifted relative to
the other
rotatable disk assemblies (134, 136, 138) about the longitudinal shaft axis
103. The
respective disk assembly (134, 136, 138) remains circumferentially shifted
relative to the
other rotatable disk assemblies (134, 136, 138) while the respective disk
assembly (134,
136, 138) are rotated about the longitudinal shaft axis 103. This is done in
such a way that:
(A) disk assemblies of the rotatable electric machines (104, 106, 108) and the
rotatable
common shaft 102 are concurrently rotatable; and (B) the net cogging force
900, which is
generated by the rotatable electric machines (104, 106, 108), and which is
imparted to the
rotatable common shaft 102, is reduced.
[0145] In accordance with embodiments as depicted in FIGS. 9, 10 and 11, the
second
magnet collection 146 is mounted to, and affixed to, the second disk assembly
136 in such
a way that the second magnet collection 146 is positioned at a predetermined
leading
mechanical angle 133 (also called a circumferential leading offset angle)
relative to the
third magnet collection 148 mounted to the third disk assembly 138. For
instance, the
predetermined leading mechanical angle 133 is four degrees (that is, about
four degrees
from behind the vertical line extending through the third disk assembly 138).
[0146] It will be appreciated that the circumferential offset angle may apply
to either the
rotatable disk assemblies or the stationary coil pair collections. In other
words, (A) the
rotatable disks respectively correspond to the first disk assembly 134, (B)
the second disk
assembly 136 and the third disk assembly 138 may be geometrically aligned, (C)
the set of
first stationary electromagnetic coil pair collection 124, and (D) the second
stationary
electromagnetic coil pair collection 126 and the third stationary coil pair
collection are
circumferentially shifted relative to each other.
[0147] It will be appreciated that the four degrees circumferential offset
angle is applicable
for the embodiment of the apparatus having six spaced-apart permanent magnets
and five
coil pairs.
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[0148] For the embodiment presented in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, Ac = 360/5 = 72
degrees (as
depicted in FIG. 6), and Am = 360/6 = 60 degrees (as depicted in FIG. 7).
[0149] The circumferential offset angle is represented by As. As equals the
absolute value
(Am ¨ Ac) / N.
[0150] For the embodiment as depicted in FIGS. 9, 10 and 11, As = abs (60 ¨
72) / 3 = 4
degrees.
[0151] FIG. 12 depicts a partial perspective view of an embodiment of a first
magnet
assembly 144A and a first stationary coil pair 124A usable for any one of the
first rotatable
electric machine 104, the second rotatable electric machine 106, and the third
rotatable
electric machine 108 of the apparatus of FIG. 1.
[0152] Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 12, there is a coaxial
offset 127
between the first stationary coil pair 124A and the permanent magnets of the
first magnet
collection 144. A center axis, which is parallel to the longitudinal shaft
axis 103, extends
through the first stationary coil pair 124A. A central axis, which is parallel
to the
longitudinal shaft axis 103, extends (respectively) through each of the
permanent magnets
of the first magnet collection 144. The coaxial offset 127 is the distance
between the center
axis extending through the first stationary coil pair 124A and the central
axis respectively
extending through each of the permanent magnets of the first magnet collection
144. The
first stationary coil pair 124A includes a ferromagnetic core 129. The
centerline (central
axis) of each of the permanent magnets of the first magnet collection 144 and
the
ferromagnetic core 129 of the first stationary coil pair 124A are coaxially
offset from each
other, so that the torque generated by the second rotatable electric machine
106 (the
electric motor assembly 206) is maximized. In general terms, the stationary
electromagnet
coil pairs each have the stationary ferromagnetic cores that are spaced apart
from the
permanent magnets of the disk assemblies (134, 136, 138) by an air gap and a
coaxial
offset. A center axis (which is parallel to the longitudinal shaft axis 103,
and which is
spaced apart from the longitudinal shaft axis 103) extends through each of the
stationary
electromagnet coil pairs. A central axis (which is parallel to the
longitudinal shaft axis 103,
and which is spaced apart from the longitudinal shaft axis 103) extends
through each of the
permanent magnets of the disk assemblies (134, 136, 138). The coaxial offset
is a radial
distance between the center axis of the stationary electromagnet coil pairs
and the central
axis of the permanent magnets of the disk assemblies (134, 136, 138) with
respect to the
longitudinal shaft axis 103.
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[0153] It will be appreciated that there is a coaxial offset between the
ferromagnetic cores of
the coil pairs (coil windings) and the permanent magnets of the first
rotatable electric
machine 104, the second rotatable electric machine 106 and the third rotatable
electric
machine 108.
[0154] Preferably, demagnetization of the stationary ferromagnetic cores of
the stationary
electromagnet coil pairs of the rotatable electric machines occurs at a point
where the
stationary ferromagnetic cores and the permanent magnets of the disk
assemblies are in
alignment at the magnetic neutral point.
[0155] Preferably, the stationary ferromagnetic cores of the stationary
electromagnet coil
windings of the rotatable electric machines are configured to (A) achieve
saturated
magnetic flux with minimal electrical power input from the DC source, (B)
maintain a
high remnant magnetic flux (preferably greater than 70% of the saturated
magnetic flux),
(C) require minimal electrical power input from the DC source to demagnetize,
and (D)
have relatively low hysteresis and eddy current losses.
[0156] Preferably the hysteresis curve for the ferromagnetic cores should be
as depicted in
FIG. 54. Where the coercive force is relatively small to achieve easy
demagnetization of
the electromagnet pairs of the stationary electromagnet pair collection 124
and the remnant
flux in the ferromagnetic core 129 is greater than or equal to about 70
percent (%) of the
saturated magnetization flux.
[0157] Preferably, a remnant magnetic flux in the stationary ferromagnetic
cores (of the
stationary electromagnet coil pairs of the rotatable electric machines 104,
106, 108) is used
to maximize a magnetic attraction force of the permanent magnets of the disk
assemblies
(134, 136, 138) as the permanent magnets of the disk assemblies (134, 136,
138) rotate
towards the stationary electromagnet coil pairs.
[0158] Preferably, just enough current is permitted to flow in the stationary
electromagnet
coil pairs (coil windings) to maximize a magnetic repulsive force on the
permanent
magnets (of the disk assemblies 134, 136, 138) as the permanent magnets of the
disk
assemblies (134, 136, 138) rotate away from between the stationary
electromagnet coil
pairs. Preferably, the current flow in the coil pairs (that is, the stationary
electromagnet coil
windings) should cause the magnetic flux in the stationary ferromagnetic cores
to just
reach magnetic saturation. For the case where the current is allowed to exceed
this
threshold value, then the efficiency of the apparatus may suffer.
[0159] It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that the careful
coordination of the
current that allowed to flow in the windings of the electromagnets pairs of
the stationary
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electromagnet pair collection 124 as the permanent magnets of the rotatable
disk assembly
134 approach and depart the magnetic neutral point results in the torque
versus speed
variation as depicted in FIG. 55, (wherein V4>V3>V2>V1) with electromechanical
torque
developed at the rotatable shaft 102 increasing with the speed of the
rotatable disk
assembly 134. In particular, when the motor is in run mode, an initial
starting torque is
developed as the high starting currents flow in the electromagnets. The
electromechanical
torque reduces slightly as it approaches a certain threshold speed. It will be
appreciated
that the threshold speed reduces with the increase in DC voltage from the
battery module.
Beyond the threshold speed, the clockwise and counter clockwise angular
setpoints are
increased to cause an increase in the rate-of-rise and magnitude of the
current in the
electromagnets as the magnets of the disk assemblies approach and depart the
magnetic
neutral point, which cause a corresponding increase in the electromechanical
torque
developed at the shaft and an increase in the motor speed.
[0160] Preferably, the energy stored in a magnetic field of the stationary
electromagnet coil
windings is harvested and reused to aid in the magnetic propulsion of the
permanent
magnets of the disk assemblies between the stationary electromagnet coil
windings.
[0161] Generally, the electromechanical torque acting on the disk assemblies
(134, 136, 138)
of the rotatable electric machines (104, 106, 108) is a function of the
remnant magnetic
flux in the electromagnet coil pairs of the rotatable electric machines (104,
106, 108), the
electrical power drawn from the DC input source (such as the DC/DC converter
module
317), the induced emf across the terminals of the electromagnet coil pairs of
the rotatable
electric machines as shown in FIG. 42 (104, 106, 108), and the energy stored
in the
magnetic field of the electromagnet coil pairs of the rotatable electric
machines (104, 106,
108).
[0162] FIGS. 13, 14, 15 and 16 depict side views of embodiments of a first
magnet assembly
144A and a first stationary coil pair 124A usable for any one of the first
rotatable electric
machine 104, the second rotatable electric machine 106, and the third
rotatable electric
machine 108 of the apparatus of FIG. 1.
[0163] FIG. 13 depicts the preferred embodiment for the coaxial offset.
Preferably, the
coaxial offset between the periphery of the ferromagnetic core of the first
stationary coil
pair 124A and the periphery of the first magnet assembly 144A should be zero
for
optimum performance of the first rotatable electric machine 104 (or the first
rotatable
electric machine 104), and it will be appreciated that this statement is
applicable for the
second rotatable electric machine 106, and the third rotatable electric
machine 108. It will
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be appreciated that this is the case if the ferromagnetic core and the
permanent magnet
have similar cross-sectional areas. For the case where the ferromagnetic core
and the
permanent magnet have the dissimilar cross-sectional areas, a coaxial offset
as per FIG. 16
may be optimal. An improved performance may result if both cross-sectional
areas (of the
ferromagnetic core and the permanent magnet) are equal or approximately equal
to each
other.
[0164] FIGS. 14 and 15 represent less-preferred embodiments for the coaxial
offset, in which
the performance may be suboptimum for the coaxial offset as depicted.
[0165] It will be appreciated that the cross-sectional profiles of the
ferromagnetic core 129
and the permanent magnets of the first magnet collection 144 may be different
from each
other (if so desired).
[0166] FIGS. 17, 18, and 19 depict side views of embodiments of a first magnet
assembly
144A and a first stationary coil pair 124A usable for any one of the first
rotatable electric
machine 104, the second rotatable electric machine 106, and the third
rotatable electric
machine 108 of the apparatus of FIG. 1.
[0167] In accordance with the embodiment as depicted in FIGS. 17, 18 and 19,
the coaxial
offset 127 (also depicted in FIG. 12) is the distance between the centerlines
of the first
stationary coil pair 124A and the first magnet assembly 144A. Preferably, the
coaxial
offset is such that the radial distance between the bottom portion of the
ferromagnetic core
129 of the first stationary coil pair 124A and the top portion the permanent
magnet of the
first magnet assembly 144A is zero (for maximizing efficiency). In order
words, there is
(A) no radial overlap (radial overlap is depicted in FIG. 16) between the
bottom portion of
the ferromagnetic core 129 of the first stationary coil pair 124A and the top
portion of the
first magnet assembly 144A (as noted earlier, this may be optimal if the cross-
sectional
areas are the same for the ferromagnetic core and the permanent magnet), and
(B) no radial
separation (radial separation is depicted in FIGS. 14 and 15) between the
bottom portion of
the ferromagnetic core 129 of the first stationary coil pair 124A and the top
portion of the
first magnet assembly 144A.
[0168] FIGS. 20, 21, and 22 depict side views of embodiments of the first
magnet collection
144, the second magnet collection 146 and the third magnet collection 148
respectively
usable for the first rotatable electric machine 104, the second rotatable
electric machine
106, and the third rotatable electric machine 108 of FIG. 1.
[0169] Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 20, the first
stationary
electromagnetic coil pair collection 124 includes spaced-apart coil pairs
positioned on
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opposite sides of the first disk assembly 134. The spaced-apart coil pairs are
each
positioned axially equidistant from the surface (or plane) of the first disk
assembly 134.
The centers of the spaced-apart coil pairs are positioned circumferentially
equiangular
relative to the center of the first disk assembly 134. In accordance with a
preferred
embodiment, the first stationary electromagnetic coil pair collection 124
includes the first
stationary coil pair 124A, the second stationary coil pair 124B, the third
stationary coil pair
124C, the fourth stationary coil pair 124D, and the fifth stationary coil pair
124E.
[0170] The second stationary electromagnetic coil pair collection 126 includes
spaced-apart
coil pairs positioned on opposite sides of the second disk assembly 136. The
spaced-apart
coil pairs are each positioned axially equidistant from the surface (plane) of
the second
disk assembly 136. The centers of the spaced-apart coil pairs are positioned
circumferentially equiangular relative to the center of the second disk
assembly 136. In
accordance with a preferred embodiment, the second stationary electromagnetic
coil pair
collection 126 includes the first stationary coil pair 126A, the second
stationary coil pair
126B, the third stationary coil pair 126C, the fourth stationary coil pair
126D, and the fifth
stationary coil pair 126E.
[0171] The third stationary electromagnetic coil pair collection 128 includes
spaced-apart
coil pairs positioned on opposite sides of the third disk assembly 138. The
spaced-apart
coil pairs are each positioned axially equidistant from the surface (plane) of
the third disk
assembly 138. The centers of the spaced-apart coil pairs are positioned
circumferentially
equiangular relative to the center of the third disk assembly 138. In
accordance with a
preferred embodiment, the third stationary electromagnetic coil pair
collection 128
includes the first stationary coil pair 128A, the second stationary coil pair
128B, the third
stationary coil pair 128C, the fourth stationary coil pair 128D, and the fifth
stationary coil
pair 128E.
