U.S. patent application number 15/966614 was filed with the patent office on 2019-10-31 for motor control system for electric motor and method of use.
The applicant listed for this patent is REGAL BELOIT AMERICA, INC.. Invention is credited to Oscar A. Guevara, Luis D. Morales, Zachary Joseph Stauffer.
Application Number | 20190334468 15/966614 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 68291684 |
Filed Date | 2019-10-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20190334468 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stauffer; Zachary Joseph ;
et al. |
October 31, 2019 |
MOTOR CONTROL SYSTEM FOR ELECTRIC MOTOR AND METHOD OF USE
Abstract
A motor control system for operating an electric motor is
described. The motor control system includes a power supply module
disposed external to the electric motor and configured to convert
an alternating current (AC) voltage at a first level to a direct
current (DC) voltage at a second level lower than a DC-equivalent
voltage of the AC voltage at the first level, and a motor control
assembly coupled to the electric motor. The motor control assembly
includes an input power connector configured to receive the DC
voltage at the second level from the power supply module. The motor
control assembly also includes an inverter module coupled to the
input power connector. The inverter module is configured to convert
the DC voltage at the second level to an AC motor voltage to
operate the electric motor.
Inventors: |
Stauffer; Zachary Joseph;
(Fort Wayne, IN) ; Morales; Luis D.; (Fort Wayne,
IN) ; Guevara; Oscar A.; (Valparaiso, IN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
REGAL BELOIT AMERICA, INC. |
Beloit |
WI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
68291684 |
Appl. No.: |
15/966614 |
Filed: |
April 30, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02P 2201/11 20130101;
F04D 25/08 20130101; H02P 27/06 20130101; F04D 25/06 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H02P 27/06 20060101
H02P027/06; F04D 25/06 20060101 F04D025/06; F04D 25/08 20060101
F04D025/08 |
Claims
1. A motor control system for operating an electric motor, said
motor control system comprising: a power supply module disposed
external to the electric motor and configured to convert an
alternating current (AC) voltage at a first level to a direct
current (DC) voltage at a second level lower than a DC-equivalent
voltage of the AC voltage at the first level; and a motor control
assembly coupled to the electric motor, said motor control assembly
comprising: an input power connector configured to receive the DC
voltage at the second level from said power supply module; and an
inverter module coupled to said input power connector, said
inverter module configured to convert the DC voltage at the second
level to an AC motor voltage to operate the electric motor.
2. The motor control system of claim 1, wherein said power supply
module is located remotely with respect to said motor control
assembly.
3. The motor control system of claim 1, wherein said motor control
assembly has a rated voltage level defining a maximum voltage level
at which the motor control assembly operates, and wherein the first
level of the AC voltage is higher than the rated voltage level.
4. The motor control system of claim 3, wherein the second level of
the DC voltage is at most the rated voltage level.
5. The motor control system of claim 1, wherein said power supply
module comprises a rectifier configured to convert the AC voltage
to the DC voltage at the DC-equivalent voltage at the first level,
and a DC-DC step-down converter coupled to said rectifier and
configured to reduce the DC voltage to the second level.
6. The motor control system of claim 1, wherein the first level is
greater than about 500 VAC and the second level is at most about
500 VDC.
7. The motor control system of claim 1, wherein the first level is
about 460 VAC and the second level is at most about 320 VDC.
8. The motor control system of claim 7, wherein the second level is
at most about 230 VDC.
9. A method of operating an electric motor, said method comprising:
converting an input alternating current (AC) voltage at a first
level to a direct current (DC) voltage at a second level lower than
a DC-equivalent voltage of the AC voltage at the first level at a
power supply module located remotely with respect to the electric
motor; transmitting the DC voltage at the second level through an
input power connector to an inverter module, the input power
connector and the inverter module disposed on the electric motor;
converting, by the inverter module, the DC voltage at the second
level to an AC motor voltage; and operating the electric motor
using the AC motor voltage.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the inverter module has a rated
voltage level defining a maximum voltage level at which the
electric motor operates, and wherein said converting the AC voltage
to the DC voltage at the second level further comprises converting
the AC voltage at the first level, wherein the first level is
higher than the rated voltage level, to the DC voltage at the
second level, wherein the second level is at most the rated voltage
level.
