ELECTRICAL ENERGY GENERATING BRUSHLESS DC MOTOR

摘要

A brushless direct current (BLDC) motor that generates electrical energy (AC voltage) while operating as a motor. The motor is configured with a dual purpose stator assembly wherein one segment of the stator assembly includes coil windings to produce the rotary force (torque) in the rotor and the other segment of the stator assembly includes coil windings to generate electrical energy. The stator windings for producing torque are electrically connected through commutation control circuitry to a DC supply source, and the stator windings for generating electrical energy are connected to a load or to an energy storage system. Thus, the embodiment offers a novel means for generating electrical energy in the conventional BLDC motors. Because the motor can generate electrical energy while operating as a motor, it can effectively serve as a powertrain in electric vehicles, whereby the electrical energy it generates can be used to extend the vehicles' drive range.

主权项

1. A brushless direct current (BLDC) motor that generates electrical energy while operating as a motor, comprising:
a permanent magnet rotor that provides a magnetic field for motor operation, the rotor having a plurality of magnetic poles; a stator winding assembly positioned proximal to the rotor and having a first plurality of windings configured to produce torque in the rotor and a second plurality of windings configured to generate electrical energy during motor operation, wherein the first plurality of windings are physically and electrically separated from the second plurality of windings, whereby during motor operation while the first plurality of windings are producing torque to rotate of the rotor, electrical energy is generated by the second plurality of windings due to rotation of the rotor.