[0172] The first magnet collection 144 includes spaced-apart magnets supported
by the first
disk assembly 134 in such a way that the opposite sides (poles) of the magnets
are oriented
coaxially relative to the rotatable common shaft 102, and have equal radial
spacing from
the axis of the rotatable common shaft 102. The spaced-apart magnets are each
positioned
circumferentially equidistant and radially from the center of the first disk
assembly 134.
The centers of the spaced-apart magnets are positioned equiangular relative to
the center of
the first disk assembly 134. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the
first magnet
collection 144 includes the first magnet assembly 144A, the second magnet
assembly
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144B, the third magnet assembly 144C, the fourth magnet assembly 144D, the
fifth
magnet assembly 144E, and the sixth magnet assembly 144F.
[0173] The second magnet collection 146 includes spaced-apart magnets
supported by the
second disk assembly 136 in such a way that the opposite sides of the magnets
are oriented
coaxially relative to the rotatable common shaft 102, and have equal radial
spacing from
the axis of the rotatable common shaft 102. The spaced-apart magnets are each
positioned
circumferentially equidistant and radially from the center of the second disk
assembly 136.
The centers of the spaced-apart magnets are positioned equiangular relative to
the center of
the second disk assembly 136. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the
second
magnet collection 146 includes the first magnet assembly 146A, the second
magnet
assembly 146B, the third magnet assembly 146C, the fourth magnet assembly
146D, the
fifth magnet assembly 146E, and the sixth magnet assembly 146F.
[0174] The third magnet collection 148 includes spaced-apart magnets supported
by the third
disk assembly 138 in such a way that the opposite sides of the magnets are
oriented
coaxially relative to the rotatable common shaft 102, and have equal radial
spacing from
the axis of the rotatable common shaft 102. The spaced-apart magnets are each
positioned
circumferentially equidistant and radially from the center of the third disk
assembly 138.
The centers of the spaced-apart magnets are positioned equiangular relative to
the center of
the third disk assembly 138. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the
third magnet
collection 148 includes the first magnet assembly 148A, the second magnet
assembly
148B, the third magnet assembly 148C, the fourth magnet assembly 148D, the
fifth
magnet assembly 148E, and the sixth magnet assembly 148F.
[0175] FIG. 23 depicts a schematic view of an embodiment of an electric motor
interface
module 216 usable for the case where any one of the first rotatable electric
machine 104,
the second rotatable electric machine 106, and the third rotatable electric
machine 108 of
FIG. 1 are operated as an electric motor assembly 206.
[0176] Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 23, for the case where
the second
rotatable electric machine 106 (depicted in FIG. 1) is configured to operate
as (or include)
the electric motor assembly 206 (depicted in FIG. 1), the second electric-
machine interface
module 116 (depicted in FIG. I) includes the electric motor interface module
216
(depicted in FIG. 23). The electric motor interface module 216 is configured
to interact
(directly or indirectly) with the second disk assembly 136 (depicted in FIG.
1). The second
disk assembly 136 is configured to be affixed to the rotatable common shaft
102 in such a
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way that the second disk assembly 136, in use, rotates together with the
rotatable common
shaft 102 (in unison).
[0177] In accordance with the general layout as depicted in FIG. 4 and FIG.
23, the second
disk assembly 136 is positioned between, and spaced apart from, each of the
first
stationary coil pair 126A (also called the coil pair A or CP-A), the second
stationary coil
pair 126B (also called the coil pair B or CP-B), the third stationary coil
pair 126C (also
called the coil pair C or CP-C), the fourth stationary coil pair 126D (also
called the coil
pair D or CP-D), and the fifth stationary coil pair 126E (also called the coil
pair E or CP-
E).
[0178] The electric motor interface module 216 is configured to electrically
interface with
the first stationary coil pair 126A, the second stationary coil pair 126B, the
third stationary
coil pair 126C, the fourth stationary coil pair 126D, and the fifth stationary
coil pair 126E.
Preferably, the electric motor interface module 216 includes: (A) CP-A motor
interface
module 316A configured to electrically interface with the first stationary
coil pair 126A
(that is, configured for use with the coil pair A or CP-A), (B) CP-B motor
interface module
316B configured to electrically interface with the second stationary coil pair
126B (that is,
configured for use with the coil pair B or CP-B), (C) CP-C motor interface
module 316C
configured to electrically interface with the third stationary coil pair 126C
(that is,
configured for use with the coil pair C or CP-C), (D) CP-D motor interface
module 316D
configured to electrically interface with the fourth stationary coil pair 126D
(that is,
configured for use with the coil pair D or CP-D), and (E) CP-E motor interface
module
316E configured to electrically interface with the fifth stationary coil pair
126E (that is,
configured for use with the coil pair E or CP-E).
[0179] The DC/DC converter module 317 (direct current to direct current
converter module)
is a known commercial product (and is therefore not described here). The DC/DC
converter module 317 is configured to convert the DC (direct current) voltage
from the
battery module to a higher utilization voltage. In other words, for the case
where the DC
voltage from the battery module 112 is (for instance) about 48 volts DC
(Direct Current),
the DC/DC converter module 317 may convert that voltage to a utilization DC
voltage of
about (for instance) 100 volts or higher. The utilization of a DC voltage may
be controlled
either by the controller 110 or may be operated with a fixed setting (if
desired). However,
the advantage of a controlled utilization voltage is that it may: (A) control
the starting
torque of the electric motor, (B) limit the starting current of the electric
motor, and/or (C)
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control the motor operating torque. The control of the DC utilization voltage
is the
preferred embodiment.
[0180] FIG. 24 depicts a schematic view of an embodiment of the CP-A motor
interface
module 316A (PART A) and the DC/DC converter module 317 both of the electric
motor
interface module 216 of FIG. 23.
[0181] Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 24, the CP-A motor
interface
module 316A (PART A) is also usable with (applicable for) the CP-B motor
interface
module 316B to the CP-E motor interface module 316E, as depicted in FIG. 23.
The CP-A
motor interface module 316A (PART A) includes the coil pair A (CP-A), such as
the first
stationary coil pair 126A, first main switch MS1, first diode D1, second diode
D2, third
diode D3, first capacitor Cl, second capacitor C2, first digitally
controllable switch CS1,
second digitally controllable switch CS2, third digitally controllable switch
CS3, fourth
digitally controllable switch CS4, fifth digitally controllable switch CS5,
sixth digitally
controllable switch CS6, and the DC/DC converter module 317. The description
of the
operation of the CP-A motor interface module 316A (PART A) is provided in
association
with FIGS. 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38 and 39. The controller 110
is configured
to operate the switches CS1, CS2, CS3, CS4, CS5, and CS6. The controller 110
is
configured to change the states or operation modes of the switches between an
ON state
and an OFF state, depending on the angular rotation information provided by
the angular
encoder 115, as depicted in FIG. 1. In this manner, the controller 110 is
configured to
control the operations of the CP-A motor interface module 316A to the CP-E
motor
interface module 316E, as depicted in FIG. 23.
[0182] FIG. 57 depicts a schematic view of a further embodiment of the CP-A
motor
interface module 316A (PART A) and the DC/DC converter module 317 both of the
electric motor interface module 216 of FIG. 23. The further embodiment of FIG.
57
utilizes a full-bridge configuration to convert direct current (DC) to
alternating current
(AC) as is commonly known in the art.
[0183] Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 57, the CP-A motor
interface
module 316A (PART A) is also usable with (applicable for) the CP-B motor
interface
module 316B to the CP-E motor interface module 316E, as depicted in FIG. 23.
The CP-A
motor interface module 316A (PART A) includes the coil pair A (CP-A), such as
the first
stationary coil pair 126A, first main switch MS1, first diode D1, second diode
D2, third
diode D3, first digitally controllable switch CS1A, second digitally
controllable switch
CS2A, third digitally controllable switch CS3, fourth digitally controllable
switch CS4,
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fifth digitally controllable switch CS5, sixth digitally controllable switch
CS6, and the
DC/DC converter module 317. The description of the operation of the CP-A motor
interface module 316A (PART A) is provided in association with FIGS. 58, 60,
59 and 60.
The controller 110 is configured to operate the switches CSIA, CS2A, CS3, C54,
C55,
and CS6. The controller 110 is configured to change the states or operation
modes of the
switches between an ON state and an OFF state, depending on the angular
rotation
information provided by the angular encoder 115, as depicted in FIG. 1. In
this manner, the
controller 110 is configured to control the operations of the CP-A motor
interface module
316A to the CP-E motor interface module 316E, as depicted in FIG. 23.
[0184] FIG. 25 and FIG. 26 depict schematic views of embodiments of the
battery charging
switching module 400 of FIG. 24.
[0185] Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 25, the battery
charging switching
module 400 includes the CP-A motor interface module 316A (Part A) configured
for use
with the first stationary coil pair 126A (coil pair A or CP-A).
[0186] The controller 110 is configured to control the switches SW1A, SW2A,
SW3A, and
SW4A in such a way that these switches, in use, control the charging of the
batteries
associated with the battery module 112 by using the recovered energy from coil
pair CP-A
(as needed), etc. It will be appreciated that the same description may apply
to the CP-B
motor interface module 316B, the CP-C motor interface module 316C, the CP-D
motor
interface module 316D, and the CP-E motor interface module 316E (depicted in
FIG. 27).
The controller 110 is configured to control the switches SWIB, SW2B, SW3B, and
SW4B
in such a way that these switches, in use, control the charging of the
batteries of the battery
module 112 by using the recovered energy from coil pair CP-B (as needed). The
controller
110 is configured to control the switches SW1C, SW2C, SW3C, and SW4C in such a
way
that these switches, in use, control the charging of the batteries of the
battery module 112
by using the recovered energy from coil pair CP-C (as needed). The controller
110 is
configured to control the switches SW1D, SW2D, SW3D, and SW4D in such a way
that
these switches, in use, control the charging of the batteries of the battery
module 112 by
using the recovered energy from coil pair CP-D (as needed). The controller 110
is
configured to control the switches SW1E, SW2E, SW3E, and SW4E in such a way
that
these switches, in use, control the charging of the batteries of the battery
module 112 by
using the recovered energy from coil pair CP-E (as needed).
[0187] It will be appreciated that the usage of the diodes in place of the
switches is an
alternative option (that is, for the switches depicted in FIG. 25 and FIG. 26,
if so desired).
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[0188] FIG. 26 depicts a schematic view of an embodiment of the CP-A motor
interface
module 316A (Part C) of the electric motor interface module 216 of FIG. 23.
[0189] It will be appreciated that the CP-A motor interface module 316A (Part
B) and the
CP-A motor interface module 316A (Part C) cooperate with each other to charge
the
batteries of the battery module 112 (which is depicted in FIG. 1). The CP-A
motor
interface module 316A (Part B) is electrically connected to the negative
terminal of the
battery module 112. The CP-A motor interface module 316A (Part C) is
electrically
connected to the positive terminal of the battery module 112.
[0190] FIGS. 27 and 28 depict schematic views of embodiments of the battery
module 112
for use with the electric motor interface module 216 of FIG. 23.
[0191] In accordance with the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 27, the electric
motor
interface module 216 includes the CP-A motor interface module 316A to the CP-E
motor
interface module 316E, each of which are configured to electrically interface
with the first
stationary coil pair 126A to the fifth stationary coil pair 126E
(respectively) of the electric
motor assembly 206. More specifically, the electric motor interface module 216
includes:
(A) CP-A motor interface module 316A configured to electrically interface with
the first
stationary coil pair 126A, (B) CP-B motor interface module 316B configured to
electrically interface with the second stationary coil pair 126B, (C) CP-C
motor interface
module 316C configured to electrically interface with the third stationary
coil pair 126C,
(D) CP-D motor interface module 316D configured to electrically interface with
the fourth
stationary coil pair 126D, and (E) CP-E motor interface module 316E configured
to
electrically interface with the fifth stationary coil pair 126E.
[0192] The battery module 112 is electrically connected to each of the CP-A
motor interface
module 316A to the CP-E motor interface module 316E of the electric motor
interface
module 216. The battery module 112 is configured to accept recovered energy
from CP-A,
CP-B, CP-C, CP-D, and CP-E (stationary coil pairs) electrically connected to
the electric
motor interface module 216 (as needed). The battery module 112 is configured
to provide
DC (Direct Current) input power to the DC/DC converter module 317.
[0193] The DC/DC converter module 317 is electrically connected to each of the
CP-A
motor interface module 316A to the CP-E motor interface module 316E of the
electric
motor interface module 216. The DC/DC converter module 317 is configured to
provide
utilization DC input power to the CP-A motor interface module 316A, CP-B motor
interface module 316B, CP-C motor interface module 316C, CP-D motor interface
module
316D and CP-E motor interface module 316E. The DC/DC converter module 317 may
be
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configured to increase the voltage supply by the battery module 112 to a
relatively higher
utilization DC voltage that is used by the electric motor interface module
216.
[0194] In accordance with the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 28, the B(+) and
B(¨)
terminals of the battery module 112 are electrically connected to the CP-A
motor interface
module 316A (Part B), which is depicted in FIG. 25, and the CP-A motor
interface module
316A (Part C), which is depicted in FIG. 26.
[0195] The DC(+) and the DC(¨) terminals of the battery module 112 are
electrically
connected to the DC/DC converter module 317, as depicted in FIG. 24.
[0196] Battery 1 (batt 1) and battery 2 (batt 2) of the battery module 112 may
be operated in
either running mode or in standby mode. The running battery provides power to
the
DC/DC converter module 317. The standby battery is charged from the recovered
energy
from coil pairs CP-A (coil pair A), CP-B (coil pair B), CP-C (coil pair C), CP-
D (coil pair
D) and CP-E (coil pair E) as needed. Note that battery 1 and/or battery 2 may
include a
single physical battery or may include a bank of batteries (if desired). For
the case where
the switches (computer controllable switches) CSB1, CSB2, CSB5 and CSB6 are
OFF,
battery 1 is electrically isolated and is neither being charged nor supplying
electrical power
to the DC/DC converter module 317.
