Active Dipole Coupling for Isolated Electrical Network Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical networks that need to interact without a galvanic connection due to potential separation or large distances pose a challenge for effective interaction and synchronization.

Innovation Solution

A coupling device comprising two active electrical dipoles with control and processing units, measuring devices, and data transmission capabilities synchronizes current and voltage between non-galvanically connected networks using data connections, mimicking direct galvanic connection conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If galvanic isolation is implemented between electrical networks, then safety and potential separation are improved, but interaction and synchronization between networks deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety and potential separationVSAvoidinteraction and synchronization
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary coupling device consisting of two active electrical dipoles that mediate between galvanically isolated networks. Each dipole connects to one network and they communicate via data connection, enabling interaction without direct galvanic connection. The intermediaries measure electrical quantities, transmit data, and control current/voltage to maintain synchronization despite isolation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical galvanic connection with a data-based communication system. Instead of direct electrical conductors, the coupling device uses data connections (electronic communication) to transmit information between networks, substituting physical electrical coupling with informational coupling that achieves the same synchronization goal without galvanic contact.

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

2Ease of operation

If direct wired connection is made between electrical networks, then interaction is improved, but safety and potential separation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveinteractionVSAvoidsafety and potential separation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling device acts as an intermediary that enables interaction while maintaining safety. The two active electrical dipoles serve as mediators between the networks, allowing current and voltage control without direct wired connection. The data connection between dipoles provides the interaction channel while the galvanic isolation remains intact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the direct wired mechanical connection with an electronic data communication system. The interaction that would traditionally require physical electrical connection is achieved through data transmission between the active electrical dipoles, replacing the mechanical/electrical coupling with an informational coupling mechanism.

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

3Reliability

If data connection is used to couple non-galvanically connected networks, then safety is maintained, but latency and interference increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegalvanic isolationVSAvoidlatency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The active electrical dipoles continuously measure current and voltage values and prepare control data in advance. By maintaining continuous measurement and pre-processing control information, the system reduces the latency that would otherwise occur during transient conditions. The preliminary preparation of control data minimizes response time while maintaining galvanic isolation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of operation

If active electrical dipoles with continuous measurement and control are used, then synchronization is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesynchronizationVSAvoidcoupling device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each active electrical dipole is designed as a multi-functional unit that combines measurement capabilities, data transmission, and current/voltage control functions. This universal design reduces overall system complexity by integrating multiple functions into single components rather than using separate dedicated devices for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling device operates autonomously with the active electrical dipoles continuously measuring their own network conditions and automatically adjusting current and voltage without external intervention. The self-service operation simplifies the control architecture by eliminating the need for complex external control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4189837B1Assembly of non-galvanically coupled electrical networks and method for operating same
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 BEXEMA GMBH
  • EP4189837B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4189837B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4189837B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an assembly (1) of non-galvanically coupled networks (2, 3), having two electrical networks (2, 3) and having a coupling device (4) via which the electrical networks (2, 3) which are each galvanically connected to the coupling device (4) by means of two connecting points (10, 11 and 12, 13) are coupled to one another without being galvanically interconnected. The coupling device (4) consists of two active electrical dipoles (5, 6) which are interconnected via at least one data link (7), can be operated both as a source and as a sink, and have measurement means (8, 9) for current and voltage. The dipoles are designed to provide current and/or voltage for the respective electrical network (2, 3) which are galvanically connected thereto in accordance with a target value received for this purpose from the respective other active electrical dipole (5, 6), and to transmit the current and/or voltage values subsequently measured at the connecting points (10, 11 or 12, 13) to the respective other active electrical dipole (5, 6) as a target value for the source/sink formed by this dipole (5, 6).