Inductive component for suppressing harmonics / supraharmonics

Abstract

A disruptive improvement in reactors is disclosed. The operating principal of this invention is to create an abrupt change, in the stored potential energy, Wm, in magnetic flux (77), via at least one localized increase (87) and at least one localized decrease (82), of the magnetic field intensity, within the boundaries of a flux loop. Since current flow through a reactor can not change abruptly, a paradox is created. To counteract mentioned paradox, at least some magnetic flux (77a) components, may be forced to jump a non- magnetic-section (88), dependent on the power level, of the frequency, components in mentioned flux. The disclosed arrangement may cause a non-linear response, resulting in advantages over a prior art reactor, (with a linear response); including: reduce reactance, reduced apparent power and increased true power factor, at the fundamental power frequency, f(fundamental). A new circuit symbol (70), for the invention, is suggested.

Description

[0001] Inductive Component for Suppressing Harmonics / Supraharmonics

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] This invention discloses an inductive component, arranged as a forced flux jump reactor (FFJR). In general, a reactor may also be referred to as a choke or an inductor.

[0004] Background Art

[0005] Reactors are one of four fundamental components (transformers, inductors / reactors, capacitors, resistors), and are commonly used in electric and electronic circuits, inter alia, to suppress harmonics. The majority of prior art iron- core reactors were arranged to have, a linear response (over a certain electrical current flow operating range), that may attenuate fundamental frequency power.

[0006] Prior art magnetic shunt(s) are disclosed and used in multiple patents. It will clearly be noted that; the operation and organisation of an inductive component, arranged as a FFJR, as disclosed, is not the same as a system incorporating prior art magnetic shunt(s). Prior art magnetic shunts were not arranged to cause a reverse-order energy magnetic flux flow arrangement, (see text).

[0007] Harmonics, inter-harmonics and signal distortion effects are well documented problems in mains power systems. Harmonic components may be defined as harmonic components below approximately 2 kHz. Dependent on their origins, harmonics may be sub-classified as time harmonics or space harmonics. Time harmonics may be caused by non-linear loads that draw short bursts of current each waveform cycle, thereby distorting the sinusoidal waveform. Space harmonics may be caused by non-sinusoidal air-gap flux density distributions in electrical machines. Time and space harmonics may interact with each other. Possible resonance effects, due to harmonics, can to a large extent be predicted and avoided via simulations. Negative effects and losses due to harmonics, are well documented in literature. Sufficient to mention that some of the negative effects are: increase operational cost, increased current consumption, increased heat, increased electrical losses, decreased power factor, increased copper and iron losses, malfunction of devices, mechanical torque pulsations in generators, etc.

[0008] Supraharmonics (SH), is a relatively new power quality (PQ) phenomenon, of rapid growing worldwide concern, partly due to unexpected negative effects. In recent years there has been an exponential increase in international research publications, doctorate and master thesis’s on the subject.

[0009] Supraharmonics, are voltage and current waveform distortions in the 2 kHz to 150 kHz frequency range and currently unregulated. Due to negative impacts on low voltage (LV) and medium voltage (MV) power distribution systems, researchers are calling for the inclusion and regulation of SH by law. Harmonic distortion usually varies slowly and predictable with time, whereas SH distortion may tend to have more variable frequencies and amplitudes causing quasi-stationary phenomena. Harmonics decrease with an increase in power consumption; this may not be the same for SH, but still requires investigation.

[0010] Supraharmonics are generated due to high frequency switching operations of electronic semiconductors. Reported emissions originate from several devices including: LED and florescent lamps, inverter power converters, variable frequency drives (VFD), switch-mode power supplies (SMPS), active harmonic filters (AHF), active front end converters, active power factor correction circuits (APFC), electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and induction stoves.

[0011] Some of the reported problems related to SH are: premature aging of insulation materials, premature aging of capacitors (with special emphasis on electrolytic capacitors), wiring losses in large capacitors due to skin effect, failure of medium-voltage cable terminations, audible noise, light output flicker of LED lamps and / or light output intensity variations, electric meters reporting inaccurate measurements, beat-frequencies, narrowband noise or wideband noise, intermodulation effects, conductor crosstalk, degrading of surge protection devices, malfunction of earth-leakage protection devices resulting in hazards to both people and properties, and interruption of electric vehicle (EV) charging.

[0012] It is important to mention that extreme incorrect metered power faults have been reported caused by SH; despite the fact that both power metering systems and SH generating equipment complied with current European standards. This impacts power producers and power consumers. Energy wheeling trades in, on demand energy transmission, some via blockchain renewable energy certificates (RECs), and is critically dependent on accurate metered power. Therefore, SH poses significant threats to mains grid stability, by interfering with power utility processes, to balance power generation vs. power consumption, and / or fair energy wheeling practises.