11. The method of claim 9, wherein said converting the AC voltage
at the first level to the DC voltage at the second level comprises:
converting the AC voltage to the DC-equivalent voltage at the first
level using a rectifier; and reducing the DC voltage from the first
level to the second level using a DC-DC step-down converter coupled
to the rectifier.
12. The method of claim 9 further comprising: receiving a signal
through a first communication module coupled to the inverter
module; and converting the DC voltage at the second level to the AC
motor voltage according to the received signal.
13. A fluid-moving system, comprising: a power supply module
configured to convert an alternating current (AC) voltage at a
first level to a direct current (DC) voltage at a second level
lower than a DC-equivalent voltage of the AC voltage at the first
level; an electric motor configured to turn a rotating component to
generate a fluid flow; and a motor control assembly coupled to said
electric motor, said motor control assembly comprising: an input
power connector configured to receive the DC voltage at the second
level from said power supply module; and an inverter module coupled
to said input power connector, said inverter module configured to
convert the DC voltage at the second level to an AC motor voltage
to operate said electric motor.
14. The fluid-moving system of claim 13, wherein said power supply
module is located remotely with respect to said electric motor.
15. The fluid-moving system of claim 13, wherein said motor control
assembly has a rated voltage level defining a maximum voltage level
at which the electric motor operates, and wherein the first level
of the AC voltage is higher than the rated voltage level.
16. The fluid-moving system of claim 15, wherein the second level
of the DC voltage is at most the rated voltage level.
17. The fluid-moving system of claim 13, wherein said power supply
module comprises a rectifier configured to convert the AC voltage
to the a DC-equivalent voltage at the first level, and a DC-DC
step-down converter coupled to said rectifier and configured to
reduce the DC voltage to the second level.
18. (canceled)
19. The fluid-moving system of claim 13, wherein the first level is
greater than about 500 VAC, and the second level is less than about
500 VDC.
20. The fluid-moving system of claim 13, wherein the first level is
about 600 VAC, and the second level is at most about 320 VDC.
21. The fluid-moving system of claim 20, wherein the second level
is at most about 230 VDC.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The field of the invention relates generally to electric
motors, and more particularly, to a motor control system having a
remote power supply module for stepping down line voltage to a
rated DC voltage and a method of use.
[0002] Electric motors are utilized in various fluid handling
applications, including heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
(HVAC) appliances (furnaces, heat pumps, and air conditioners). For
example, an electric motor drives a rotating component (e.g., a
fan, blower, or impeller) to generate a fluid flow through an
appliance. Many known electric motors include a motor control
assembly that contains various electronic components for
conditioning power for the electric motor, controlling the electric
motor, and carrying out communication between the electric motor
and other components of the appliance. Typical motor control
assemblies are large relative to the electric motor itself,
sometimes extending the length of the motor assembly by as much as
50%. Such motor control assemblies can impede fluid flow, which
reduces efficiency and increases the cost of operating and
maintaining the electric motor.
[0003] In addition, electric motors operate in locations having
respective power sources with differing voltages available. For
instance, in North America, three common input line voltages
available to power HVAC motor controllers are 230V, 460V, and 600V
(.+-.5-15%). Various spacing, sizing, and rating standards apply to
motor controllers based on the input line voltage, and, generally,
motors that are powered with higher line voltages are larger and
more expensive to build and to purchase. Accordingly, motors that
are rated for certain applications cannot be powered with line
voltages above a particular level. In such situations, the end
users of the motor must either implement larger and more expensive
motors that accept the higher input line voltage, or must purchase
and install transformers to step-down the line voltage. Such
transformers, however, can be expensive, bulky, and
inefficient.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0004] In one aspect, a motor control system for operating an
electric motor is provided. The motor control system includes a
power supply module disposed external to the electric motor and
configured to convert an alternating current (AC) voltage at a
first level to a direct current (DC) voltage at a second level
lower than a DC-equivalent voltage of the AC voltage at the first
level, and a motor control assembly coupled to the electric motor.