[0197] For the case where the switches (computer controllable switches) CSB3,
CSB4,
CSB7 and CSB8 are OFF, battery 2 is electrically isolated and is neither being
charged nor
supplying electrical power to the DC/DC converter module 317.
[0198] The following is a disallowed state of battery 1 and battery 2: battery
1 and battery 2
cannot be operated in the standby or the running mode at the same time.
[0199] For the case where switches CSB1 and CSB2 are ON, switches CSB5 and
CSB6 must
be OFF, and in this operation mode, battery 1 is the standby battery and
battery 2 is the
running battery, and the switches CSB3 and CSB4 must be OFF, and the switches
CSB7
and CSB8 must be ON.
[0200] For the case where the switches CSB3 and CSB4 are ON, switches CSB7 and
CSB8
must be OFF, and in this operation mode battery 2 is the standby battery and
battery 1 is
the running battery, and the switches CSB1 and CSB2 are OFF, and switches CBS5
and
CSB6 are ON.
[0201] Voltage sensor assembly Vcon1 and voltage sensor assembly Vcon2 are
each
configured to electrically communicate with the controller 110. Voltage sensor
assemblies
Vcon 1 and Vcon2 are configured to monitor the voltages of battery 1 and
battery 2,
respectively. For the case where the voltage exceeds a predetermined
threshold, the
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standby battery can either be electrically isolated, or the roles switched
with the running
battery. For the case where the voltage of the running battery is below a
threshold value,
the running battery is switched with the standby battery so that the running
battery may be
placed off-line and recharged.
[0202] For the case where the electrical rotating motor (such as, the second
rotatable electric
machine 106 or the electric motor assembly 206) is operated in the fifth motor
operation
mode 505 or the tenth motor operation mode 515, then battery 1 or battery 2 is
available
for charging, and the switches CS5 and CS6 are OFF, and the switches SW1A,
SW2A,
SW3A and SW4A are ON for both the positive and negative motor current
transitions. For
the case where neither battery 1 nor battery 2 are available for charging,
then the switches
CS5 and CS6 are maintained in the ON state, and the switches SW1A, SW2A, SW3A
and
SW4A are switched OFF.
[0203] For the case where the switches CS5 and CS6 are ON, then the switches
SW1A,
SW2A, SW3A and SW4A must be OFF, respectively, and vice versa.
[0204] The switches SW1A, SW2A, SW3A and SW4A may be ON at the same time.
However, this state is allowed only when the switches CS5 and CS6 are OFF.
[0205] The above-described operation may apply to the corresponding circuits
for CP-A
(coil pair A), CP-B (coil pair B), CP-C (coil pair C), CP-D (coil pair D) and
CP-E (coil
pair E).
[0206] FIG. 29 and FIG. 30 depict a reduced schematic view (FIG. 29) and a
perspective
view (FIG. 30) of an embodiment of part A of the electric motor interface
module 216 of
FIG. 23, and the first stationary coil pair 126A and the first magnet assembly
146A
(respectively), operating in the first motor operation mode 501 and the sixth
motor
operation mode 511 (also called the energy generation modes), respectively.
[0207] Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 29, it will be
appreciated that the
description for the first stationary coil pair 126A is applicable to the
second stationary coil
pair 126B to the fifth stationary coil pair 126E.
[0208] The first motor operation mode 501 is schematically depicted in FIG.
40. The mode
501 spans across a portion of the angular rotation of the rotatable common
shaft 102 (as
depicted in FIG. 40) relative to the other operation modes of the electric
motor interface
module 216. The time duration of the first motor operation mode 501 is
controlled by the
controller 110 (depicted in FIG. 1) in response to the controller 110, in use,
receiving
angular shaft information (data), which is associated with the rotation of the
rotatable
common shaft 102, from the angular encoder 115, as depicted in FIG. 1.
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[0209] Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 29, it will be
appreciated that E is
the induced emf or EMF (electromotive force), which is induced into the first
stationary
coil pair 126A. The first magnet assembly 146A is moving towards the first
stationary coil
pair 126A, and between the coils of the first stationary coil pair 126A. The
first magnet
assembly 146A is magnetically attracted to move toward the first stationary
coil pair
126A, and between the coil pairs of the first stationary coil pair 126A.
[0210] For the positive current transition in the first stationary coil pair
126A (which
corresponds to the first motor operation mode 501), the digitally controllable
switch CS1 is
switched ON to cause a current I(1) to flow in the first stationary coil pair
126A. For the
first motor operation mode 501, the switches MS1 and CS1 are ON, and the
switches CS2,
CS3 and CS4 are OFF. Switches CS5 and CS6 may be ON or OFF depending on the
charging requirement of the batteries (battery 1 and battery 2). For the case
where the
batteries do not require charging, then the switches CS5 and CS6 are switched
ON in the
first motor operation mode 501, else (otherwise) the switches CS5 and CS6 are
switched
OFF.
[0211] For the negative current transition in the first stationary coil pair
126A (which
corresponds to the sixth motor operation mode 511), the digitally controllable
switch CS2
is switched ON to cause a current to flow in the first stationary coil pair
126A, in which
the current is equal in magnitude to current I(1) but in the opposite
direction.
[0212] The switches MS1 and CS2 are ON, and the switches CS1, CS3 and CS4 are
OFF.
Switches CS5 and CS6 may be switched OFF depending on the charging requirement
of
the batteries (battery 1 and battery 2). For the case where battery 1 and
battery 2 do not
require charging, then switches CS5 and CS6 are switched ON in the sixth motor
operation
mode 511, else (otherwise) switches CS5 and CS6 would be switched OFF..
[0213] FIG. 31 and FIG. 32 depict a reduced schematic view (FIG. 31) and a
perspective
view (FIG. 32) of an embodiment of (part A) of the electric motor interface
module 216 of
FIG. 23 (for the first stationary coil pair 126A and the first magnet assembly
146A,
respectively), in which (part A) of the electric motor interface module 216
operates in the
second motor operation mode 502 and the seventh motor operation mode 512 (also
called
the energy discharge modes), respectively.
[0214] Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 31, the second motor
operation
mode 502 is schematically depicted in FIG. 40. The mode 502 spans across a
portion of
the angular rotation of the rotatable common shaft 102 (as depicted in FIG.
40) relative to
the other operation modes of the electric motor interface module 216. The time
duration of
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the second motor operation mode 502 is controlled by the controller 110
(depicted in FIG.
1) in response to the controller 110, in use, receiving angular shaft
information (data),
which is associated with the rotation of the rotatable common shaft 102, from
the angular
encoder 115, as depicted in FIG. 1.
[0215] Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 31, the first magnet
assembly 146A
is aligned (radially aligned) with the first stationary coil pair 126A, and is
positioned
between the coil pairs of the first stationary coil pair 126A. The digitally
controllable
switch CS4 is switched ON to cause a current I(2) to flow in the first
stationary coil pair
126A, where the magnitude of current I(2) is greater than or equal to current
I(1) (as
depicted in FIG. 29). The current I(2) is configured to increase the magnetic
flux in the
first stationary coil pair 126A, such that the resulting magnetic repulsive
force propels the
first magnet assembly 146A forward (as indicated by the arrow of FIG. 32).
[0216] For the second motor operation mode 502 with the positive current
transition of the
current flowing through the first stationary coil pair 126A, the switches MS1,
CS4 and
CS1 are switched ON, and the switches CS2 and CS3 are switched OFF.
[0217] For the seventh motor operation mode 512, with the negative current
transition of the
current flowing through the first stationary coil pair 126A, the switches MS1,
CS3 and
CS2 are switched ON, and the switches CS1 and CS4 are switched OFF.
[0218] Switches CS5 and CS6 may be switched ON or OFF depending on the
charging
requirement of the batteries (battery 1 and battery 2). For the case where the
batteries do
not require charging, then switches CS5 and CS6 may be switched ON in the
second motor
operation mode 502 and the seventh motor operation mode 512, respectively,
else
(otherwise) switches CS5 and CS6 would be switched OFF.
[0219] FIG. 33 and FIG. 34 depict a reduced schematic view (FIG. 33) and a
perspective
view (FIG. 34) of an embodiment of (part A) of the electric motor interface
module 216 of
FIG. 23 (for use with the first stationary coil pair 126A and the first magnet
assembly
146A, respectively), in which (part A) of the electric motor interface module
216 operates
in the third motor operation mode 503 and the eighth motor operation mode 513
(which
may be called the source energy discharge mode).
[0220] Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 33, the third motor
operation mode
503 is schematically depicted in FIG. 40. The mode 503 spans across a portion
of the
angular rotation of the rotatable common shaft 102 (as depicted in FIG. 40)
relative to the
other operation modes of the electric motor interface module 216. The time
duration of the
third motor operation mode 503 is controlled by the controller 110 (depicted
in FIG. 1) in
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response to the controller 110, in use, receiving angular shaft information
(data), which is
associated with the rotation of the rotatable common shaft 102, from the
angular encoder
115, as depicted in FIG. 1.
[0221] Referring to FIG. 33, the first magnet assembly 146A moves away from
the first
stationary coil pair 126A, and from between the coil pairs of the first
stationary coil pair
126A. Electrical power is drawn from the DC/DC converter module 317 (also
called a DC
voltage source) as diode D1 becomes forward biased (to supplement the charge
from
capacitor C2). Current I(5) provides an additional boost to further increase
the magnetic
flux in the first stationary coil pair 126A, thus providing additional
propulsion to the first
magnet assembly 146A. For each of the third motor operation mode 503 and the
eighth
motor operation mode 513, electrical power is drawn from the DC/DC converter
module
317 (the DC voltage source).
[0222] For the third motor operation mode 503, with the positive current
transition of the
current flowing through the first stationary coil pair 126A, the switches MS1,
CS4 and
CS1 are switched ON and the switches CS2 and CS3 are switched OFF.
[0223] For the eighth motor operation mode 513, with the negative current
transition for the
current flowing through the first stationary coil pair 126A, the switches MS1,
CS3 and
CS2 are switched ON and the switches CS1 and CS4 are switched OFF.
[0224] Switches CS5 and C56 may be switched ON or OFF depending on the
charging
requirement of the batteries (battery 1 and battery 2). If the batteries do
not require
charging, then switches CS5 and CS6 may be switched ON in the third motor
operation
mode 503 and the eighth motor operation mode 513, respectively, else
(otherwise)
switches CS5 and CS6 would be switched OFF.
[0225] For the third motor operation mode 503, with the positive current
transition of the
current flowing through the first stationary coil pair 126A, the current I(5)
in the first
stationary coil pair 126A is the sum of the current I(4) from the DC voltage
source and
current I(3) from the charged capacitor C2.
[0226] For the eighth motor operation mode 513, with the negative current
transition of the
current flowing through the first stationary coil pair 126A, charged capacitor
Cl and the
DC voltage source (the DC/DC converter module 317) supply current to the first
stationary
coil pair 126A that is equal in magnitude to current I(5) but in the opposing
direction to
current I(5), as depicted in FIG. 33.
[0227] FIG. 35 and FIG. 36 depict a reduced schematic view (FIG. 35) and a
perspective
view (FIG. 36) of an embodiment of (part A) of the electric motor interface
module 216 of
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FIG. 23 (for use with the first stationary coil pair 126A and the first magnet
assembly
146A, respectively), in which (part A) of the electric motor interface module
216 operates
in the fourth motor operation mode 504 and the ninth motor operation mode 514
(also
called the magnetic field discharge mode), respectively.
[0228] Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 35, the fourth motor
operation mode
504 is schematically depicted in FIG. 40. The fourth operation mode 504 spans
across a
portion of the angular rotation of the rotatable common shaft 102 (as depicted
in FIG. 40)
relative to the other operation modes of the electric motor interface module
216. The time
duration of the fourth motor operation mode 504 is controlled by the
controller 110
(depicted in FIG. 1) in response to the controller 110, in use, receiving
angular shaft
information (data), which is associated with the rotation of the rotatable
common shaft
102, from the angular encoder 115, as depicted in FIG. 1.
[0229] For the positive current transition in the first stationary coil pair
124A (which
corresponds to the fourth motor operation mode 504), the digitally
controllable switch CS4
is switched OFF to cause a current I(6) to flow in the first stationary coil
pair 124A. The
current 1(6) is supported only by the EMF and eventually falls to zero. For
the fourth motor
operation mode 504, the switches CS2, CS3 and CS4 are OFF. The magnitude of
current
1(6) is less than or equal to current I(5) (as depicted schematically in FIG.
35). The current
1(6) is configured to transfer the energy in the magnetic field of the first
stationary coil pair
124A to capacitor Cl while allowing about 70 percent (%) (or more based on
hysteresis
curve of ferromagnetic cores of the electromagnet pairs as depicted in FIG.
54) of the peak
magnetic flux from the previous operation mode (third operation mode 503) to
remain in
the ferromagnetic core 129 of the first stationary coil pair 124A.
[0230] Referring to FIG. 35, the first magnet assembly 146A continues to move
away from
(rotate away from) the first stationary coil pair 126A, and further away from
between the
coil pairs of the first stationary coil pair 126A. Electric power is not drawn
(obtained or
received) from the DC/DC converter module 317 (also called a DC source) in
this
operation mode, and the energy stored in the magnetic field of the first
stationary coil pair
126A (that is developed in the third motor operation mode 503 and the eighth
motor
operation mode 513) is converted to electrical energy, which is discharged
into the first
stationary coil pair 126A. The electrical energy that is discharged into the
first stationary
coil pair 126A produces a current 1(6) (depicted in FIG. 35), which provides
an additional
boost to propel (move) the first magnet assembly 146A further along.