[0013] An impulse in the time-domain or dirac delta function, <5( , may cause a plurality of frequencies in the frequency-domain. High frequency, spikelike SH, may cause an impulse-like function or impulse-train-like function, thereby evoking an impulse response from a system, superimposed on other signal components. It is anticipated that SH standards may be developed in the future and that mentioned standards, may possibly be more restrictive than current harmonic standards.

[0014] A new concern is that SH may trigger resonance effects resulting in the random operational stoppage of devices. Some of the reasons why SH may induce almost random-like resonance effects are; firstly due to interactions between multiple devices, switching into- and out- of operation, where devices may require various different instantaneous power modes. The addition of new devices to a network with unknown or untested interactions in the presence of SH, is a second reason. A third reason is due to the quasi-stationary nature of SH. There may be an infinite range of possible interactions between systems, resulting in SH induced resonance between devices, and / or between one or more devices and a power network.

[0015] Supraharmonic induced resonance, may cause damage and / or malfunction and / or operational stoppage of critical life support equipment in hospitals and / or critical control systems of, for example: an airplane, airport control systems, military systems, marine systems, submarines, an artificial intelligence control system, mains grid protection devices, etc.

[0016] Active filtering is not a viable option for suppressing SH, since as already mentioned, active harmonic filters may emit SH themselves. Therefore, the only realistic option left are passive filtering techniques. Although a prior art reactor may be used to suppress SH, mentioned prior art reactor may cause displacement current, due to inductance, L , thereby attenuating desired fundamental power, lowering the power factor and increasing power usage.

[0017] Supraharmonics interacts between devices of the same facility, (vis-a-vis), but more concerning, is the SH interaction between unrelated devices at neighbouring facilities. Shunt or parallel connecting a capacitor to a SH generating device, across ac mains wires, without including any series connected inductive component(s), creates a low impedance path for high frequency noise and may help to suppress direct SH emissions. However, as an unintended consequence, a property owner may attract secondary SH emissions from a neighbouring facility, thereby becoming a victim of a neighbours SH emissions. Therefore a neighbour may influence a property owners own metered power usage, without the property owner’s knowledge or consent. This is an unfair practice. Therefore, there is clear need for a line / series connected device to cause an increase in impedance for suppression of SH noise. Modern electronic converters have high frequency switching circuits that may produce SH. Pulse width modulation (PWM) is commonly used as part of the operating principle of many power converter systems. There are different PWM techniques which essentially differ in the unwanted output noise. In order to comply with electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) tests, inverter topologies may purposely introduce random variations in one or more output signal parameters, in order to spread unwanted noise components over a broader frequency spectrum or bandwidth, via an averaging process. This practice may further amplify the instantaneous quasi-stationary nature of supraharmonics.

[0018] Back-up generators are used in various parts of the world. Depending on the winding pitch of a generator / alternator, a generator may generate certain (space) harmonics. For example: 2 / 3 pitch winding may eliminate or reduce 3rdorder harmonics but increase 5thand 7thorder harmonics. A 5 / 6 pitch winding may eliminate or reduce 5thand 7thorder harmonics, but may however increase 3rdorder harmonics. There currently exists no satisfactory solution to the problem. This invention may, for example, be electrically connected in series / line with a generator / alternator to reduce this problem.

[0019] Summary of Invention

[0020] Statement: no artificial intelligence (Al) methods were used to create this patent.

[0021] According to one broad aspect of this invention; the inductance, of the disclosed inductive component, may change non-linear as a function of the power level, p , at different frequency components, f , of a signal to cause an inductance L(p(f)). This may cause the impedance of the disclosed inductive component, to become a function of the power level, p , at different frequency components, f , of a signal and may be defined as: Zi(p(f)) = R + jwL p f ) .

[0022] Stated differently: this may cause the reactance of the disclosed inductive component, to become a function of the power level, p , at different frequency, f , components of a signal, and may be defined as:

[0023] It is an object of this invention to disclose an inductive component, arranged as a forced flux jump reactor, for use in a high power, medium power or low power system; that may, inter alia, be used to suppress harmonics, or harmonics and SH, or SH.

[0024] It is an object of this invention to disclose an inductive component, arranged as a forced flux jump reactor, that may cause reduced energy transmission losses, due to inductance, at the fundamental power frequency, (for example 50Hz, 60Hz, 400Hz), due to a non-linear response.