The motor control assembly includes an input power connector
configured to receive the DC voltage at the second level from the
power supply module. The motor control assembly also includes an
inverter module coupled to the input power connector. The inverter
module is configured to convert the DC voltage at the second level
to an AC motor voltage to operate the electric motor.
[0005] In another aspect, a method of operating an electric motor
for a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) appliance
is provided. The method includes converting an input alternating
current (AC) voltage at a first level to a direct current (DC)
voltage at a second level lower than a DC-equivalent voltage of the
AC voltage at the first level at a power supply module located
remotely with respect to the electric motor. The method also
includes transmitting the DC voltage at the second level through an
input power connector to an inverter module, the input power
connector and the inverter module disposed on the electric motor.
The method further includes converting, by the inverter module, the
DC voltage at the second level to an AC motor voltage, and
operating the electric motor using the AC motor voltage.
[0006] In yet another aspect, a fluid-moving system is provided.
The fluid-moving system a power supply module configured to convert
an alternating current (AC) voltage at a first level to a direct
current (DC) voltage at a second level lower than a DC-equivalent
voltage of the AC voltage at the first level. The fluid-moving
system also includes an electric motor configured to turn a
rotating component to generate a fluid flow, and a motor control
assembly coupled to the electric motor. The motor control assembly
includes an input power connector configured to receive the DC
voltage at the second level from the power supply module. The motor
control assembly also includes an inverter module coupled to the
input power connector, the inverter module configured to convert
the DC voltage at the second level to an AC motor voltage to
operate the electric motor.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an exemplary electric
motor;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the known motor control
assembly shown in FIG. 1;
[0009] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the known motor
control assembly shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0010] FIG. 4 is an assembled view of the known motor control
assembly shown in FIGS. 1-3 coupled to the motor shown in FIG.
1;
[0011] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an exemplary motor control
system for use with the electric motor shown in FIGS. 1-4; and
[0012] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method of operating
the electric motor shown in FIG. 5.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] In the following specification and the claims, a number of
terms are referenced that have the following meanings.
[0014] Some embodiments involve the use of one or more electronic
or computing devices. Such devices typically include a processor,
processing device, or controller, such as a general purpose central
processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a
microcontroller, a reduced instruction set computer (RISC)
processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a
programmable logic circuit (PLC), a field programmable gate array
(FPGA), a digital signal processing (DSP) device, and/or any other
circuit or processing device capable of executing the functions
described herein. The methods described herein may be encoded as
executable instructions embodied in a computer readable medium,
including, without limitation, a storage device and/or a memory
device. Such instructions, when executed by a processing device,
cause the processing device to perform at least a portion of the
methods described herein. The above examples are exemplary only,
and thus are not intended to limit in any way the definition and/or
meaning of the terms processor, processing device, and
controller.
[0015] In the embodiments described herein, memory may include, but
is not limited to, a computer-readable medium, such as a random
access memory (RAM), and a computer-readable non-volatile medium,
such as flash memory. Alternatively, a floppy disk, a compact
disc--read only memory (CD-ROM), a magneto-optical disk (MOD),
and/or a digital versatile disc (DVD) may also be used. Also, in
the embodiments described herein, additional input channels may be,
but are not limited to, computer peripherals associated with an
operator interface such as a mouse and a keyboard. Alternatively,
other computer peripherals may also be used that may include, for
example, but not be limited to, a scanner. Furthermore, in the
exemplary embodiment, additional output channels may include, but
not be limited to, an operator interface monitor.
[0016] Embodiments of the electric motors and electric motor
control systems described herein provide a modular-packaged control
system for fluid-moving systems such as HVAC appliances. More
specifically, the modular-packaged control system separates the
control system into two discrete housings.
[0017] One housing includes an inverter module and a second housing
includes a power supply module that serves as a front-end to the
electric motor. The power supply module generally includes
electrical components to convert and condition AC power from a
power source to DC power to operate the electric motor. More
particularly, in the example embodiment, the power supply module
includes a step-down or buck converter to convert high-voltage
input power to lower-voltage DC power that is supplied to power the
motor. The electrical components of the power supply module may
include passive and/or active electrical components, including, for
example, an isolate power supply such as a resonant converter, or a
digital signal processor (DSP).