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[0231] For the fourth motor operation mode 504 with the positive current
transition of the
current flowing through the first stationary coil pair 126A, the switches MS1
and CS1 are
switched ON, and the switches CS2, CS3 and CS4 are switched OFF.
[0232] For the ninth motor operation mode 514 and negative current transition
for the current
flowing through the first stationary coil pair 126A, the switches MS1 and CS2
are
switched ON, and the switches CS1, CS3 and CS4 are switched OFF.
[0233] Switches CS5 and CS6 may be switched ON or OFF depending on the
charging
requirement of the batteries (battery 1 and battery 2). For the case where the
batteries do
not require charging, then the switches CS5 and CS6 are switched ON during the
fourth
motor operation mode 504 and the ninth motor operation mode 514, respectively,
else
(otherwise) switches CS5 and CS6 would be switched OFF.
[0234] FIG. 58 depicts a reduced schematic view (FIG. 58) of a further
embodiment of part
A of the electric motor interface module 216 of FIG. 23 with the CP-A motor
interface
module (PART A) and the DC/DC converter module of FIG. 57, operating in the
first
positive motor operation mode (Mode 1+) 501A and the first negative motor
operation
mode (Mode 1-) 511 (also called the energy generation modes), respectively.
[0235] The first motor operation mode (Mode 1+) 501A is schematically depicted
in FIG.
63. The mode 501A spans across a portion of the angular rotation of the
rotatable common
shaft 102 (as depicted in FIG. 63) relative to the other operation modes of
the electric
motor interface module 216. The time duration of the first motor operation
mode 501A is
controlled by the controller 110 (depicted in FIG. 1) in response to the
controller 110, in
use, receiving angular shaft information (data), which is associated with the
rotation of the
rotatable common shaft 102, from the angular encoder 115, as depicted in FIG.
1.
[0236] Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 58, it will be
appreciated that E is
the induced emf or EMF (electromotive force), which is induced into the first
stationary
coil pair 126A. The first magnet assembly 146A is moving towards the first
stationary coil
pair 126A, and between the coils of the first stationary coil pair 126A. The
first magnet
assembly 146A is magnetically attracted to move toward the first stationary
coil pair
126A, and between the coil pairs of the first stationary coil pair 126A.
[0237] For the positive current transition in the first stationary coil pair
126A (which
corresponds to the first positive motor operation mode (Mode 1+) 501A),
voltage
controlled switches CS1A and CS4 are switched ON at an appropriate angle
(referenced to
zero degree) ahead of at the instant when the permanent magnet 146A is
radially aligned
with coil pair 126A as illustrated in FIG. 58. Current I1 flow flows in the
circuit due to the
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discharge of energy stored in capacitor CIA. Current 11 in the coil pairs 126A
results in
the attraction of the permanent magnet 146A towards it. It is very important
to note that
the angular displacement at which CS1A and CS4 are switched ON is governed by
the
speed of approach of the permanent magnet towards the coil pair 126A. That is,
higher
speeds of approach of the permanent magnet 146A towards coil pair 126A allows
larger
angular displacements at which CS1A and CS4 can be switched ON without
retarding the
approach of the permanent magnet 146A towards coil pair 126A. The first
positive motor
operation mode (Mode 1+) 501A is illustrated in the switching logic in FIG.
63. Note that
the first negative motor operation mode (Mode 1-) 511A is similar, the
difference being
that voltage controlled switches CS3 and CS2A are switched ON instead of CS1A
and
CS4 and the current polarity in the coil pair 126A is reversed.
[0238] FIG. 59 depicts a reduced schematic view of a further embodiment of
(part A) of the
electric motor interface module 216 of FIG. 23 (for the first stationary coil
pair 126A and
the first magnet assembly 146A, respectively) with the CP-A motor interface
module
(PART A) and the DC/DC converter module of FIG. 57 in which (part A) of the
electric
motor interface module 216 operates in the second positive motor operation
mode (Mode
2+) 502A and the second negative motor operation mode (Mode 2-) 512- (also
called the
energy discharge modes), respectively.
[0239] Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 59, the second positive
motor
operation mode (Mode 2+) 502A is schematically depicted in FIG. 63. The mode
502A
spans across a portion of the angular rotation of the rotatable common shaft
102 (as
depicted in FIG. 63) relative to the other operation modes of the electric
motor interface
module 216. The time duration of the second positive motor operation mode
(Mode 2+)
502A is controlled by the controller 110 (depicted in FIG. 1) in response to
the controller
110, in use, receiving angular shaft information (data), which is associated
with the
rotation of the rotatable common shaft 102, from the angular encoder 115, as
depicted in
FIG. 1.
[0240] Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 59, the first magnet
assembly 146A
is aligned (radially aligned) with the first stationary coil pair 126A, and is
positioned
between the coil pairs of the first stationary coil pair 126A. In this mode,
the permanent
magnet 146A is still moving towards coil pair 126A. Also, the voltage
controlled switches
CS1A and CS4 remain switched ON and power from the DC/DC Converter Module 317
is
used to supplement the energy from capacitor C1A resulting in current 12
(greater in
magnitude than current II). Current 12 should ideally be sufficient to reduce
the remnant
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magnetic flux residing in the ferromagnetic core 129 to about zero (preferably
to zero) at
the instant when the permanent magnet 146A is radially aligned with coil pair
126A
(aligned with magnetic neutral point). The second positive motor operation
mode (Mode
2+) 511A is illustrated in FIG. 59 with corresponding switching logic in FIG.
63. Note that
the second negative motor operation mode (Mode 2-) 512A is similar, the
difference being
that voltage controlled switches CS3 and CS2A are switched ON instead of CS1A
and
CS4 and the current polarity in the coil pair 126A is reversed.
[0241] FIG. 60 depicts a reduced schematic view of a further embodiment of the
electric
motor interface module 216 of FIG. 23 (for use with the first stationary coil
pair 126A and
the first magnet assembly 146A, respectively) with the CP-A motor interface
module
(PART A) and the DC/DC converter module of FIG. 24A, in which (part A) of the
electric
motor interface module 216 operates in the third positive motor operation mode
(Mode 3+)
503A and the third negative motor operation mode (Mode 3-) 513A (which may be
called
the source energy discharge mode).
[0242] Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 60, the third positive
motor
operation mode (Mode 3+) 503A is schematically depicted in FIG. 63. The mode
503A
spans across a portion of the angular rotation of the rotatable common shaft
102 (as
depicted in FIG. 63) relative to the other operation modes of the electric
motor interface
module 216. The time duration of the third motor operation mode 503A is
controlled by
the controller 110 (depicted in FIG. 1) in response to the controller 110, in
use, receiving
angular shaft information (data), which is associated with the rotation of the
rotatable
common shaft 102, from the angular encoder 115, as depicted in FIG. 1.
[0243] Referring to FIG. 60, the first magnet assembly 146A moves away from
the first
stationary coil pair 126A, and from between the coil pairs of the first
stationary coil pair
126A. Electrical power is drawn from the DC/DC converter module 317 (also
called a DC
voltage source) as diode D1 becomes forward biased (to supplement the charge
from
capacitor CIA). Current 13 provides an additional boost to further increase
the magnetic
flux in the first stationary coil pair 126A, thus providing additional
propulsion to the first
magnet assembly 146A. For each of the third positive motor operation mode
(Mode 3+)
503A and the third negative motor operation mode (Mode 3-) 513A, electrical
power is
drawn from the DC/DC converter module 317 (the DC voltage source).
[0244] For the third positive motor operation mode (Mode 3+) 503A, voltage
controlled
switches CS1A and CS4 remain switched ON and power from the DC/DC Converter
Module 317 and the capacitor C1A result in a further increase in current to 13
(greater in
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magnitude than currents 12 and I1). Current 13 results in increasing
magnetization of the
ferromagnetic core 129 and consequently the repulsion of the permanent magnet
146A
away from the coil pair 126A. The third positive motor operation mode (Mode
3+) 503A is
illustrated in FIG. 60 with the corresponding switching logic in FIG. 63. Note
that the third
negative motor operation mode (Mode 3-) 513A is similar, the difference being
that
voltage controlled switches CS3 and CS2A are switched ON instead of CS1A and
CS4 and
the current polarity in the coil pair 126A is reversed.
[0245] FIG. 60 depicts a reduced schematic view of the electric motor
interface module 216
of FIG. 23 (for use with the first stationary coil pair 126A and the first
magnet assembly
146A, respectively) with the CP-A motor interface module (PART A) and the
DC/DC
converter module of FIG. 57, in which (part A) of the electric motor interface
module 216
operates in the fourth positive motor operation mode (Mode 4+) 504A and the
fourth
negative motor operation mode (Mode 4-) 514A (also called the magnetic field
discharge
mode), respectively.
[0246] Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 60, the fourth positive
motor
operation mode (Mode 4+) 504A is schematically depicted in FIG. 63. The fourth
positive
motor operation mode (Mode 4+) 504A spans across a portion of the angular
rotation of
the rotatable common shaft 102 (as depicted in FIG. 63) relative to the other
operation
modes of the electric motor interface module 216. The time duration of the
fourth positive
motor operation mode (Mode 4+) 504A is controlled by the controller 110
(depicted in
FIG. 1) in response to the controller 110, in use, receiving angular shaft
information (data),
which is associated with the rotation of the rotatable common shaft 102, from
the angular
encoder 115, as depicted in FIG. 1.
[0247] Referring to FIG. 60, the first magnet assembly 146A continues to move
away from
(rotate away from) the first stationary coil pair 126A, and further away from
between the
coil pairs of the first stationary coil pair 126A. Electric power is not drawn
(obtained or
received) from the DC/DC converter module 317 (also called a DC source) in
this
operation mode, and the energy stored in the magnetic field of the first
stationary coil pair
126A (that is developed in the third positive motor operation mode 503A and
the third
negative motor operation mode 513A) is converted to electrical energy, which
is
discharged into capacitor C1A. The electrical energy that is discharged into
capacitor CIA
produces a current 14 (depicted in FIG. 60), which provides an additional
boost to propel
(move) the first magnet assembly 146A further along.
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[0248] For the fourth positive motor operation mode (Mode 4+) 504A, the
permanent
magnet 146A is still moving away from coil pair 126A. Voltage controlled
switches CS1A
and CS4 are switched OFF causing the disconnection of the DC/DC Converter
Module
317 from the circuit. With the voltage controlled switch CS5 is ON (could also
be OFF if
charging battery in Battery Module) and diode D2 is forward biased, the energy
stored in
the magnetic field of the coil pair 126A is transferred to the electric field
of the capacitor
CIA where energy is stored for use in the first negative motor operation mode
(Mode 1-)
511A. This completes one-half an electrical cycle of operation. The first
positive motor
operation mode (Mode 4+) 504A is illustrated in FIG 58 with the corresponding
switching
logic in FIG. 63. Note that the first negative motor operation mode (Mode 4-)
514A is
similar, the difference being that voltage controlled switch CS6 is ON instead
of CS5 and
the current polarity in the coil pair 126A is reversed.
[0249] FIG. 37, FIG. 38, and FIG. 39 depict reduced schematic views (FIG. 37
and FIG. 39),
and a perspective view (FIG. 38) of an embodiment of @art A) of the electric
motor
interface module 216 of FIG. 23 (for use with the first stationary coil pair
126A and the
first magnet assembly 146A, respectively), in which the (part A) of the
electric motor
interface module 216 operates in the fifth motor operation mode 505 and the
tenth motor
operation mode 515 (also called the energy storage mode), respectively.
[0250] The fifth motor operation mode 505 is schematically depicted in FIG.
40. The mode
505 spans across a portion of the angular rotation of the rotatable common
shaft 102 (as
depicted in FIG. 40) relative to the other operation modes of the electric
motor interface
module 216. The time duration of the fifth motor operation mode 505 is
controlled by the
controller 110 (depicted in FIG. 1) in response to the controller 110, in use,
receiving
angular shaft information (data), which is associated with the rotation of the
rotatable
common shaft 102, from the angular encoder 115, as depicted in FIG. 1.
[0251] Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 37, there is depicted a
reduced
schematic view of an embodiment of (part A) of the electric motor interface
module 216 of
FIG. 23 operating in a configuration that would not charge the batteries
(battery 1 or
battery 2). Current I(7) flows through diode D2 and switch CS5 and charges
capacitor Cl,
as depicted in FIG. 37.
[0252] Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 39, there is depicted a
reduced
schematic view of an embodiment of (part A) of the electric motor interface
module 216 of
FIG. 23 operating in a configuration that would charge the batteries (battery
1 or battery
2). Current I(8) flows through diode D2 and charges the batteries and the
capacitor Cl, as
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depicted in FIG. 39. It will be appreciated that this is a configuration that
does not
fundamentally change the operation mode (that is, energy is recycled to the
source
capacitors in both configurations, as depicted in FIG. 37 and FIG. 39.
[0253] Referring to the embodiments as depicted in FIGS. 37 and 39, it will be
appreciated
that the energy stored in the magnetic field of the coil pairs is used twice
to perform
mechanical work. Mechanical work is performed when (A) electrical energy is
drawn from
the source to develop a magnetic field in the coil pair, and (B) energy is
released from the
magnetic field of the coil pair, and converted back to electrical energy. All
the energy is
accounted for in the process including losses in the wires and switches, etc.
The objective
is to minimize the resistive and switching losses to optimize the use of the
stored energy in
the magnetic field of the coil pairs.