[0025] It is an object of this invention to disclose an inductive component, arranged as a forced flux jump reactor, suitable for use in a single-phase system or a multi-phase system.

[0026] It is an object of this invention to disclose an inductive component, arranged as a forced flux jump reactor that may be used to improve the true power factor (TPF), of a system, due to a non-linear response of said inductive component. The true power factor (TPF) depends on both the harmonic / SH power factor (HPF) and the displacement power factor (DPF) and may be defined as:

[0027] An inductive component, arranged as a FFJR, in accordance with the current subject matter, may be arranged to have a positive impact on the harmonic and / or SH power factor and a reduced negative impact on the displacement power factor, (compared to a prior art reactor with a linear response), due to it’s non-linear response.

[0028] Table 1 , tabulate the differences between a prior art iron-core reactor and an inductive component, arranged as a FFJR, in accordance with the current subject matter.

[0029] Table 1

[0030] Harmonics and SH are generated at higher frequencies than the fundamental power frequency, / < / «») < f(nOiSe) and generally harmonics and SH may be generated at lower power levels compared to the power level of the fundamental wave, This invention uses this principal to advantage to suppress both harmonics and / or SH.

[0031] The organisation of the disclosed inductive component may cause a non-linear response, thereby reducing its impedance for high power (generally low frequency) signal components, while increasing its impedance for lower power (generally higher frequency) signal components. This serves as proof for the need for this patent. Brief Description of Drawings

[0032] Fig. 1 shows a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an inductive component, arranged as a forced flux jump reactor, in accordance with the current subject matter and an exemplary use of this invention.

[0033] Fig. 2 shows a schematic diagram of another embodiment of an inductive component, arranged as a forced flux jump reactor, in accordance with the current subject matter and another exemplary use of this invention, to suppress pulse width modulation (PWM) noise.

[0034] Fig. 3 shows a schematic diagram of another embodiment of an inductive component, arranged as a forced flux jump reactor, in accordance with the current subject matter, with an additional feature.

[0035] Fig. 4 shows a schematic diagram of the basic construction of a prior art iron-core reactor.

[0036] Fig. 5 shows a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an inductive component, arranged as a forced flux jump reactor, in accordance with the current subject matter, utilising a mutual inductance effect.

[0037] Fig. 6 shows a schematic diagram of another embodiment of an inductive component, arranged as a forced flux jump reactor, in accordance with the current subject matter, utilising a mutual inductance effect.

[0038] Fig. 7 shows a schematic diagram, of an exemplary application, of an inductive component, arranged as a forced flux jump reactor, in accordance with the current subject matter, arranged as part of a harmonic and / or SH filter, for suppressing noise generated by a modern electronic light.

[0039] Description of Embodiments

[0040] The invention will now be further described, by way of example, with reference to the following diagrammatic drawings.

[0041] Fig. 1 show a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an inductive component (10), arranged as a forced flux jump reactor, in accordance with the current subject matter, (see Fig. 1 ); and an exemplary application. Fig. 1 also shows a proposed new circuit element symbol (70) for this invention.

[0042] An inductive component (10), arranged as a forced flux jump reactor, in accordance with the current subject matter, may comprise:

[0043] A core (30), comprising: a first core member (30a), a second core member (30b), wherein said first core member (30a) and said second core member (30b) may be mechanically joint to each other, arranged to form a closed loop core-path or a substantially closed loop core-path. Said second core member (30b) may be disposed below said first core member (30a).

[0044] At least one proximal-position (87) wherein said first core member (30a) and said second core member (30b) may be arranged to statically approach closer (proximal) towards each other, within the boundaries of said closed loop core-path or said substantially closed loop core-path, and at least one distal-position (82) wherein said first core member (30a) and said second core member (30b) may be arranged to statically depart away (distal) from each other, within the boundaries of said closed loop core-path or said substantially closed loop core-path.

[0045] Preferably, said at least one proximal-position (87) may be arranged to be approximately deposed inside, a spatial centre of an area enclosed by said closed loop core-path or said substantially closed loop corepath.

[0046] It will be noted that said first core member (30a) and said second core member (30b) may be divided from each other (30a; 30b) by an imaginary divisional line (not shown), that divides said core (30), and do not necessarily require any physical division. Said first core member (30a) and said second core member (30b) are merely used to describe the disclosed invention. And at least a first coil (40), constructed from electrical conductive material, arranged to at least partially encircle said core (30). Preferably said at least a first coil (40) may be arranged to at least partially encircle said first core member (30a) and to at least partially encircle said second core member (30b).

[0047] It will be noted that said proximal position (87), may effectively form a non-magnetic-section (88), between said first core member (30a) and said second core member (30b).