[0018] The other housing contains the inverter module, including
active components, such as, for example, power switches, one or
more processors or digital signal processors (DSPs), and a
communication module to facilitate communication between the
inverter module and one or more remote components (e.g., a system
controller). The communication module may include a wired or
wireless communication module, such that wired or wireless
communication is facilitated. Wired signals may include, but are
not limited to, discrete, serial, parallel, analog, and/or digital
communication, and/or any other known types of wired signals.
Wireless signals may include, but are not limited to, Bluetooth,
Bluetooth low energy, near field communications (NFC), infrared,
and/or any other known types of wireless signals. In some
embodiments, using wireless communication to communicate with
external devices enables elimination of hardwired communication
connectors, and, as such enables a reduction in the size of the
motor control assembly housing the inverter module. The components
of the inverter module generally fail at a higher rate than the
components of the power supply module.
[0019] Modular packaging of the inverter module and power supply
module enables replacement of the modules separately. The inverter
module and its housing are located on the electric motor within a
motor control assembly or "motor housing." The power supply module
may be located within or external to fluid-moving system, but at
least remote from the electric motor itself, thus reducing the size
requirements of the motor control assembly and, thereby, impedance
of airflow. The motor control assembly and the various control
circuitry components therein may be rated, sized, spaced, or
otherwise oriented according to lower-voltage standards while
accepting a higher-voltage input power supply. Moreover, by
locating the power supply module remotely, the heat-generating
components therein are separated from the more heat-sensitive
components within the motor control assembly. In addition, by
housing the step-down converter in the power supply module, any
motor control circuitry is isolated from the high-voltage power
supply input. Additional benefits of the remote power supply module
described herein may include loss-of-phase detection, light load
throttle back, improved power factor (active/passive power factor
correction), embedded EMC/electromagnetic interference (EMI)
protection, and/or line isolation (e.g., using a resonant converter
design). One or more of the above-described benefits may be
realized based on the specific arrangement of components and/or the
specific components used in the implementation of the motor control
system described herein.
[0020] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an exemplary electric motor
100. Motor 100 includes control system 102, a stationary assembly
104 including a stator or core 106, and a rotatable assembly 108
including a rotor 110 and a shaft 112. In the exemplary embodiment,
motor 100 is utilized to turn a rotating component (e.g., a fan,
blower, and/or impeller) in a fluid (e.g., water, air, etc.) moving
system. For example, electric motor 100 may be utilized in a clean
room filtering system, a fan filter unit, a variable air volume
system, a refrigeration system, a pool/spa pump unit, a furnace
system, an air conditioning system, and/or a residential or
commercial heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)
system. Alternatively, motor 100 may be implemented in any
application that enables motor 100 to function as described herein.
Motor 100 may also be used to drive mechanical components other
than a fan, blower, and/or impeller, including mixers, gears,
conveyors, and/or treadmills. In the exemplary embodiment, control
system 102 is integrated with motor 100. Alternatively, motor 100
may be external to and/or separate from control system 102.
[0021] Rotor 110 is mounted on and keyed to shaft 112 journaled for
rotation in conventional bearings 114. Bearings 114 are mounted in
bearing supports 116 integral with a first end member 118 and a
second end member 120. End members 118 and 120 have inner facing
sides 122 and 124 between which stationary assembly 104 and
rotatable assembly 108 are located. Each end member 118 and 120 has
an outer side 126 and 128 opposite its inner side 122 and 124.
Additionally, second end member 120 has an aperture 130 for shaft
112 to extend through outer side 128.
[0022] Rotor 110 comprises a ferromagnetic core 132 and is
rotatable within stator 106. Segments 134 of permanent magnet
material, each providing a relatively constant flux field, are
secured, for example, by adhesive bonding to rotor core 132.
Segments 134 are magnetized to be polarized radially in relation to
rotor core 132 with adjacent segments 134 being alternately
polarized as indicated. While magnets on rotor 110 are illustrated
for purposes of disclosure, it is contemplated that other rotors
having different constructions and other magnets different in
number, construction, and flux fields may be utilized with such
other rotors within the scope of the invention.
