Apparatus and methods for reduced voltage starting of motors with bumpless force transition
US12034395B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 4, 2022 |
| Grant date | Jul 9, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 27, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02P29/68
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A reduced voltage starter for electric motors comprises a controller, and a plurality of semiconductor switches to selectively connect a power source to a motor. The controller is configured to apply a first voltage ramp to provide a controllable fraction of the full line voltage to the motor, while maintaining a current flow to be within a programmable current limit during motor startup. The controller is further configured to implement a bumpless force transition, by applying a second voltage ramp when the speed of the motor is below the rated motor speed, and force transition criteria correlated with overheating of the semiconductor switches and/or a connected load are met.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.