[0254] Referring to FIG. 37, the first magnet assembly 146A continues to move
away from
(rotate away from) from the first stationary coil pair 126A, and further away
from between
the coil pairs of the first stationary coil pair 126A.
[0255] For the fifth motor operation mode 505 with the positive current
transition of the
current flowing through the first stationary coil pair 126A, switch CS1 is
switched OFF to
force the excess energy in the magnetic field of the first stationary coil
pair 126A that is
not consumed in the fourth motor operation mode 504 into capacitor Cl. The
energy stored
in capacitor Cl is used on the next cycle of the second motor operation mode
502 to
supplement the energy received from the DC/DC converter module 317. As the
excess
energy from the magnetic field of the first stationary coil pair 126A is
directed to capacitor
Cl, the first magnet assembly 146A is propelled further along, and the current
I(7) that
flows in the first stationary coil pair 126A falls to zero. It will be
appreciated that as the
current I(7) falls to zero, the magnetic flux in the ferromagnetic core 129 of
the first
stationary coil pair 126A does not fall to zero due to the magnetic hysteresis
of the
ferromagnetic core 129.
[0256] For the fifth motor operation mode 505 and positive current transition
of the current
flowing through the first stationary coil pair 126A, switch MS1 is switched ON
and
switches CS1, CS2, CS3 and CS4 are switched OFF.
[0257] For the tenth motor operation mode 515 and negative current transition
of the current
flowing through the first stationary coil pair 126A, switch CS2 is switched
OFF to force
the excess energy in the magnetic field of the first stationary coil pair 126A
that is not
consumed in the ninth motor operation mode 514 into capacitor C2. The energy
stored in
capacitor C2 is used on the next cycle of the sixth motor operation mode 511
to
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supplement the energy received from the DC/DC converter module 317. As the
excess
energy from the magnetic field of the first stationary coil pair 126A is
directed to capacitor
C2, and the first magnet assembly 146A is propelled (moved) further along as
the current
that flows in the first stationary coil pair 126A falls to zero. It will be
appreciated that as
the current flowing in the first stationary coil pair 126A falls to zero, the
magnetic flux in
the ferromagnetic core 129 of the first stationary coil pair 126A does not
fall to zero due to
the magnetic hysteresis of the ferromagnetic core 129.
[0258] For the tenth motor operation mode 515 with the negative current
transition of the
current flowing through the first stationary coil pair 126A, switch MS1 is
switched ON and
switches CS1, CS2, CS3 and CS4 are switched OFF.
[0259] Switches CS5 and CS6 may be switched ON or OFF depending on the
charging
requirement of the batteries (battery 1 and battery 2). If the batteries do
not require
charging, then switches C55 and CS6 are switched ON in the fifth motor
operation mode
505 and the tenth motor operation mode 515, respectively, else (otherwise)
switches C55
and CS6 would be switched OFF.
[0260] FIG. 40 depicts a schematic view of an embodiment of the modes
(operation modes)
for the electric motor interface module 216 of FIG. 23.
[0261] Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 40, the first motor
operation mode
501 may be called the motor operation mode (1+). The remnant magnetic flux
residing in
the ferromagnetic core 129 results in the attraction of the first magnet
assembly 146A
towards the first stationary coil pair 126A..
[0262] The second motor operation mode 502 may be called the motor operation
mode (2+).
In the second motor operation mode current I(2) flows in the first stationary
coil pair 126A
as capacitor C2 discharges its stored energy. Current I(2) causes an initial
increase in
magnetic flux in the ferromagnetic core of the first stationary coil pair 126A
that results in
the propulsion of the first magnet assembly 146A away from the first
stationary coil pair
126A.
[0263] The third motor operation mode 503 may be called the motor operation
mode (3+).
The second motor operation mode 502 occurs before the third motor operation
mode 503.
In the third motor operation mode current I(5) flows in the first stationary
coil pair 126A
as capacitor C2 continues to discharge its stored energy and supplemental
energy is drawn
from the DC/DC converter module 317 as diode D1 becomes forward biased.
Current I(5)
causes a further increase in magnetic flux in the ferromagnetic core of the
first stationary
coil pair 126A that works to propel the first magnet assembly 146A further
away from the
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first stationary coil pair 126A. In the second motor operation mode 502 and
the third motor
operation mode 503, the current flowing in the first stationary coil pair 126A
is considered
positive and has a magnitude that is greater than or equal to the current
flowing in the first
motor operation mode 501. Preferably, the current flowing in the first
stationary coil pair
126A in the third motor operation mode 503 should be sufficient to cause the
magnetic
flux in the ferromagnetic core 129 to just reach magnetic saturation.
[0264] The fourth motor operation mode 504 may be called the motor operation
mode (4+).
In this motor operation mode, the current flowing in the first stationary coil
pair 126A is
considered positive and has a magnitude that is less or equal to the current
that flows in the
third motor operation mode 503. The energy stored in the magnetic field of the
first
stationary coil pair 126A, in the third motor operation mode 503, is released
as electrical
energy back into the first stationary coil pair 126A while continuing to
propel (move) the
first magnet assembly 146A away from the first stationary coil pair 126A.
[0265] The fifth motor operation mode 505 may be called the motor operation
mode (5+). In
this operation mode, the current flowing in the first stationary coil pair
126A is considered
positive and has a magnitude that is less than or equal to the current flowing
in the fourth
motor operation mode 504. The excess energy, which is not consumed in the
third motor
operation mode 503, is directed back to capacitor Cl while continuing to
propel (move)
the first magnet assembly 146A away from the first stationary coil pair 126A.
The current
in the fifth motor operation mode 505 falls to zero, and leaves a remnant
magnetic flux in
the ferromagnetic core 129 as a result.
[0266] The sixth motor operation mode 511 may be called the motor operation
mode (1-),
which is similar to the motor operation mode (1+). In this motor operation
mode, the
remnant magnetic flux residing in the ferromagnetic core 129 results in the
attraction of
the first magnet assembly 146A toward the first stationary coil pair 126A. In
the sixth
motor operation mode 511, the current flowing in the first stationary coil
pair 126A is
considered negative.
[0267] The seventh motor operation mode 512 may be called the motor operation
mode (2-)
and the eighth motor operation mode 513 may be called the motor operation mode
(3-),
which are similar to the motor operation mode (2+) and the motor operation
mode (3+),
respectively. The seventh motor operation mode 512 occurs before the eighth
motor
operation mode 513.
[0268] In the seventh motor operation mode 512, current flows in the first
stationary coil pair
126A as capacitor Cl discharges its stored energy. It will be appreciated that
the current
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discharge from capacitor Cl is equal in magnitude to I(2) but flow in the
opposite
direction. This current causes an initial increase in magnetic flux in the
ferromagnetic core
of the first stationary coil pair 126A that results in the propulsion of the
first magnet
assembly 146A away from the first stationary coil pair 126A.
[0269] In the eighth motor operation mode 513, current flow is maintained in
the first
stationary coil pair 126A as capacitor Cl continues to discharge its stored
energy and
supplemental energy is drawn from the DC/DC converter module 317 as diode D1
becomes forward biased. The total current flow from the capacitor Cl and the
DC/DC
converter module 317 causes a further increase in magnetic flux in the
ferromagnetic core
of the first stationary coil pair 126A that works to propel the first magnet
assembly 146A
further away from the first stationary coil pair 126A.
[0270] In the seventh motor operation mode 512 and the eighth motor operation
mode 513,
the current flowing in the first stationary coil pair 126A is considered
negative and has a
magnitude that is greater than or equal to that in the sixth motor operation
mode 511.
Preferably, the current flowing in the first stationary coil pair 126A in the
eighth motor
operation mode should be sufficient to cause the magnetic flux in the
ferromagnetic core
129 to just reach magnetic saturation.
[0271] The ninth motor operation mode 514 may be called the motor operation
mode (4-),
which is similar to the motor operation mode (4+). In this operation mode, the
current
flowing in the first stationary coil pair 126A is considered negative and has
a magnitude
that is less than or equal to that in the eighth motor operation mode 513. The
energy stored
in the magnetic field of the first stationary coil pair 126A in the ninth
motor operation
mode 514 is released as electrical energy back into the first stationary coil
pair 126A while
continuing to propel the first magnet assembly 146A away from the first
stationary coil
pair 126A.
[0272] The tenth motor operation mode 515 may be called the motor operation
mode (5-),
which is similar to the motor operation mode (5+). In this operation mode, the
current
flowing in the first stationary coil pair 126A is considered negative and has
a magnitude
that is less than or equal to that in the ninth motor operation mode 514. The
excess energy
that is not consumed in the ninth motor operation mode 514, is directed back
to capacitor
C2 while continuing to propel (move) the first magnet assembly 146A away from
the first
stationary coil pair 126A. The current that flows in the tenth motor operation
mode 515
falls to zero and leaves a remnant magnetic flux residing in the ferromagnetic
core 129 as a
result.
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[0273] The motor operation modes, as schematically depicted in FIG. 40, span
across
portions of the angular rotation of the rotatable common shaft 102 relative to
the other
motor operation modes. The time durations of the motor operation modes are
controlled by
the controller 110 (depicted in FIG. 1) in response to the controller 110, in
use, receiving
angular shaft information (data), which is associated with the rotation of the
rotatable
common shaft 102, from the angular encoder 115, as depicted in FIG. 1.
[0274] FIG. 63 depicts a schematic view of an embodiment of the modes
(operation modes)
for the electric motor interface module 216 of FIG. 23 with the CP-A motor
interface
module (PART A) and the DC/DC converter module of FIG. 57.
[0275] Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 63, the first positive
motor operation
mode (Mode 1+) 501A may be called the motor operation mode (1+). The magnetic
flux
residing in the ferromagnetic core 129 results in the attraction of the first
magnet assembly
146A towards the first stationary coil pair 126A. In this operation mode, the
current
flowing in the first stationary coil pair 126A is considered positive and has
a magnitude
that is sufficient to reduce the magnetic flux residing in the ferromagnetic
core 129.
[0276] The second positive motor operation mode (Mode 2+) 502A may be called
the motor
operation mode (2+). In the second positive motor operation mode current I(2)
flows in the
first stationary coil pair 126A due to the stored energy from capacitor CIA
and the energy
from the DC/DC converter module 317. Current I(2) cause a reduction in the
magnetic
flux in the ferromagnetic core of the first stationary coil pair 126A , which
should ideally
be demagnetized when the first magnet assembly 146A is aligned with the
magnetic
neutral point of the first stationary coil pair 126A.
[0277] The third positive motor operation mode (Mode 3+) 503A may be called
the motor
operation mode (3+). In the third motor operation mode current I(3) flows in
the first
stationary coil pair 126A as capacitor CIA continues to discharge its stored
energy and
supplemental energy is drawn from the DC/DC converter module 317. Current 1(3)
causes
a reversal in the magnetic flux polarity and a subsequent increase in magnetic
flux in the
ferromagnetic core of the first stationary coil pair 126A that works to propel
the first
magnet assembly 146A further away from the first stationary coil pair 126A. In
the third
positive motor operation mode 503A, the current flowing in the first
stationary coil pair
126A is considered positive and has a magnitude that is greater than or equal
to the current
flowing in the first positive motor operation mode 501A. Preferably, the
current flowing in
the first stationary coil pair 126A in the third positive motor operation mode
503A should
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be sufficient to cause the magnetic flux in the ferromagnetic core 129 to just
reach
magnetic saturation.
[0278] The fourth motor positive operation mode 504A may be called the motor
operation
mode (4+). In this motor operation mode, the current flowing in the first
stationary coil
pair 126A is considered positive and has a magnitude that is less or equal to
the current
that flows in the third positive motor operation mode 503A. The energy stored
in the
magnetic field of the first stationary coil pair 126A, in the third positive
motor operation
mode 503A, is released as electrical energy back into capacitor CIA while
continuing to
propel (move) the first magnet assembly 146A away from the first stationary
coil pair
126A.
[0279] The first negative motor operation mode 511A may be called the motor
operation
mode (1-), which is similar to the motor operation mode (1+). In this motor
operation
mode, the remnant magnetic flux residing in the ferromagnetic core 129 results
in the
attraction of the first magnet assembly 146A toward the first stationary coil
pair 126A. In
the first negative motor operation mode 511A, the current flowing in the first
stationary
coil pair 126A is considered negative.
[0280] The second negative motor operation mode 512A may be called the motor
operation
mode (2-).
[0281] In the second negative motor operation mode 512A, current flows in the
first
stationary coil pair 126A as capacitor C1A discharges its stored energy along
with
supplemental energy from the DC/DC converter module 317. It will be
appreciated that the
current discharged into the first stationary coil pair 126A from capacitor C1A
and the
supplemental energy from the DC/DC converter module 317 is equal in magnitude
to I(2)
but flows in the opposite direction. This current causes a reduction in
magnetic flux in the
ferromagnetic core which should ideally be demagnetized when the first magnet
assembly
146A is aligned with the magnetic neutral point of the first stationary coil
pair 126A.
[0282] In the third negative motor operation mode 513A, current flow is
maintained in the
first stationary coil pair 126A as capacitor CIA continues to discharge its
stored energy
and supplemental energy is drawn from the DC/DC converter module 317. The
total
current flow from the capacitor C1A and the DC/DC converter module 317 causes
a
reversal in the magnetic flux polarity and subsequent increase in magnetic
flux in the
ferromagnetic core of the first stationary coil pair 126A that works to propel
the first
magnet assembly 146A further away from the first stationary coil pair 126A.
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[0283] In the third negative motor operation mode 513A, the current flowing in
the first
stationary coil pair 126A is considered negative and has a magnitude that is
greater than or
equal to that in the first negative motor operation mode 511A. Preferably, the
current
flowing in the first stationary coil pair 126A in the third negative motor
operation mode
should be sufficient to cause the magnetic flux in the ferromagnetic core 129
to just reach
magnetic saturation.