[0048] Said inductive component (10), arranged as a forced flux jump reactor, in accordance with the current subject matter, may further comprise:

[0049] At least one non-magnetic gap (90) may be included in the pathway of said first core member (30a) (not shown), or said second core member (30b) (not shown) or interposed between said first core member (30a) and said second core member (30b).

[0050] During normal operation: said inductive component (10), may, for example; be electrically connected in series between an ac source (200) and a non-linear load (206) via coil-terminals (40a; 40b), to suppress harmonics / SH.

[0051] Fig. 2, shows a schematic diagram of another embodiment of an inductive component (20), arranged as a forced flux jump reactor, in accordance with the current subject matter, and an exemplary use, to suppress or filter pulse width modulation (PWM) noise; see Fig. 2.

[0052] An inductive component (20), arranged as a forced flux jump reactor, in accordance with the current subject matter, may comprise: A core (30), comprising: a core member (30c), wherein said core member (30c) may be arranged to form a closed loop core-path or a substantially closed loop core-path, and.

[0053] At least one folded-core section (50) forming an apex (55) or tip, a first folded-core section leg (50a), a second folded-core section leg (50b), wherein said core member (30c) may be arranged to fold back over at least part of said closed loop core-path or said substantially closed loop core-path, wherein said apex (55) may be arranged to point towards said closed loop core-path or said substantially closed loop core-path, and.

[0054] At least a first coil (40) constructed from electrical conductive material, arranged to at least partially encircle said core member (30c).

[0055] Preferably, said first folded-core section leg (50a) and said second folded-core section leg (50b), may be arranged a distance (59), of less than two meters apart.

[0056] Said inductive component (20), arranged as a forced flux jump reactor, in accordance with the current subject matter, may further comprise:

[0057] Said core (30) may be provided with any number of mounting holes (35), and nuts and bolts (not shown) or similar, for assembly of the device.

[0058] A dc-to-ac inverter (201 ) may typically generate PWM noise to some degree. As shown in Fig. 2, said inductive component (20), arranged as a FFJR may for example, be electrically connected in series between an inverter (201 ) or grid-tied-inverter (not shown) and a load (207), to filter PWM noise in a system. Fig. 3 shows a schematic diagram of another embodiment of an inductive component (21), arranged as a forced flux jump reactor, in accordance with the current subject matter; see Fig. 3.

[0059] An inductive component (21 ), arranged as a forced flux jump reactor, in accordance with the current subject matter, may comprise:

[0060] A core (30), comprising: a plurality of core members (30d, 30e, 30f, 30g, 30h, 30i, 30j, 30k), wherein said plurality of core members (30d, 30e, 30f, 30g, 30h, 30i, 30j, 30k) may be arranged to form a closed loop core-path or a substantially closed loop core-path, and.

[0061] At least one folded-core section (50) forming an apex (55) or tip, a first folded-core section leg (50a), a second folded-core section leg (50b), wherein one core member (not shown) of said plurality of core members may be, or more core members (30e, 30f, 30g) of said plurality of core members may be, arranged to fold back over at least part of said closed loop core-path or said substantially closed loop core-path, wherein said apex (55) may be arranged to point towards said closed loop core-path or said substantially closed loop corepath, and.

[0062] At least a first coil (40) constructed from electrical conductive material, arranged to at least partially encircle said plurality of core members (30d, 30e, 30f, 30g, 30h, 30i, 30j, 30k).

[0063] Preferably, said first folded-core section leg (50a) and said second folded-core section leg (50b), may be arranged a distance (59), of less than two meters apart.

[0064] If will be appreciated that the shown plurality of core members (30d, 30e, 30f, 30g, 30h, 30i, 30j, 30k) arrangement is not exhaustive, and that various other core members arrangements are possible and anticipated by the current subject matter.

[0065] If will be appreciated that said plurality of core members (30d, 30e, 30f, 30g, 30h, 30i, 30j, 30k) may be kept in position relative to each other using a variety of methods, not limited to, but including: one or more external clamps (not shown in Fig. 3) or epoxy or similar.

[0066] An inductive component (20, 21 ), arranged as a forced flux jump reactor, in accordance with the current subject matter, may further comprise: an auxiliary coil (42), wherein said at least one folded-core section (50) may be arranged to be at least partially encircled by said auxiliary coil (42). Said auxiliary coil (42) may be arranged electrically connected in series with said at least a first coil (40), arranged so as to aid (or oppose - not shown) magnetic flux to jump across a non-magnetic-section (88), at or close to said apex (55), without increasing circular flux flow throughout said core (30), during normal operation.

