Electromagnetic braking systems and methods
View Patent ↗An electromagnetic braking system of a power generation system includes an electrically conductive disc coupled to a rotatable shaft operatively coupled between a prime mover and a generator; a controller for receiving a status signal from the power generation system and for generating a control signal based on the status signal; and an inducting unit for applying an electromagnetic braking force on the electrically conductive disc when commanded by the control signal to regulate a rotational speed of the rotatable shaft.
1. A method comprising:
receiving status signals representative of a rotor angle of a power generator;
determining whether the rotor angle of the power generator is above a threshold angle;
if so, determining a control signal based only on the status signals representative of the rotor angle to maintain synchronism between the power generator and a power grid, and using the control signal for applying an electromagnetic braking power on a rotatable shaft to regulate the rotor angle of the power generator.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein applying the electromagnetic braking power on the rotatable shaft comprises:
creating a first magnetic field across an electrically conductive disc coupled to the rotatable shaft;
inducing eddy currents in the electrically conductive disc when the electrically conductive disc rotates through the first magnetic field; and
using the induced eddy currents in the electrically conductive disc for creating a second magnetic field opposing the first magnetic field to resist rotation of the electrically conductive disc.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein creating the first magnetic field around the electrically conductive disc comprises sending at least one of an alternating current and a direct current to a plurality of inductors, wherein the at least one of the alternating current and the direct current is corresponding to the control signal.