[0023] Stationary assembly 104 comprises a plurality of winding
stages 136 adapted to be electrically energized to generate an
electromagnetic field. Stages 136 are coils of wire wound around
teeth 138 of laminated stator core 106. Winding terminal leads 140
are brought out through an aperture 142 in first end member 118
terminating in a motor connector 144. While stationary assembly 104
is illustrated for purposes of disclosure, it is contemplated that
other stationary assemblies of various other constructions having
different shapes and/or configurations may be utilized within the
scope of the disclosure, such as a stationary assembly usable with
an axial flux motor.
[0024] Motor 100 further includes an electronics enclosure 146 that
mounts on the rear portion of motor 100 to house control system
102. Electronics enclosure 146 and control system 102 may sometimes
be referred to collectively as a motor control assembly 148.
Electronics enclosure 146 includes a bottom wall 150 and a
substantially annular side wall 152. Control system 102 includes a
plurality of electronic components 154 and a connector 156 mounted
within electronics enclosure 146. Control system 102 is connected
to winding stages 136 by interconnecting motor connector 144.
Control system 102 applies a voltage to one or more of winding
stages 136 at a time for commutating winding stages 136 in a
preselected sequence to rotate rotatable assembly 108 about an axis
of rotation. In an alternative embodiment, control system 102 is
remotely positioned from and communicatively coupled to motor 100.
In another alternative embodiment, control system 102 is a central
control system for more than one electric motor (e.g., in an HVAC
system), and is communicatively coupled to motor 100.
[0025] A casing 158 is positioned between first end member 118 and
second end member 120 to facilitate enclosing and protecting
stationary assembly 104 and rotatable assembly 108.
[0026] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of motor control assembly 148.
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a known motor control
assembly 148. FIG. 4 is an assembled view of known motor control
assembly 148 coupled to motor 100. In the exemplary embodiment,
motor control assembly 148 includes electronics enclosure 146,
which houses control system 102. Control system 102 includes a
power supply module 200, which is generally defined by electronics
enclosure 146, and an inverter module 202. Although power supply
module 200, inverter module 202, and various other components of
motor control assembly 148 are shown and described in a modularly
packaged arrangement, the modules 200 and 202, any electrical
component therein, and/or any other component of motor control
assembly 148 may be arranged, oriented, and/or package in any
suitable alternative arrangement.
[0027] Power supply module 200 includes an input connector 204
(which may be the same as or similar to connector 156, shown in
FIG. 1), a plurality of electrical components 206, and an output
connector 208 mounted on a component board, such as a printed
circuit board (PCB) 210. Power supply module 200 integrates large
through-hole electrical components and power connectors of control
system 102. In the exemplary embodiment, PCB 210 is coupled to an
interior surface of bottom wall 150 of electronics enclosure 146.
Input connector 204 includes power input line connectors 212 for
coupling to a power source.
[0028] In one embodiment, motor control assembly 148, specifically
inverter module 202 is rated to receive up to an accepted level of
direct current (DC) voltage for control of motor 100, referred to
as a "rated voltage level." In some embodiments, the rated voltage
level is a maximum DC voltage at which inverter module 202 (and/or
other components of motor control assembly 148) is rated to
operate. As such, certain components of motor 100 may be inoperable
or may operate with higher failure rates at voltage levels higher
than the rated voltage level. As shown in FIG. 5, motor 100 is
operating with a power source 214 that supplies an alternating
current (AC) line voltage. In the illustrated embodiment, the AC
line voltage is higher than the DC-equivalent rated voltage level
for motor 100. For example, power source 214 is an AC utility that
provides AC input voltage of 575 VAC or about 600 VAC, or higher
than about 500 VAC. The rated voltage level of motor 100 is about
230V or about 460V, or less than about 500V. Accordingly, to
operate known motor control assembly 148, a transformer 216 is
coupled between power source 214 and motor control assembly 148.
Transformer 216 decreases the line voltage of power source 214 to a
supported voltage (e.g., less than about 500 VAC, in the example
above). Input connector 204 interfaces with and receives input
power from transformer 216 via an opening in side wall 152 of
electronics enclosure 146.