[0067] In another embodiment (not shown), arranged broadly similar to the embodiment disclosed in Fig. 2 or Fig. 3; the electrical terminals of said auxiliary coil (42) may be electrically connected short-circuited. This arrangement may help to opposed flux jumping at or close to said apex (55), thereby effectively decreasing the inductance of the system for relative high power (lower frequency) signal components, but in the ideal case causing, no inductance decrease, for relative lower power (higher frequency) harmonic / SH signal components.

[0068] Fig. 4, shows a schematic diagram of the basic organisation of a prior art iron-core reactor (23); see Fig. 4. A prior art iron-core reactor utilise only one coil per phase (48) and may incorporate a non-magnetic gap (93) or a “step gap”, (97), as disclosed in patent US 6,922,883 B2, Gokhale et al. Fig. 5 shows a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an inductive component (28), arranged as a forced flux jump reactor, in accordance with the current subject matter, that may comprise:

[0069] A core (30), comprising: a core member (30cc), wherein said core member (30cc) may be arranged to form a closed loop core-path or a substantially closed loop core-path, and.

[0070] At least one folded-core section (50) forming an apex (55) or tip, wherein said core member (30cc) may be arranged to fold back over at least part of said closed loop core-path or said substantially closed loop core-path, wherein said apex (55) may be arranged to point towards said closed loop core-path or said substantially closed loop core-path.

[0071] At least a first coil (40) constructed from electrical conductive material, arranged to at least partially encircle said core member (30cc), and. At least a second coil (44) constructed from electrical conductive material, arranged to at least partially encircle said core member (30cc), wherein said at least one folded-core section (50) may be arranged between said at least a first coil (40) and said at least a second coil (44).

[0072] During normal operation, this embodiment may advantageous cause a mutual inductance effect, between said at least a first coil (40) and said at least a second coil (44) that may increase the effective inductance for lower power (generally higher frequency) signal components, (due to magnetic flux components that largely follow the complete core-path of said core (30)). Magnetic flux components that jump part of the core-path of said core (30), may not contribute to mutual flux, thereby lowering the effective inductance for high power (generally low frequency) signal components. Fig. 6 shows a schematic diagram of another embodiment of an inductive component (29), arranged as a forced flux jump reactor, in accordance with the current subject matter, that may comprise:

[0073] A core (30), comprising: a plurality of core members (30m, 30n, 30o, 30p, 30q, 30r), wherein said plurality of core members (30m, 30n, 30o, 30p, 30q, 30r) may be arranged to form a closed loop core-path or a substantially closed loop core-path, and.

[0074] At least one folded-core section (50) forming an apex (55) or tip, wherein one core member (30p) of said plurality of core members may be, or more core members (not shown) of said plurality of core members may be, arranged to fold back over at least part of said closed loop core-path or said substantially closed loop core-path, wherein said apex (55) may be arranged to point towards said closed loop core-path or said substantially closed loop corepath.

[0075] At least a first coil (40) constructed from electrical conductive material, arranged to at least partially encircle said plurality of core members (30m, 30n, 30o, 30p, 30q, 30r), and. At least a second coil (44) constructed from electrical conductive material, arranged to at least partially encircle said plurality of core members (30m, 30n, 30o, 30p, 30q, 30r), wherein said at least one folded-core section (50) may be arranged between said at least a first coil (40) and said at least a second coil (44).

[0076] If will be appreciated that the shown plurality of core members (30m, 30n, 30o, 30p, 30q, 30r) arrangement is not exhaustive, and that various other core members arrangements are possible and anticipated by the current subject matter. Said plurality of core members (30m, 30n, 30o, 30p, 30q, 30r) may be kept in position relative to each other using a variety of methods, not limited to but including: an external clamp (60a, 60b) and / or straps (not shown) or epoxy or similar. Although one arrangement of said external clamp is shown (60a, 60b), it will be appreciated that various arrangements may be used to construct said external clamp and is anticipated by the current subject matter.

[0077] If will further be appreciated that, although Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 shows only two coils (40; 44), three coils or four coils or five coils, etc. arrangements are possible with folded-core sections (50) between mentioned coils, and anticipated by the current subject matter.

[0078] Referring to Fig. 5 and / or Fig. 6; preferably said at least a first coil (40) and said at least a second coil (44) may be arranged to have approximately the same number of coil turns or coil convolutions. Preferably said at least a first coil (40) and said at least a second coil (44) may be electrically connected in series with each other with different coil polarities.

