AC-DC Converter Reactor Size Reduction via Line-Frequency Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing AC to DC converter technologies face challenges in suppressing harmonic currents while improving power factor, often resulting in large reactors, high power consumption, and increased costs due to high-frequency PWM control, which complicates circuit configurations and increases costs.

Innovation Solution

An AC to DC converter design that includes a reactor, rectifier, series-connected capacitors, and bi-directional switching means, where the ON/OFF timing of the switching means is controlled based on a virtual AC source's phase angle and amplitude, allowing for sinusoidal converter voltage output and reduced reactor size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-generated harmful factors

If high-frequency PWM control is used to suppress harmonic currents and improve power factor, then harmonic suppression performance is improved, but power consumption increases and circuit complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveharmonic currentVSAvoidcircuit configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the control parameter from high-frequency PWM to low-frequency switching synchronized with the AC power source period. The switching means performs opening and closing operations at least twice in half a cycle of the power source, synchronizing with the power source period, which fundamentally alters the operating frequency parameter from high-frequency PWM to line-frequency synchronized switching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the complex high-frequency PWM control mechanism with a simpler control mechanism that synchronizes switching with the AC power source period. This substitution eliminates the need for complex PWM generation and processing while achieving harmonic suppression through synchronized switching at lower frequencies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Object-generated harmful factors

If high-frequency PWM control is used to suppress harmonic currents, then power factor is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveharmonic currentVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the switching frequency parameter from high-frequency PWM to low-frequency switching synchronized with the AC power source period. By performing switching operations at least twice in half a cycle of the power source, the system operates at line-frequency synchronized rates rather than high-frequency PWM rates, significantly reducing power consumption while maintaining harmonic suppression effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If reactor size is reduced to lower cost, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but harmonic suppression performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidharmonic current
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the switching frequency parameter to low-frequency operation synchronized with the AC power source period. This parameter change allows the reactor to operate effectively at lower frequencies, enabling the use of smaller, less expensive reactors while maintaining adequate harmonic suppression performance through the synchronized switching mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of manufacture

If switching frequency is reduced to lower cost and prevent high-frequency noise, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but control processing speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidcontrol processing speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the switching frequency parameter to low-frequency operation synchronized with the AC power source period, performing switching operations at least twice in half a cycle. This parameter change reduces manufacturing cost and eliminates high-frequency noise while the synchronous control mechanism maintains adequate processing speed by coordinating with the fixed power source frequency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enables the suppression of harmonic currents, reduces reactor size, and lowers switching frequencies, thereby decreasing costs and preventing high-frequency noise issues, allowing for practical implementation at a lower cost.

Implementation Method 1

a rectifier (2) connected with an AC source (1) through a reactor (5)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRectification: Diode

Implementation Method 2

a plurality of capacitors (6, 7) having a voltage polarity connected between output terminals of the rectifier (2) in series

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP2309635B1Ac-DC converter, ac-DC converter control method, motor driving device, compressor driving device, air conditioner, and heat pump-type hot-water supply device
Publication Date: 2019.09.25 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP2309635B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2(c)
  • EP2309635B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2309635B1 patent drawingFigure 5(a)~5(h)

AI summary

To improve power factor by suppressing harmonics current at low cost and at the same time downsize a reactor. A rectifier (2) connected with an AC source through a reactor (5), a plurality of capacitors (6, 7) connected in series between output terminals of the rectifier (2), first switching means (3) connected between one input terminal of the rectifier (2) and a connection point of a plurality of capacitors, second switching means (4) connected between other input terminal of the rectifier (2) and the connection point of a plurality of capacitors, and a plurality of diodes (10, 11) connected with the plurality of capacitors in inverse-parallel are provided.