[0029] Electrical components 206, including, for example,
thermistors, EMI chokes, electrolytic capacitors, and rectifiers,
of power supply module 200 are configured to convert input voltage
received from transformer 216 to a desired level of DC voltage,
such as the rated voltage level. Layout of electrical components
206 is typically challenging with respect to EMI performance. Using
output connector 208, power supply module 200 outputs the converted
DC voltage to inverter module 202. In the illustrated embodiment,
output connector 208 includes two high-voltage wires 218 for
providing the converted DC voltage to inverter module 202. Any
alternative connector that facilitate connection between power
supply module 200 and inverter module 202 may be used.
Alternatively, power supply module 200 and inverter supply module
202 may be directly hardwired to one another.
[0030] Inverter module 202 includes electrical components, as
described further herein. Inverter module 202 further includes a
heat-sharing package 220, including an insulated metal substrate
222 coupled to a metal heatsink 224 formed in side wall 152 of
electronics enclosure 146. Heat-sharing package 220 includes
external connections such as power connections, via an input/output
connector 226. Input/output connector 226 enables power input of
the DC power from power supply module 200 and power output of
three-phase AC power to motor 100. To provide a minimization of
connections, signal connections (e.g., for receiving control
signals) may be made via a wireless connection to the system
controller.
[0031] Inverter module 202 includes power semiconductors mounted on
heatsink 224 and other components that generate heat as they switch
power to the motor windings. Input/output connector 226 is coupled
to high-voltage wires 218 for receiving the converted DC voltage
from power supply module 200. Inverter module 202 converts the DC
voltage to a three-phase AC voltage for driving electric motor 100
based on instructions received from an external device, for
example, an HVAC system controller. Input/output connector 226
outputs the three-phase AC voltage to winding stages 136 of motor
100 via output power wires 228.
[0032] In alternative embodiments, power semiconductor switching
devices may be embodied in, for example, and without limitation, an
insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT), a metal-oxide
semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET), a bipolar junction
transistor (BJT), a gate turn-off (GTO) thyristor, an integrated
gate-commutated thyristor (IGCT), a metal-oxide semiconductor (MOS)
controlled transistor (MCT), or any other suitable thyristor, or
any other suitable switching device. Moreover, semiconductor
devices described above may be implemented using any suitable
material, including, for example, and without limitation, Silicon
(Si) and wide bandgap materials such as Silicon Carbide (SiC) and
Gallium Nitride (GaN).
[0033] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an exemplary motor control
system 500. Motor control system 500 includes a power supply module
502 and an inverter module 504. Power supply module 502 may
include, in some embodiments, the same or substantially similar
components to those described above with respect to power supply
module 200 (shown in FIGS. 2-4). Likewise, inverter module 504 may
include the same or substantially similar components to those
described with respect to inverter module 202 (also shown in FIGS.
2-4). However, in the example embodiment, power supply module 502
and inverter module 504 are modularly packaged, enabling the
placement of power supply module 502 external to motor control
assembly 148 and remote from inverter module 504.
[0034] In the illustrated embodiment, power supply module 502 is
configured to receive AC power from power source 214. In the
exemplary embodiment, power supply module 502 includes electrical
components 506. Electrical components 506 include a rectifier 508
for converting the AC input line voltage from power source 214 to
an equivalent DC voltage, and a DC-DC step-down converter 510
coupled to rectifier 508. DC-DC step-down converter 510 reduces the
equivalent DC voltage to a level at or below the rated voltage
level of motor control assembly 148, as described above. The
resulting DC voltage 512 is provided to inverter module 202 through
a connector 514. Connector 514 is defined in motor control assembly
148 and facilitates receiving input DC power supply 512 from the
external, remote power supply module 502.
[0035] Electrical components 506 may include additional components,
such as, for example, an inrush limiter for inrush current
protection, an EMI choke for reducing EMI, and/or one or more
capacitors to minimize voltage transients experienced during power
switch operation. Power supply module 502 generally includes
passive components having low rates of failure but may include one
or more active components in any alternative embodiment.