[0284] The fourth negative motor operation mode 514A may be called the motor
operation
mode (4-), which is similar to the motor operation mode (4+). In this
operation mode, the
current flowing in the first stationary coil pair 126A is considered negative
and has a
magnitude that is less than or equal to that in the third negative motor
operation mode
513A. The energy stored in the magnetic field of the first stationary coil
pair 126A in the
fourth negative motor operation mode 514A is released as electrical energy
back into
capacitor CIA while continuing to propel the first magnet assembly 146A away
from the
first stationary coil pair 126A.
[0285] The motor operation modes, as schematically depicted in FIG. 63, span
across
portions of the angular rotation of the rotatable common shaft 102 relative to
the other
motor operation modes. The time durations of the motor operation modes are
controlled by
the controller 110 (depicted in FIG. 1) in response to the controller 110, in
use, receiving
angular shaft information (data), which is associated with the rotation of the
rotatable
common shaft 102, from the angular encoder 115, as depicted in FIG. 1.
[0286] The motor may be started by a start up sequence 350 as illustrated in
FIG 62, the
angular displacement of permanent magnets of the disk assemblies from an
electromagnet,
Betamax, and low threshold speed, Omegalow, of the shaft are set in steps 352.
It will be
appreciated that these values may be set by a user or may optionally be
determined by the
controller 110 by known means to optimize operation of the motor or avoid
undesirable
run conditions. The controller then receives a startup signal from via a user
interface as is
commonly known in step 354. The controller then receives the angular position
of the
shaft 102 as determined by the encoder 115 in step 356 and determines which
electromagnets are within the predetermined Betamax in step 358. For any
electromagnets
which are within Betamax of a permanent magnet of the disk assemblies, the
controller
will cause such electromagnets to be engaged in step 362 or repeat the step of
determining
the angular position. The controller, once the electromagnets within Betamax
are engaged,
will then determine if the low threshold (Omegalow) speed has been reached in
step 364.
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If the low threshold speed has not been reached, the controller will again
read the angular
position to determine which electromagnets to engage.
[0287] FIG. 41 depicts a flow chart of an embodiment of a method 300 usable by
the
controller 110 of FIG. 1 for controlling the operations of the electric motor
interface
module 216 of FIG. 23 in accordance with the schematic diagram of FIG. 40. As
illustrated in Figure 41, the controller 110 first receives the counter
clockwise and
clockwise limits in steps 302 and 304. It will be appreciated that these
limits may be
inputted manually by a user, or may be determined by the controller or other
processing
circuit to optimize operation of the motor and avoid stall or other
undesirable run
conditions. In step 306, the angular position of the shaft 102 is determined
by the encoder
115 and provided to the controller. The controller 110 then determines if the
shaft angle is
between the counter clockwise and clockwise limits in step 308. If the shaft
angle is
between the counter clockwise and clockwise limits, the controller causes the
electromagnets to be engaged in step 312 and then re-checks the shaft angle.
If the shaft
angle is not between the counter clockwise and clockwise limits, the
controller causes the
electromagnets to be disengaged in step 310 and then re-checks the shaft
angle.
[0288] The controller 110 (depicted in FIG. 1) is configured to electrically
(operatively)
interface with the rotatable electric machines (such as, the first rotatable
electric machine
104, the second rotatable electric machine 106, and the third rotatable
electric machine
108). For instance, the controller 110 is configured to control the current
flowing through
the electromagnet coil windings of the rotatable electric machines in such a
way that, in
use, the electromechanical torque generated by the second rotatable electric
machine 106 is
maximized, and the electrical energy supplied to the load module 415 from the
first
rotatable electric machine 104 and the third rotatable electric machine 108
does not retard
the speed of rotation of the rotatable common shaft 102. The program 113
(depicted in
FIG. 1) includes a set of computer-coded (processor coded) instructions that
are readable
by the controller 110. For instance, the instructions include an operation
configured to urge
(instruct) the controller 110 to control the current flowing through the
electromagnet coil
windings of the first rotatable electric machine 104, the second rotatable
electric machine
106 and the third rotatable electric machine 108 (in the manner as indicated
above). It will
be appreciated that other operations can be derived from this specification by
those skilled
in the art given a reasonable time for experimentation.
[0289] In operation, the controller 110 receives counter clock wise and
clockwise
engagement angular displacement limits about the magnetic neutral point which
represent
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an angular degree of separation between the magnet assembly 144 and stationary
coil pair.
In operation, a user may input the counter clockwise and clockwise engagement
angular
displacement limits by any known means such as, by way of non-limiting
example, dials,
keypads or display screens. Optionally, the controller 110 would determine
these optimal
values based on the torque/speed/power requirements or to optimize motor
operation and
avoid undesirable operating conditions such as thermal overload or motor
instability. The
controller, when enabled by an on switch, or other logic circuit as are
commonly known to
enable operation of the apparatus, measures the angular displacement as
provided by the
encoder 115. If the angular position is determined to be within the counter
clockwise and
clockwise engagement angular displacement limits about a defined magnetic
neutral point,
the controller causes the electromagnetic coil pairs of stationary coil pairs
assembly 124 to
be engaged. Otherwise, the controller causes the coil pairs of stationary coil
pairs
assembly 124 to be disengaged when the magnets of disk assembly 144 leaves the
region
between the counter clockwise and clockwise engagement angular displacement
limits
about a defined magnetic neutral point.
[0290] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the switching
logic is illustrated in
digital switching diagrams in FIG. 40 for the rotatable electric motor and in
FIG. 53 for the
rotatable electric generators. It will be appreciated that switching logic is
applicable to the
operation of the rotatable electric machines and may be accomplished using
various
available technologies (components, assemblies, etc.).
[0291] FIG. 42 depicts a schematic view of an embodiment of one cycle of an
induced
electromotive force (emf) generated in the first stationary coil pair 126A as
a result of the
first magnet assembly 146A and the second magnet assembly 146B approaching and
moving past the first stationary coil pair 126A in accordance with the timing
diagram of
FIG. 40.
[0292] Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 42, for the case where
the first
magnet assembly 146A and the second magnet assembly 146B approach and pass by
the
first stationary coil pair 126A, an induced emf (electromotive force) is
developed in the
first stationary coil pair 126A. One cycle of the induced emf is depicted in
FIG. 42 as a
function of the angular displacement of the rotatable common shaft 102. The
frequency of
the induced emf (electromotive force) is equal to the product of half the
number of
permanent magnets positioned on the second disk assembly 136 and the
mechanical
rotation frequency (rotation cycles per second) of the rotatable common shaft
102. It will
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be appreciated that the above description is applicable to the first disk
assembly 134 and
the third disk assembly 138.
[0293] The induced emf is a function of the angular displacement of the
rotatable common
shaft 102, the rotational speed and the number of turns of wire on the first
stationary coil
pair 126A. Furthermore, the induced emf is directly proportional to the
product of the
rotational speed and the number of turns of wire on the first stationary coil
pair 126A.
[0294] It will be appreciated that the induced emf depicted in FIG. 42 is
based on electrical
terminals 125 being open (resulting in zero current flow in the first
stationary coil pair
126A) and due to the rate of change of flux in the ferromagnetic core 129 as
the first
magnet assembly 146A and the second magnet assembly 146B approach and pass by
the
first stationary coil pair 126A.
[0295] FIG. 43 depicts a schematic view of an embodiment of a first generator
interface
module 214 or a second generator interface module 218 usable for the case
where any one
of the first rotatable electric machine 104, the second rotatable electric
machine 106, and
the third rotatable electric machine 108 of FIG. 1 are operated as a first
electric generator
assembly 204 or as a second electric generator assembly 208.
[0296] Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 43, the first generator
interface
module 214 includes the CP-A first generator interface module 414A to the CP-E
first
generator interface module 414E configured to electrically interface
(respectively) with the
first stationary electromagnetic coil pair collection 124 (the first
stationary coil pair 124A
to the fifth stationary coil pair 124E) of the first rotatable electric
machine 104 or the first
electric generator assembly 204. The second generator interface module 218 (as
depicted
in FIG. 1) includes the generator interface modules (similar to the CP-A first
generator
interface module 414A to the CP-E first generator interface module 414E)
configured to
electrically interface with the first stationary coil pair 128A to the fifth
stationary coil pair
124E (respectively) of the second electric generator assembly 208 (as depicted
in FIG. 1).
[0297] Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 43, the first generator
interface
module 214 includes: (A) the CP-A first generator interface module 414A
(interfaced to
the first stationary coil pair 124A), (B) the CP-B first generator interface
module 414B
(interfaced to the second stationary coil pair 124B), (C) the CP-C first
generator interface
module 414C (interfaced to the third stationary coil pair 124C), (D) the CP-D
first
generator interface module 414D (interfaced to the fourth stationary coil pair
124D), and
(E) the CP-E first generator interface module 414E (interfaced to the fifth
stationary coil
pair 124E).
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[0298] A load module 415 is configured to accept electrical energy developed
in coil pair A
(CP-A), coil pair B (CP-B), coil pair C (CP-C), coil pair D (CP-D), and coil
pair E (CP-E)
to a DC electrical load (such as the load module 415) without introducing a
retarding
torque on (or to) the rotatable common shaft 102.
[0299] FIG. 44 depicts a schematic view of an embodiment of the first
generator interface
module 214 (or a second generator interface module 218) for use with a first
coil pair (coil
winding) of any one of (A) the first rotatable electric machine 104, (B) the
second
rotatable electric machine 106, and (C) the third rotatable electric machine
108 of FIG. 1.
[0300] The first rotatable electric machine 104 and the third rotatable
electric machine 108
are operated as (configured to operate as) the first electric generator
assembly 204 and/or
as the second electric generator assembly 208.
[0301] Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 44, the CP-A first
generator
interface module 414A is also usable with (applicable for) the CP-B second
generator
interface module 416B, CP-C third generator interface module 416C, CP-D fourth
generator interface module 416D, and CP-B fifth generator interface module
416E, as
depicted in FIG. 43).
[0302] The CP-A first generator interface module 414A includes the coil pair
CP-A, such as
the first stationary coil pair 124A, a main switch MS2, a diode D4, a diode
D5, a diode D6,
a diode D7, a diode D8, a capacitor C3, a capacitor C4, a digitally
controllable switch CS7,
a digitally controllable switch CS8, a digitally controllable switch CS9, a
digitally
controllable switch CS10, a digitally controllable switch CS11, a digitally
controllable
switch CS12, and the DC/DC converter module 317. Operation of the CP-A first
generator
interface module 414A is described in association with FIGS. 45 to 52.
[0303] FIG. 45 and FIG. 46 depict a reduced schematic view (FIG. 45) and a
perspective
view (FIG. 46) of an embodiment of a reduced circuit for the CP-A first
generator
interface module 414A of FIG. 44, and the first stationary coil pair 124A of
FIG. 44,
respectively, and operating in the first generator operation mode 601 and the
fifth
generator operation mode 611 (also called the induced emf generative energy
mode).
[0304] Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 45, the first generator
operation
mode 601 is schematically depicted in FIG. 53. The mode 601 spans across a
portion of
the angular rotation of the rotatable common shaft 102 (as depicted in FIG.
53) relative to
the other operation modes of the CP-A first generator interface module 414A.
The time
duration of the first generator operation mode 601 is controlled by the
controller 110
(depicted in FIG. 1) in response to the controller 110, in use, receiving
angular shaft
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information (data), which is associated with the rotation of the rotatable
common shaft
102, from the angular encoder 115, as depicted in FIG. 1.
[0305] Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 45, it will be
appreciated that El
represents the induced emf (electromotive force), which is induced into the
first stationary
coil pair 124A. The first magnet assembly 144A is moving towards the first
stationary coil
pair 157, and between the coil pairs of the first stationary coil pair 124A
(depicted in FIG.
46). The first magnet assembly 144A is magnetically attracted to move toward
the first
stationary coil pair 124A, and between the coil pairs of the first stationary
coil pair 124A
due to the remnant magnetic flux developed in the ferromagnetic core 129.
[0306] Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 45, in the first
generator operation
mode 601, the digitally controllable switch CS7 is switched ON to cause a
current I(9) to
flow in the first stationary coil pair 124A. Switches M52 and CS7 are switched
ON, and
the switches CS8, CS9, CS10, CS11 and CS12 are switched OFF. The current I(9)
is
considered to be positive and its value (magnitude) is sufficient to reduce
the remnant
magnetic flux residing in the ferromagnetic core 129 to zero (about zero) for
the case
where the first stationary coil pair 124A and the first magnet assembly 144A
are radially
aligned with respect to the axis of rotation of the rotatable common shaft
102.
[0307] The fifth generator operation mode 611 (not schematically depicted)
spans across a
portion of the angular rotation of the rotatable common shaft 102 (as depicted
in FIG. 53)
relative to the other operation modes of the CP-A first generator interface
module 414A.
The time duration of the fifth generator operation mode 611 is controlled by
the controller
110 (depicted in FIG. 1) in response to the controller 110, in use, receiving
angular shaft
information (data), which is associated with the rotation of the rotatable
common shaft
102, from the angular encoder 115 (depicted in FIG. 1). The first magnet
assembly 144A
moves towards the first stationary coil pair 124A, and between the coil pairs
of the first
stationary coil pair 124A (depicted in FIG.46). The first magnet assembly 144A
is
magnetically attracted to move toward the first stationary coil pair 124A, and
between the
coil pairs of the first stationary coil pair 124A due to the remnant magnetic
flux developed
in the ferromagnetic core 129.
