CONTROLLED INDUCTION PLATFORM

The technology platform that Exro has developed involves a uniquely designed rotating electromagnetic machine paired with an intelligent controller and driven by an algorithm that is customized to deliver optimum efficiency for each individual application. From the view point of the controller, the rotating machine can be seen as an electromagnetic platform, and for that reason the overall technology is referred to as a Controlled Induction Platform (CIP).

Physically, the electromagnetic machine consists of copper wire, permanent magnets (can also be configured to use electro magnets) and laminated metal plates configured in a way that is completely unique when compared to a traditional electrical motor or generator. The platform’s unique configuration allows individual induction units within the machine to be engaged and disengaged independently while still operating at high efficiency. In practice, a single CIP is actually a collection of many electromagnetic machines inside a single housing, creating an unprecedented ability to right size the machine in real time to match the available input energy (as a generator), output load (as a generator) or output torque or speed (as a motor).

With the CIP, there is no single point of efficiency, and unlike a traditional generator, the specific output signal is not hard wired into the rotating machine. Instead, the machine’s characteristics are dictated by the software embedded in the electronic controller. The CIP is an important departure from traditional electromagnetic machines because it was designed from the ground up to leverage the capabilities of today’s intelligent controllers. In contrast, traditional motors and generators are single purpose machines, physically programmed to be highly efficient at one very specific task.

The Variable Input Electrical Generator (VIEG)

The VIEG (Variable Input Electrical Generator) is the name for the CIP when it is deployed as an electrical generator. The multi-stack, reconfigurable VIEG works in any situation where there is a need to convert kinetic energy into electrical energy, but it is particularly beneficial in situations where the input energy source is variable, as with alternate energy applications (wind / tide / wave / run of river etc.).

Virtually all renewable energy power plants (with the exception of direct solar) require an electrical generator and have a variable energy source. If the VIEG is substituted for a traditional generator in a wind turbine (also applies to wave, tide, run of river etc.) the turbine will produce more electrical energy out of the same amount of available wind. Output increases will vary depending on plant configuration and site, but double digit increases can be expected. In addition, since the VIEG geometry and circuitry can be configured to adapt to the input energy source, the need for a mechanical gearbox is eliminated which eliminates friction losses of 3% to 5% and also drives down the overall capital cost and nacelle weight.

• Our Solution
• The Benefits