[0036] Inverter module 504 is disposed within motor control
assembly 148 of electric motor 100. Inverter module 504 includes a
communication module 516 (e.g., a wired or wireless communication
module) and power electronics 518. Power electronics 518 may
include, for example, power switches and/or a digital signal
processor (DSP) (e.g., a microcontroller or other suitable
processor for executing a control algorithm to operate the power
switches). Inverter module 504 receives DC voltage 512 at or below
the rated voltage level from power supply module 502 through
connector 514. Power electronics 518 switch the DC power 512 to the
motor phases, converting the DC power to AC power. Power switches
include, for example, IGBTs or other suitable semiconductor
switches for switching DC power.
[0037] Inverter module 504 generally includes active components
having higher rates of failure relative to those of components of
power supply module 502. Accordingly, locating power supply module
502 remotely from inverter module 504 (i.e., remotely from motor
control assembly 148) removes the more vulnerable components of
inverter module 504 from the high AC voltage of power source 214.
Moreover, any heat generated by electrical components 506 during
the power conversion within power supply module 502 is also removed
from proximity to inverter module 504. These benefits are realized
without requiring modification of the rating, sizing, or spacing of
any components of inverter module 504 or motor control assembly
148. In some embodiments, the size of motor control assembly 148
can even be reduced by locating power supply module 502 remotely
therefrom.
[0038] Motor control system 500 also includes a system controller
520 (e.g., a thermostat, an external programming device, etc.).
System controller 520 communicates with electric motor 100 through
a communication module 522 coupled to system controller 520. In
certain embodiments, communication module 522 is integrated within
power supply module 502. Communication module 522 communicates with
inverter module 504 over a communication channel 524 through
communication module 516. For example, system controller 520
transmits a motor command signal to inverter module 504 via
communication module 522. In certain embodiments, communication
module 522 is further configured to receive sensor data or any
other data related to operation of drive motor 100. In the
exemplary embodiment, communication module 516 converts a received
signal into a control signal that power electronics 518 (e.g., a
DSP) utilize to control operation of electric motor 100. FIG. 6 is
a flow diagram of an exemplary method 600 of operating electric
motor 100 for an HVAC appliance. Method 600 begins at a start step
610. At a rectification and conversion step 620, an input AC
voltage is received at power supply module 200 and converted to a
DC voltage. Power supply module 200 is located remotely with
respect to electric motor 100. More specifically, power supply
module 200 is not a component of motor control assembly 148, and
not located within electronics enclosure 146. Power supply module
200 converts the input AC voltage at a first level to the DC
voltage at a second level lower than a DC-equivalent voltage of the
AC voltage at the first level. Specifically, rectifier 508
rectifies the input AC voltage and outputs the DC voltage at a
DC-equivalent first level. For example, where the input AC voltage
is about 600 VAC, the output from rectifier 508 is about 850 V
(DC). It should be readily understood that the DC-equivalent
voltage of the AC voltage at the first level ("a DC-equivalent
voltage at the first level") may be any voltage level, dependent
on, for example, what the input AC voltage is and what specific
rectifying electrical components are used in power supply module
200 and, accordingly, these exemplary values are illustrative and
non-limiting. Step-down converter 510 reduces the DC voltage from
the DC-equivalent voltage at the first level to a DC voltage at the
second level. In the exemplary embodiment, the second level is at
most a rated voltage level for one or more components of motor
control assembly 148 (e.g., inverter module 504). For example,
where the input AC voltage is about 600 VAC (and the DC-equivalent
voltage at the first level is therefore about 850 VDC), step-down
converter 510 reduces the DC voltage to less than 600 VDC.
Continuing with the same example, where the rated voltage level is
about 230 VDC, step-down converter 510 reduces the DC voltage to
about 230 VDC (or less).
[0039] At a transmission step 630, the DC voltage at the second
level generated at power supply module 200 is transmitted to
electric motor 100. The DC voltage is received at motor control
assembly 148 via input power connector 514, which delivers the DC
voltage at the second level to inverter module 202. Inverter module
202 is disposed within motor control assembly 148, which is further
coupled to electric motor 100.
[0040] At a conversion step 640, inverter module 202 converts the
DC voltage at the second level to an AC motor voltage. In certain
embodiments, inverter module 202 includes a DSP that controls power
switches to convert the DC voltage at the second level to the AC
motor voltage. Electric motor 100 is operated using the AC motor
voltage at an operation step 650. The method terminates at an end
step 660.