[0079] Referring to Fig. 2 and / or Fig. 3 and / or Fig. 5 and / or Fig. 6; said inductive component (20) and / or (21 ) and / or (28) and / or (29), arranged as a forced flux jump reactor, in accordance with the current subject matter, may further comprise: at least one non-magnetic gap (90) may be inserted in the pathway of said core (30), at any desired position. If desired, sections of said core (30jj) may be left intact for mechanical stability so that said at least one nonmagnetic gap (90) do not extend all the way across, a cross sectional diameter of said core (30).

[0080] Referring to Fig. 1 and / or Fig. 2 and / or Fig. 3 and / or Fig. 5 and / or Fig. 6 ; said core (30) may be constructed from laminated ferromagnetic material or un-laminated ferromagnetic material or combination thereof (if said a plurality of core members, are used). If un-laminated ferromagnetic material is used, material known to cause a distributed gap effect may be used. Said core (30) may be constructed from grain orientated ferromagnetic material or nongrain orientated ferromagnetic material or combination thereof (if said a plurality of core members, are used).

[0081] Referring to Fig. 1 and / or Fig. 2 and / or Fig. 3 and / or Fig. 5 and / or Fig. 6 ; if said at least one non-magnetic gap (90) is included in said core (30), preferably, the length of said at least one non-magnetic gap (90), may be shorter than approximately five percent (5%) of the total length of said substantially closed loop core-path.

[0082] Referring to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 and Fig. 5 and Fig. 6; It will be apparent from a comparison of above mentioned Figs, that all disclosed embodiments utilise a common feature: said at least one folded-core section (50). Preferably, said at least one folded-core section (50) may be arranged to have a return angle (57) (see Fig. 2) of a hundred and eighty degrees (180°) at said apex (55). It will be noted that in Fig. 1 , said at least one folded-core section (50) is shown in Fig. 1 , but not specifically encircled by a segmented / broken line (as shown in the rest of mentioned Figs.), or referenced by a reference numeral, for clarity.

[0083] Referring to Fig. 1 and / or Fig. 2 and / or Fig. 3 and / or Fig. 5 and / or Fig. 6 ; said at least a first coil (40) may be constructed from a plurality of electrically insulated, electrically parallel connected wire strands (not shown).

[0084] Referring to Fig. 1 and / or Fig. 2 and / or Fig. 3 and / or Fig. 5 and / or Fig. 6 ; said inductive component, arranged as a forced flux jump reactor, (10) and / or (20) and / or (21 ) and / or (28) and / or (29), may be partially or fully encircled by, for example, aluminium foil or similar, (not shown) to reduce stray magnetic flux, during normal operation. Referring to Fig.1 and / or Fig. 2 and / or Fig. 3 and / or Fig. 5 and / or Fig. 6 ; the operating principal of this invention will now be described. It is known that current flow through a prior-art-reactor can not change instantaneously. The potential energy stored in magnetic flux may be defined as, Wm . Since the energy stored in said prior-art-reactor, (1 / 2) LI2) , depends on the electrical current flow via said prior-art-reactor, I , the differential rate of the potential energy stored in the magnetic flux, dWm / dt , can therefore, also not change instantaneously.

[0085] There is a quadratic change of the potential energy, Wm , stored in a magnetic field with a change in the magnetic field intensity, H , that may be defined as:

[0086] Magnetic flux (77) may flow in a loop. The magnetic field intensity, H , may be locally increased or locally decreased at different positions within the boundaries of said loop, by organising opposite polarity magnetic flux lines to move closer (proximal) towards each other, or to move away (distal) from each other, before completing said loop. As can be seen from equation (2), a change in magnetic field intensity may result in a change in potential energy. Due to the arranged local increase and local decrease of the magnetic field intensity, the potential energy stored in the magnetic field may experience an abrupt or rapid change, as the flux travels around said loop.

[0087] This may practically be achieved by organising a closed magnetic- loop or a substantially closed magnetic-loop, created via said core (30), wherein said core (30) may be magnetically energised. By bringing opposite polarity flux lines closer together, via said at least one proximal-position (87), the magnetic field intensity, H , may be locally increased. Correspondingly, by forcing opposite polarity flux lines further apart, via said at least one distal-position (82), the magnetic field intensity, H , may be locally decreased.

[0088] Due to the arranged core (30), configuration, at least some magnetic flux components (77a), at high instantaneous potential energy levels, and with enough energy, may be forced to jump said non-magnetic-section (88), at said at least one proximal-position (87) created by said at least one folded- core section (50), in order to counteract the sudden change in stored potential energy.