[0308] In the fifth generator operation mode 611, the digitally controllable
switch CS8 is
switched ON to cause a current to flow in the first stationary coil pair 124A.
Switches MS2
and CS8 are switched ON, and the switches CS7, CS9, CS10, CS11 and C512 are
switched OFF. The current in the first stationary coil pair 124A is considered
to be
negative and its value (magnitude) is sufficient to reduce the remnant
magnetic flux
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residing in the ferromagnetic core 129 to zero (about zero) for the case where
the first
stationary coil pair 124A and the first magnet assembly 144A are radially
aligned with
respect to the axis of rotation of the rotatable common shaft 102.
[0309] Switches CS11 and CS12 are used to bypass (when switched ON) the load
module
415 as needed. No current is drawn from the DC/DC converter module 317 in the
first
generator operation mode 601 and fifth generator operation mode 611.
[0310] FIG. 47 and FIG. 48 depict a reduced schematic view (FIG. 47) and a
perspective
view (FIG. 48) of an embodiment of a reduced circuit for the CP-A first
generator
interface module 414A of FIG. 44, and the first stationary coil pair 124A of
FIG. 44,
respectively, and operating in the second generator operation mode 602 and
sixth generator
operation mode 612.
[0311] Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 47, the second
generator operation
mode 602 is schematically depicted in FIG. 53. The mode 602 spans across a
portion of
the angular rotation of the rotatable common shaft 102 (as depicted in FIG.
53) relative to
the other operation modes of the CP-A first generator interface module 414A.
The time
duration of the second generator operation mode 602 is controlled by the
controller 110
(depicted in FIG. 1) in response to the controller 110, in use, receiving
angular shaft
information (data), which is associated with the rotation of the rotatable
common shaft
102, from the angular encoder 115, as depicted in FIG. 1.
[0312] Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 48, the first magnet
assembly 144A
is aligned (radially aligned) and coaxially offset from the first stationary
coil pair 124A,
and is positioned between the coil pairs of the first stationary coil pair
124A. The digitally
controllable switch CS10 is switched ON to cause positive current 410) to flow
in the first
stationary coil pair 124A, where the magnitude of current 410) is greater than
or equal to
current 1(9). Current 410), in use, increases the magnetic flux residing in
the ferromagnetic
core of the first stationary coil pair 124A, which propels (moves) the first
magnet assembly
144A as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 48. The switches MS2 and CS10 are
switched ON,
and the switches CS7, CS8, CS9, CS11 and CS12 are switched OFF.
[0313] The sixth generator operation mode 612 (not schematically depicted)
spans across a
portion of the angular rotation of the rotatable common shaft 102 (as depicted
in FIG. 53)
relative to the other operation modes of the CP-A first generator interface
module 414A.
The time duration of the sixth generator operation mode 612 is controlled by
the controller
110 (depicted in FIG. 1) in response to the controller 110, in use, receiving
angular shaft
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information (data), which is associated with the rotation of the rotatable
common shaft
102, from the angular encoder 115, as depicted in FIG. 1.
[0314] Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 48, the first magnet
assembly 144A
is aligned (radially aligned) and coaxially offset from the first stationary
coil pair 124A,
and is positioned between the coil pairs of the first stationary coil pair
124A. The digitally
controllable switch CS11 is switched ON to cause negative current to flow in
the first
stationary coil pair 124A, where the magnitude of this current is equal to
current 410) but
flows in the opposite direction. The current in the first stationary coil pair
124A, in use,
increases the magnetic flux residing in the ferromagnetic core of the first
stationary coil
pair 124A, which propels (moves) the first magnet assembly 144A as indicated
by the
arrow in FIG. 48. The switches MS2 and CS11 are switched ON, and the switches
CS7,
CS8, CS9, CS10 and CS12 are switched OFF.
[0315] Switches CS11 and CS12 are used to bypass (when switched ON) the load
module
415 as needed. No current is drawn from the DC/DC converter module 317 in the
second
generator operation mode 602 and the sixth generator operation mode 612.
[0316] FIG. 49 and FIG. 50 depict a reduced schematic view (FIG. 49) and a
perspective
view (FIG. 50) of an embodiment of a reduced circuit for the CP-A first
generator
interface module 414A of FIG. 44, and the first stationary coil pair 124A of
FIG. 44,
respectively, operating in the third generator operation mode 603 and the
seventh generator
operation mode 613.
[0317] Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 49, the third generator
operation
mode 603 is schematically depicted in FIG. 53. The mode 603 spans across a
portion of
the angular rotation of the rotatable common shaft 102 (as depicted in FIG.
53) relative to
the other operation modes of the CP-A first generator interface module 414A.
The time
duration of the third generator operation mode 603 is controlled by the
controller 110
(depicted in FIG. 1) in response to the controller 110, in use, receiving
angular shaft
information (angular displacement or angular shaft displacement data), which
is associated
with the rotation of the rotatable common shaft 102, from the angular encoder
115, as
depicted in FIG. 1.
[0318] Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 50, the first magnet
assembly 144A
moves away from the first stationary coil pair 124A, and from between the coil
pairs of the
first stationary coil pair 124A. Current I(12) is drawn from the DC/DC
converter module
317 (a DC voltage source) as diode D4 becomes forward biased (to supplement
the current
I(11) from capacitor C4). Current I(13), the sum of currents I(11) and I(12),
increases the
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magnetic flux in the ferromagnetic core 129 and provides additional boost to
propel the
first magnet assembly 144A away from first stationary coil pair 124A.
Referring to the
embodiment as depicted in FIG. 49, the switches MS2 and CS10 are switched ON
and the
switches CS7, CS8, CS9, CS11 and CS12 are switched OFF.
[0319] The seventh generator operation mode 613 (not schematically depicted)
spans across
a portion of the angular rotation of the rotatable common shaft 102 (as
depicted in FIG. 53)
relative to the other operation modes of the CP-A first generator interface
module 414A.
The time duration of the seventh generator operation mode 613 is controlled by
the
controller 110 (depicted in FIG. 1) in response to the controller 110, in use,
receiving
angular shaft information (data), which is associated with the rotation of the
rotatable
common shaft 102, from the angular encoder 115, as depicted in FIG. 1.
[0320] Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 50, the first magnet
assembly 144A
moves away from the first stationary coil pair 124A, and from between the coil
pairs of the
first stationary coil pair 124A. Current is drawn from the DC/DC converter
module 317 (a
DC voltage source) as diode D4 becomes forward biased (to supplement the
current from
capacitor C3). The sum of the currents from the capacitor C3 and the DC/DC
converter
module 317, increases the magnetic flux in the ferromagnetic core 129 and
provides
additional boost to propel the first magnet assembly 144A away from first
stationary coil
pair 124A. In the embodiment (not depicted), the switches MS2 and CS9 are
switched ON
and the switches CS7, CS8, CS10, CS11 and CS12 are switched OFF.
[0321] Switches CS11 and CS12 are used to bypass (when switched ON) the load
module
415 as needed. The third and seventh generator operation modes are the only
operation
modes where electrical power is drawn from the DC/DC converter module 317
(also called
the DC voltage source).
[0322] FIG. 51 and FIG. 52 depict a reduced schematic view (FIG. 51) and a
perspective
view (FIG. 52) of an embodiment of a reduced circuit for the CP-A first
generator
interface module 414A of FIG. 44, and the first stationary coil pair 124A of
FIG. 44,
respectively, operating in the fourth generator operation mode 604 and the
eighth generator
operation mode 614.
[0323] Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 51, the fourth
generator operation
mode 604 is schematically depicted in FIG. 53. The mode 604 spans across a
portion of
the angular rotation of the rotatable common shaft 102 (as depicted in FIG.
53) relative to
the other operation modes of the CP-A first generator interface module 414A.
The time
duration of the fourth generator operation mode 604 is controlled by the
controller 110
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(depicted in FIG. 1) in response to the controller 110, in use, receiving
angular shaft
information (data), which is associated with the rotation of the rotatable
common shaft
102, from the angular encoder 115, as depicted in FIG. 1.
[0324] Referring to FIG. 52, the first magnet assembly 144A continues to move
away from
the first stationary coil pair 124A, and further away from between the coil
pairs of the first
stationary coil pair 124A. Switch CS10 is switched OFF to force the energy
from the
magnetic field of the first stationary coil pair 124A into capacitor C3 and
the load module
415 through diode D5 and diode D7. The energy stored in capacitor C3 is used
on the next
cycle of the second generator operation mode to supplement the energy from the
DC/DC
converter module 317. As the energy from the magnetic field residing in the
first stationary
coil pair 124A is directed into capacitor C3 and the load module 415, the
first magnet
assembly 144A is propelled (moved) further along as the current I(14) in the
first
stationary coil pair 124A falls to zero (about zero). It will be appreciated
that the magnetic
flux in the ferromagnetic core 129 does not fall to zero when the current
I(14) in the first
stationary coil pair 124A falls to zero due to the magnetic hysteresis of the
ferromagnetic
core. Furthermore, a remnant magnetic flux is retained in the electromagnet
core when the
current flowing in the first stationary coil pair 124A falls to zero.
[0325] Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 51, switch MS2 is
switched ON and
switches CS7, CS8, CS9, CS10, CS11 and CS12 are switched OFF.
[0326] The eighth generator operation mode 614 (not schematically depicted)
spans across a
portion of the angular rotation of the rotatable common shaft 102 (as depicted
in FIG. 53)
relative to the other operation modes of the CP-A first generator interface
module 414A.
The time duration of the eighth generator operation mode 614 is controlled by
the
controller 110 (depicted in FIG. 1) in response to the controller 110, in use,
receiving
angular shaft information (data), which is associated with the rotation of the
rotatable
common shaft 102, from the angular encoder 115, as depicted in FIG. 1.
[0327] Referring to FIG. 52, the first magnet assembly 144A continues to move
away from
the first stationary coil pair 124A, and further away from between the coil
pairs of the first
stationary coil pair 124A. Switch CS9 is switched OFF to force the energy from
the
magnetic field of the first stationary coil pair 124A into capacitor C4 and
the load module
415 through diode D5 and diode D7. The energy stored in capacitor C4 is used
on the next
cycle of the sixth generator operation mode 612 to supplement the energy from
the DC/DC
converter module 317. As the energy from the magnetic field residing in the
first stationary
coil pair 124A is directed into capacitor C4 and the load module 415, the
first magnet
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assembly 144A is propelled (moved) further along as the current in the first
stationary coil
pair 124A falls to zero (about zero). It will be appreciated that the magnetic
flux in the
ferromagnetic core 129 does not fall to zero when the current in the first
stationary coil
pair 124A falls to zero due to the magnetic hysteresis of the ferromagnetic
core.
Furthermore, a remnant magnetic flux is retained in the electromagnet core
when the
current flowing in the first stationary coil pair 124A falls to zero.
[0328] Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 51, switch MS2 is
switched ON and
switches CS7, CS8, CS9, CS10, CS11 and CS12 are switched OFF.
[0329] Switches CS11 and CS12 are used to bypass (when switched ON) the load
module
415 as needed. No current is drawn from the DC/DC converter module 317 in the
fourth
generator operation mode 604 and the eighth generator operation mode 614.
[0330] FIG. 53 depicts a schematic view of an embodiment of the operation
modes of the
first generator interface module 214 or a second generator interface module
218 of FIG.
44.
[0331] Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 45, the first generator
operation
mode 601 may be called a generator operation mode (1+). The remnant magnetic
flux
residing in the ferromagnetic core 129 results in the attraction of the first
magnet assembly
144A towards the first stationary coil pair 124A. In the first generator
operation mode 601,
the current flowing in the first stationary coil pair 124A is considered
positive and has a
magnitude sufficient to reduce the remnant magnetic flux in the ferromagnetic
core 129 to
about zero (preferably zero if possible) at the start of the second generator
operation mode
602.
[0332] The second generator operation mode 602 and the third generator
operation mode 603
may be called the generator operation mode (2+) and the generator operation
mode (3+),
respectively. The second generator operation mode 602 occurs before the third
generator
operation mode 603.
[0333] In the second generator operation mode 602 current 410) flows in the
first stationary
coil pair 124A as capacitor C4 discharges its stored energy. Current I(10)
causes an initial
increase in magnetic flux in the ferromagnetic core of the first stationary
coil pair 124A
that results in the propulsion of the first magnet assembly 144A away from the
first
stationary coil pair 124A.
[0334] In the third generator operation mode 603, current I(13) flows in the
first stationary
coil pair 124A as capacitor C4 continues to discharge its stored energy with
supplemental
energy drawn from the DC/DC converter module 317 as diode D4 becomes forward
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biased. Current I(13) causes a further increase in magnetic flux in the
ferromagnetic core
of the first stationary coil pair 124A that works to propel the first magnet
assembly 144A
further away from the first stationary coil pair 126A. Current I(13) is the
sum of currents
I(11) from capacitor C4 and current I(12) from the DC/DC converter module 317.
[0335] In the second generator operation mode 602 and the third generator
operation mode
603, the current flowing in the first stationary coil pair 124A is considered
positive, and
has a magnitude that is greater than or equal to current I(9) in the first
generator operation
mode 601. Preferably, the current flowing in the first stationary coil pair
124A in the third
generator operation mode 603 should be sufficient to cause the magnetic flux
in the
ferromagnetic core 129 to just reach magnetic saturation in order to maximize
the energy
efficiency of the system. Energy is only required from the DC/DC converter
module 317 in
the third generator operation mode 603.
