Active Front End Units for Harmonic Distortion Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for managing harmonic distortion in electrical power systems, particularly in Active Front End units, are inefficient and costly, often requiring large static filters that occupy excessive space and can cause transformer phase shifting.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising multiple Active Front End units electrically coupled to a DC bus and separate transformer windings, which convert AC to DC and manage harmonic distortion by automatically switching at a predetermined rate to regulate voltage and current, thereby isolating the AC bus from harmonic feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If large static filters are used to correct harmonic distortion, then harmonic distortion is reduced, but the system occupies excessive space and becomes costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful harmonic distortion from the AC bus by using Active Front End units that actively cancel harmonics through counter-phase switching, replacing the need for large passive static filters and thereby reducing the space required for harmonic correction equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from passive filtering to active harmonic cancellation by dynamically switching AFE units at predetermined rates, altering the system's method of harmonic management from static to dynamic parameter control
2Object-affected harmful factors
If large static filters are used to correct harmonic distortion, then harmonic distortion is reduced, but the system becomes costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for expensive large-capacity static filters by implementing Active Front End units that actively manage harmonics, thereby reducing the overall system cost while maintaining effective harmonic distortion correction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple smaller, more economical AFE units that can be switched on and off as needed, replacing the need for one or two large, expensive static filters, thereby reducing manufacturing costs
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional filtering systems are used, then harmonic distortion is addressed, but transformer phase shifting occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces Active Front End units as intermediary devices between the AC bus and the transformers, which actively cancel harmonics before they can cause transformer phase shifting, thereby protecting the transformer's phase stability
4Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple Active Front End units are used to reduce harmonic distortion, then harmonic distortion is reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the harmonic correction function into multiple smaller AFE units, each handling a portion of the total harmonic correction load, which can be independently controlled and switched, thereby managing system complexity through modular segmentation
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 solution effectively reduces harmonic distortion, minimizes heat emission from transformers, allows for a larger K factor and fewer transformers, and provides a more efficient and compact solution for managing electrical power in high-powered systems like those used in mining machines.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the plurality of Active Front End units can be adapted to rectify an AC voltage to a DC voltage and to supply the DC voltage to the DC bus
Implementation Method 2
Each of the plurality of Active Front End units can be adapted to be electrically coupled to a predetermined distinct winding of a transformer of one or more transformers
Data Source
AI summary
Certain exemplary embodiments comprise a system comprising a plurality of Active Front End units adapted to be electrically coupled to a direct current (DC) bus. Each of the plurality of Active Front End units can be adapted to be electrically coupled to a separate winding of a transformer of a plurality of transformers. Each of the plurality of Active Front End units can be adapted to convert alternating current (AC) voltage to a DC voltage. Each of the plurality of Active Front End units can be adapted to supply the DC voltage to the DC bus. The DC bus can be adapted to be electrically coupled to a plurality of inverters.