[0089] Magnetic flux components (77a), jumping said non-magnetic- section (88), may help to reduce the effective inductance for relative high power (low frequency) signal components, causing an effective inductance, for mentioned signal components, of:

[0090] Magnetic flux components (77b), following the complete core-path, may help to increase the effective inductance for relative lower power (higher frequency) signal components, (or harmonic / SH signal components), causing an effective inductance, for mentioned signal components, of:

[0091] The operating principal behind this invention may also be described as follows: In general, the shorter the core-path, the lower the reluctance, 91. Under normal magnetic flux flow conditions, (not shown), 0 = (nxi) / ‘ , high- energy magnetic flux may follow the least reluctance, shortest, innermost corepath, while lower-energy magnetic flux may need to follow a slightly longer corepath, to form a closed loop in accordance with Maxwell’s law, V B = 0. Furthermore, in accordance with convention, magnetic flux lines may not cross each other.

[0092] It will be realised that, for this invention, during normal operation; high-energy magnetic flux may follow the least reluctance, shortest, innermost core-path (as usual) over the largest part of said core (30), but while mentioned high-energy magnetic flux may travel through said core (30), at said at least one proximal-position (87) and / or said apex (55) of said at least one folded-core section (50), the high-energy magnetic flux may be forced to follow a higher reluctance, longer core-path, away from the innermost core-path, compared to lower-energy magnetic flux (77b), which may now temporally occupy the innermost core-path. Since the high energy magnetic flux may not cross over to the pathway of the lower energy magnetic flux and vice versa; at least some high energy magnetic flux (77a) may be forced to jump said non-magnetic-section (88), in order to counteract the unnatural, reverse-order energy magnetic flux flow arrangement, caused by this invention, over at least part of said core (30).

[0093] Fig. 7 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary application (700) of an inductive component (10) or (20) or (21 ) or (28) or (29), arranged as a forced flux jump reactor, in accordance with the current subject matter, wherein said inductive component may be used as part of a harmonic and / or SH filter (703), to suppress noise generated by a modern light, for example a LED light with a driver circuit or a florescent light with an electronic ballast or similar; see Fig. 7.

[0094] Said inductive component (10) or (20) or (21) or (28) or (29), may for example be arranged, operable for serial electrical connection interposed between a light-bulb socket (702) and a light-bulb (704). Said light-bulb socket (702) may be electrically connected to power wires (701 ). Said inductive component, arranged as a forced flux jump reactor, may be enclosed in a suitable enclosure (703a). It will be understood that said enclosure (703a) may take any suitable shape or form for a desired application.

[0095] The mechanical coupling / pairing (705) between said harmonic and / or SH filter (703) and said light-bulb (704) may be uniquely designed (not shown) to allow only a certain light-bulbs equipment manufacturer’s light-bulbs to couple / pair-off with said harmonic and / or SH filter (703). It will be appreciated that, although a bayonet-type mechanical coupling (705) is shown any suitable mechanical coupling configuration may be used. The disclosed arrangement may further allow easy installation, without the need to call out a technician for installation of the device.

[0096] In general, the invention may be used without limitation, as a detuned reactor to protect power factor (PF) correction capacitors or to suppress harmonics / SH caused by thyristor controlled capacitor(s). The invention may be used without limitation with electric vehicle charging (EV) stations, ac-to-dc converters, ac-to-ac-converters, dc-to-ac inverters, UPS systems, mining applications, railway applications, elevators, escalators, aviation applications, to protect power distribution transformers from harmonics / SH, etc. The invention may for example be used as a flyback inductor or arranged as part of a flyback transformer.

[0097] Harmonics / SH suppression, is critically important at EV charging stations, since harmonics / SH increases power usage, increasing service cost in turn; thereby providing customers with a method of direct comparison, between the service(s) they receive at rival facilities. If customers receive hefty, inaccurate metered power, invoices and / or disappointing service caused by SH problems, their continued support, is unlikely.

[0098] The invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but may be varied within the scope of the claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:1 . A core (30) of an inductive component, comprising: a core member, wherein said core member is arranged to form a closed loop core-path or a substantially closed loop core-path; and at least one folded-core section (50) forming an apex (55), wherein said core member is arranged to fold back over at least part of said closed loop core-path or said substantially closed loop core-path, wherein said apex is arranged to point towards said closed loop core-path or said substantially closed loop core-path.

2. A core (30) of an inductive component, comprising: a plurality of core members, wherein said plurality of core members are arranged to form a closed loop core-path or a substantially closed loop core-path; and at least one folded-core section (50) forming an apex (55), wherein one core member of said plurality of core members is, or more core members of said plurality of core members are, arranged to fold back over at least part of said closed loop core-path or said substantially closed loop core-path, wherein said apex is arranged to point towards said closed loop core-path or said substantially closed loop core-path.