[0336] The fourth generator operation mode 604 may be called the generator
operation mode
(4+). For the fourth generator operation mode 604, the current flowing in the
first
stationary coil pair 124A is considered positive and has a magnitude that is
less than or
equal to that in the third generator operation mode 603. The energy, which is
developed in
the magnetic field of the first stationary coil pair 124A in the third
generator operation
mode 603, is directed towards the load module 415 and capacitor C3 while
continuing to
propel (move) the first magnet assembly 144A away from the first stationary
coil pair
124A. The current I(14) flowing during the fourth generator operation mode 604
falls to
about zero (preferably at zero), and leaves a remnant magnetic flux residing
in the
ferromagnetic core 129.
[0337] The fifth generator operation mode 611 may be called the generator
operation mode
(1-), which is similar to the generator operation mode (1+). The remnant
magnetic flux
residing in the ferromagnetic core 129 results in the magnetic attraction of
the first magnet
assembly 144A towards the first stationary coil pair 124A. In the fifth
generator operation
mode 611, the current flowing in the first stationary coil pair 124A is
considered negative
and has a magnitude sufficient to reduce the remnant magnetic flux that
resides in the
ferromagnetic core 129 to about zero (preferably to zero) at the start of the
sixth generator
operation mode 612.
[0338] The sixth generator operation mode 612 and the seventh generator
operation mode
613 may be called the generator operation mode (2-) and the generator
operation mode (3-
), respectively, and which are similar to the generator operation mode (2+)
and the
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generator operation mode (3+), respectively. The sixth generator operation
mode 612
occurs before the seventh generator operation mode 613.
[0339] In the sixth generator operation mode 612, current flows in the first
stationary coil
pair 124A as capacitor C3 discharges its stored energy. The current flowing in
the first
stationary coil pair 124A causes an initial increase in magnetic flux in the
ferromagnetic
core of the first stationary coil pair 124A that results in the propulsion of
the first magnet
assembly 144A away from the first stationary coil pair 124A.
[0340] In the seventh generator operation mode 613, current flows in the first
stationary coil
pair 124A as capacitor C3 continues to discharge its stored energy with
supplemental
energy drawn from the DC/DC converter module 317 as diode D4 becomes forward
biased. The current flowing in the first stationary coil pair 124A causes a
further increase
in magnetic flux in the ferromagnetic core of the first stationary coil pair
124A that works
to propel the first magnet assembly 144A further away from the first
stationary coil pair
126A. The current flowing in the first stationary coil pair 124A is the sum of
currents from
capacitor C3 and the current supplemented from the DC/DC converter module 317.
In the
sixth generator operation mode 612 and the seventh generator operation mode
613, the
current flowing in the first stationary coil pair 124A is considered negative,
and has a
magnitude that is greater than or equal to that in the fifth generator
operation mode 611.
Preferably, the current flowing in the first stationary coil pair 124A in the
seventh
generator operation mode 613 mode should be sufficient to cause the magnetic
flux in the
ferromagnetic core 129 to just reach magnetic saturation in order to maximize
the energy
efficiency of the system. Energy is only required from the DC/DC converter
module 317 in
the seventh generator operation mode 613.
[0341] The eighth generator operation mode 614 may be called the generator
operation mode
(4-), which is similar to the generator operation mode (4+). For the eighth
generator
operation mode 614, the current flowing in the first stationary coil pair 124A
is considered
negative and has a magnitude that is less than or equal to that in the seventh
generator
operation mode 613. The energy in the magnetic field residing in the first
stationary coil
pair 124A is directed towards the load module 415 and capacitor C4 while
continuing to
propel the first magnet assembly 144A away from the first stationary coil pair
124A. The
current that flows in the eighth generator operation mode 614 falls to zero,
and leaves a
remnant magnetic flux in the ferromagnetic core 129.
[0342] For the first electric generator assembly 204, the second electric
generator assembly
208, and the electric motor assembly 206, it will be appreciated that the
current flowing
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through the coil pairs are out of phase, relative to each other, by the
absolute value of (Am
¨ Ac) = abs (60 ¨ 72) = 12 degrees (for the depicted embodiment).
[0343] The generator operation modes, as schematically depicted in FIG. 53,
span across
portions of the angular rotation of the rotatable common shaft 102 relative to
the other
generator operation modes. The time durations of the generator operation modes
are
controlled by the controller 110 (depicted in FIG. 1) in response to the
controller 110, in
use, receiving angular shaft information (data), which is associated with the
rotation of the
rotatable common shaft 102, from the angular encoder 115, as depicted in FIG.
1.
[0344] Preferably, the circumferential angular offset of the rotatable disk
assemblies cause a
reduction (preferably elimination) of the net cogging torque at the rotatable
common shaft
102.
[0345] Preferably, the initialization of the coil pair current uses the
generated induced current
without invoking retarding torques (this reduces the energy required from the
source to
increase the magnetic flux in the electromagnet).
[0346] Preferably, a coaxial offset between the electromagnet core of the coil
pairs and the
permanent magnets of the disk assemblies improves or increases the torque of
the rotatable
common shaft 102 (preferably to achieve maximum torque).
[0347] Preferably, the extraction and usage of the energy stored in the
magnetic field of the
coil pairs is used for performing mechanical work (this boosts or improves
system
efficiency).
[0348] Preferably, the first generator interface module 214 (depicted in FIG.
43) and the
second generator interface module 218 (depicted in FIG. 1) are equivalent to
the electric
motor interface module 216 (depicted in FIG. 23) but with the battery charging
switching
module 400 (depicted in FIG. 25 and FIG. 26) replaced with the load module 415
(depicted in FIG. 43).
[0349] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes two
or more
rotatable disk assemblies that are rigidly mounted (fixedly mounted) to the
rotatable
common shaft 102, which is rotatable about an elongated rotation axis.
[0350] Each rotatable disk assembly has an even number of permanent magnets
with
relatively strong magnetic fields that are embedded in the rotatable disk
assemblies, and
equally spaced along their periphery.
[0351] An odd number (such as three) of electromagnet pairs with high magnetic
permeability, low hysteresis loss and low eddy current loss cores are rigidly
mounted and
arranged to interact with the magnetic field of the permanent magnets mounted
to the
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rotatable disk assemblies as they rotate. Preferably, the ferromagnetic cores
(of the coil
pairs) have a high remnant magnetic flux relative to their saturated magnetic
flux and low
magnetic coercivity.
[0352] The rotatable disk assemblies and their corresponding electromagnet
pairs are
specifically arranged to eliminate (or reduce) the cogging forces that would
normally be
experienced in conventional electric rotating machines.
[0353] Preferably, at a minimum, external power is only required to overcome
bearing
friction and windage torques (frictional losses) as the rotatable common shaft
102 and the
rotatable disk assemblies rotate about the rotation axis of the rotatable
common shaft 102.
[0354] The apparatus is set into operation using a self-start algorithm in the
controller or an
initial external impulse (starting) torque that is applied to the rotatable
common shaft 102
and/or the rotatable disk assemblies, and the controller 110 is subsequently
engaged to
maintain and control rotation of the rotatable disk assemblies.
[0355] The controller 110 is configured (programmed) to control computer-
controllable
switches to: (A) selectively activate and deactivate electrical power to the
electromagnet
pairs of the rotatable electric machines, (B) control the speed and torque of
the rotatable
common shaft 102, and (C) control the electrical output from the first
rotatable electric
machine 104 and the third rotatable electric machine 108.
[0356] The controller 110 is configured to take advantage of the ability of
the electromagnets
to store energy in their magnetic field and discharge the stored energy from
their magnetic
field while performing mechanical work. The controller 110 is also configured
to take
advantage of the magnetic hysteresis of the ferromagnetic core 129 to maximize
the
electromechanical torque at the rotatable common shaft 102 with no additional
power
requirement from the DC source (such as the DC/DC converter module 317).
[0357] As the electromagnets are energized, the electromagnets, in use, propel
(rotate) the
rotatable disk assemblies as the electromagnets magnetically interact with the
magnetic
field of the permanent magnets positioned on the rotatable disk assemblies,
and, preferably
at the same time, the electromagnets store energy in their magnetic field.
[0358] The energy stored in the magnetic field of the electromagnets is
subsequently
extracted as electrical energy, and is used to provide additional propulsion
to the rotatable
disk assemblies while the interfacing circuits are disconnected from the DC
source.
[0359] The controller 110 and memory assembly 111 may require a constant
source of power
to operate the system.
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[0360] The non-extracted energy from the electromagnets is directed to a
storage device such
as a capacitor (while still propelling the rotatable disk assemblies and
remaining
disconnected from the DC source), and is subsequently used to offset the DC
source
requirement on the next activation cycle of the electromagnet pairs.
[0361] Thus, the apparatus obtains only a fraction of its energy requirement
from the DC
source to operate, hence the improvement in efficiency over conventional
rotating electric
machines.
[0362] A relatively higher efficiency of the apparatus is achieved when the
resistive losses in
the electromagnet windings are low and the permeability and electrical
resistivity of the
ferromagnetic cores are relatively high.
[0363] Some of the electromagnet pairs may be used to drive the apparatus, and
some to
supply energy to an external electrical load.
[0364] As an electrical generator, energy is extracted from the electromagnet
coil pairs
without impacting the mechanical performance.
[0365] Mechanically, the axis of permanent magnets mounted to the rotatable
disk
assemblies, and that of the cores of the electromagnet pairs, are coaxially
offset from each
other in such a way that the axis of permanent magnets, in use, maximize the
performance
of the electric machine (electric motor and/or electric generator).
[0366] While conventional motors and generators typically require more
mechanical energy
to overcome the cogging forces in order to initiate and maintain rotation, the
apparatus, in
use, reduces or eliminates the cogging forces, and reduces the total energy
required to
operate the first rotatable electric machine 104, the second rotatable
electric machine 106,
and the third rotatable electric machine 108.
[0367] While conventional motors typically have efficiencies in the range of
75-80%, the
apparatus may improve efficiency due to (A) the minimum energy requirement
from the
DC source while in operation, and (B) the recycling of the energy in the first
rotatable
electric machine 104, the second rotatable electric machine 106 and the third
rotatable
electric machine 108.
[0368] The apparatus may be utilized in hybrid vehicles (automobiles), wind
turbines,
pumps, etc.
[0369] The apparatus is powered from a direct current (DC) electrical source
and operated
using a controlled switching circuit to regulate speed, torque and electrical
output.
[0370] Preferably, the apparatus includes two or more rotatable disk
assemblies that are
rigidly mounted onto a common shaft that is free to rotate about a fixed axis.
Each
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rotatable disk assembly has an even number of permanent magnets with
relatively strong
magnetic fields, which are mounted to the rotatable disk assemblies, and are
equally
spaced along the periphery of the rotatable disk assemblies. An odd number of
electromagnet pairs with high magnetic permeability and high electrical
resistivity cores
are rigidly mounted and arranged to interact with the magnetic field of the
permanent
magnets on the rotatable disk assemblies as the rotatable disk assemblies
rotate.
[0371] It will be appreciated that the brushless permanent magnet motor
assembly 104 may
have a radial embodiment as depicted in FIG. 56, with the centerline of the
permanent
magnets and the centerline of the electromagnets axially aligned in the same
plane with
both parallel to the plane of the rotatable disk assembly 134. It will be
appreciated that in
such embodiments, the methods and systems for controlling such apparatus as
set out
above will be useful. It will further be appreciated that the electromagnets
at each pole are
not paired in the radial embodiment. It will also be appreciated that
embodiment shown in
FIG. 56 is only one of two radial embodiments of the brushless permanent
magnet motor
assembly 104, another arrangement such as with the magnet assembly arranged in
the out-
runner configuration is also another embodiment of the brushless permanent
magnet motor
assembly.
[0372] Unless otherwise specified, relational terms used in these
specifications should be
construed to include certain tolerances that the person skilled in the art
would recognize as
providing equivalent functionality. By way of example the term perpendicular
is not
necessarily limited to 90.0 degrees, but also to any slight variation thereof
that the person
skilled in the art would recognize as providing equivalent functionality for
the purposes
described for the relevant member or element. Terms such as "about" and
"substantially",
in the context of configuration, relate generally to disposition, location, or
configuration
that is either exact or sufficiently close to the location, disposition, or
configuration of the
relevant element to preserve operability of the element within the invention
which does not
materially modify the invention. Similarly, unless specifically made clear
from its context,
numerical values should be construed to include certain tolerances that the
person skilled
in the art would recognize as having negligible importance as it does not
materially change
the operability of the invention. It will be appreciated that the description
and/or drawings
identify and describe embodiments of the apparatus (either explicitly or non-
explicitly).
The apparatus may include any suitable combination and/or permutation of the
technical
features as identified in the detailed description, as may be required and/or
desired to suit a
particular technical purpose and/or technical function. It will be appreciated
that, where
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possible and suitable, any one or more of the technical features of the
apparatus may be
combined with any other one or more of the technical features of the apparatus
(in any
combination and/or permutation). It will be appreciated that persons skilled
in the art
would know that technical features of each embodiment may be deployed (where
possible)
in other embodiments even if not expressly stated as such above. It will be
appreciated that
persons skilled in the art would know that other options would be possible for
the
configuration of the components of the apparatus to adjust to manufacturing
requirements
and still remain within the scope as described in at least one or more of the
claims. This
written description provides embodiments, including the best mode, and also
enables the
person skilled in the art to make and use the embodiments. The patentable
scope may be
defined by the claims. The written description and/or drawings may help to
understand the
scope of the claims. It is believed that all the crucial aspects of the
disclosed subject matter
have been provided in this document. It is understood, for this document, that
the phrase
"includes" is equivalent to the word "comprising." The foregoing has outlined
the non-
limiting embodiments (examples). The description is made for particular non-
limiting
embodiments (examples). It is understood that the non-limiting embodiments are
merely
illustrative as examples.
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Representative Drawing