[0041] Embodiments of the electric motors and electric motor
control systems described herein provide a modular-packaged control
system for fluid-moving systems, which may include refrigeration
systems, HVAC appliances, pools, spas, and/or other appliances or
system that implement a motor for a rotating component as described
herein. More specifically, the modular-packaged control system
separates the control system into two discrete housings. One
housing includes an inverter module and a second housing includes a
power supply module that serves as a front-end to the electric
motor. The power supply module generally includes electrical
components with relatively low failure rates. The electrical
components convert and condition AC power from a power source to DC
power to operate the electric motor. More particularly, in the
example embodiment, the power supply module includes a step-down or
buck converter to convert high-voltage input power to lower-voltage
DC power that is supplied to power the motor. The other housing
contains the inverter module, including active electrical
components, such as, for example, power switches, one or more
processors or digital signal processors (DSPs), and a wireless
communication module. The components of the inverter module
typically fail at a higher rate than the components of the power
supply module.
[0042] Modular packaging of the inverter module and power supply
module enables replacement of the modules separately. The inverter
module and its housing are located on the electric motor within a
motor control assembly or "motor housing." The power supply module
may be located within the HVAC appliance, but remote from the
electric motor itself, thus reducing the size requirements of the
motor control assembly and, thereby, impedance of airflow. The
motor control assembly and the various control circuitry components
therein may be sized, spaced, or otherwise oriented according to
lower-voltage standards while accepting a higher-voltage input
power supply. Moreover, by locating the power supply module
remotely, the heat-generating components therein are separated from
the more heat-sensitive components within the motor control
assembly. In addition, by housing the step-down converter in the
power supply module, any motor control circuitry is isolated from
the high-voltage power supply input.
[0043] The technical effects of the electric motors and electric
motor control systems described herein include, for example, and
without limitation: (a) enabling the use of smaller and less
expensive motor control assemblies in locations with high line
voltage power sources; (b) eliminating the need for expensive,
bulky, and inefficient transformers to power motors with lower
voltage ratings; (c) reducing the size of the motor control
assembly while maintaining sizing and spacing requirements for
inverter module electronic components; (d) removing heat generated
in power conversion from inverter module electronic components; (e)
separating high input voltage from the motor control assembly; (f)
physically separating the power supply module from the electric
motor; (g) reducing the airflow impedance created by the motor
control assembly through the reduction in size of the motor control
assembly and removal of bulky components from the airflow path; (h)
improving efficiency of the system through reduced airflow
impedance; (i) reducing cost of operation and maintenance of the
electric motor through improved efficiency; (j) packaging motor
control components together based on average failure rates; (k)
reducing unnecessary component replacement through separate
replacement of the power supply module and the inverter module; (l)
reducing maintenance costs for the electric motor through reduced
replacement components; (m) improving EMI and thermal performance
of the electric motor through physical separation of the power
supply module from the electric motor; and (n) improving power
density of power supply module.
[0044] Some embodiments described herein relate to electric motors
including electric motors and electronic controls. However, the
methods and apparatus are not limited to the specific embodiments
described herein, but rather, components of apparatus and/or steps
of the methods may be utilized independently and separately from
other components and/or steps described herein. For example, the
methods may also be used in combination with any motor, and are not
limited to practice with the electric motors as described herein.
In addition, the exemplary embodiment can be implemented and
utilized in connection with many other applications.
[0045] Although specific features of various embodiments of the
invention may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is
for convenience only. In accordance with the principles of the
invention, any feature of a drawing may be referenced and/or
claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing.
[0046] This written description uses examples to disclose the
invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person
skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and
using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated
methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the
claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled
in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope
of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ
from the literal language of the claims, or if they include
equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from
the literal languages of the claims.
[0047] When introducing elements/components/etc. of the methods and
apparatus described and/or illustrated herein, the articles "a,"
"an," ",the" and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or
more of the element(s)/component(s)/etc. The terms "comprising,"
"including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean
that there may be additional element(s)/component(s)/etc. other
than the listed element(s)/component(s)/etc.
* * * * *