3. An inductive component, comprising: a core, comprising: a core member, wherein said core member is arranged to form a closed loop core-path or a substantially closed loop core-path; and at least one folded-core section forming an apex, wherein said core member is arranged to fold back over at least part of said closed loop core-path or said substantially closed loop core-path, wherein saidapex is arranged to point towards said closed loop core-path or said substantially closed loop core-path; and at least a first coil constructed from electrical conductive material, arranged to at least partially encircle said core member.

4. An inductive component, comprising: a core, comprising: a plurality of core members, wherein said plurality of core members are arranged to form a closed loop core-path or a substantially closed loop core-path; and at least one folded-core section forming an apex, wherein one core member of said plurality of core members is, or more core members of said plurality of core members are, arranged to fold back over at least part of said closed loop core-path or said substantially closed loop core-path, wherein said apex is arranged to point towards said closed loop core-path or said substantially closed loop core-path; and at least a first coil constructed from electrical conductive material, arranged to at least partially encircle said plurality of core members.

5. An inductive component, comprising: a core member, wherein said core member is arranged to form a closed loop core-path or a substantially closed loop core-path; and at least one folded-core section forming an apex, wherein said core member is arranged to fold back over at least part of said closed loop core-path or said substantially closed loop core-path, wherein said apex is arranged to point towards said closed loop core-path or said substantially closed loop core-path; at least a first coil constructed from electrical conductive material, arranged to at least partially encircle said core member; and at least a second coil constructed from electrical conductive material, arranged to at least partially encircle said core member, wherein saidat least one folded-core section is arranged between said at least a first coil and said at least a second coil.

6. An inductive component, comprising: a plurality of core members, wherein said plurality of core members are arranged to form a closed loop core-path or a substantially closed loop core-path; and at least one folded-core section forming an apex, wherein one core member of said plurality of core members is, or more core members of said plurality of core members are, arranged to fold back over at least part of said closed loop core-path or said substantially closed loop core-path, wherein said apex is arranged to point towards said closed loop core-path or said substantially closed loop core-path; at least a first coil constructed from electrical conductive material, arranged to at least partially encircle said plurality of core members; and at least a second coil constructed from electrical conductive material, arranged to at least partially encircle said plurality of core members, wherein said at least one folded-core section is arranged between said at least a first coil and said at least a second coil.

7. A core of an inductive component, comprising: a first core member; a second core member, wherein said first core member and said second core member are mechanically joint to each other, arranged to form a closed loop core-path or a substantially closed loop core-path; at least one proximal-position wherein said first core member and said second core member are arranged to statically approach closer towards each other, within the boundaries of said closed loop corepath or said substantially closed loop core-path; andat least one distal-position wherein said first core member and said second core member are arranged to statically depart away from each other, within the boundaries of said closed loop core-path or said substantially closed loop core-path.

8. An inductive component, comprising: a core, comprising: a first core member; a second core member, wherein said first core member and said second core member are mechanically joint to each other, arranged to form a closed loop core-path or a substantially closed loop core-path; at least one proximal-position wherein said first core member and said second core member are arranged to statically approach closer towards each other, within the boundaries of said closed loop corepath or said substantially closed loop core-path; and at least one distal-position wherein said first core member and said second core member are arranged to statically depart away from each other, within the boundaries of said closed loop core-path or said substantially closed loop core-path; and at least a first coil, constructed from electrical conductive material, arranged to at least partially encircle said core.

9. A core of an inductive component, arranged in accordance with claim 1 , wherein said at least one folded-core section (50), is arranged to have a return angle (57) of a hundred and eighty degrees (180°) at said apex (55).

10. A core of an inductive component, arranged in accordance with claim 2, wherein said at least one folded-core section (50), is arranged to have a return angle (57) of a hundred and eighty degrees (180°) at said apex (55).11 . The device of claim 6, wherein said at least a first coil and said at least a second coil are arranged to have approximately the same number of coil convolutions.

12. The device of claim 3, further arranged to have an auxiliary coil, wherein said at least one folded-core section is arranged to be at least partially encircled by said auxiliary coil.

13. The device of claim 4, further arranged to have an auxiliary coil, wherein said at least one folded-core section is arranged to be at least partially encircled by said auxiliary coil.

14. The device of claim 3, further arranged operable for serial electrical connection interposed between a light-bulb socket and a light-bulb.

15. The device of claim 4, further arranged operable for serial electrical connection interposed between a light-bulb socket and a light-bulb.

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