Active Harmonic Filter and Regenerating Energy Control Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable speed drives (ASDs) introduce harmonics into systems, leading to distorted voltages and increased operating costs, and require separate harmonic filters and regenerating energy control systems, which are costly and space-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A single apparatus that actively filters harmonics and controls regenerating energy using an inverter and control system, capable of switching between harmonic filtering and regenerating energy control modes, integrated as a retrofit drive for ASDs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate harmonic filter drive and regenerating energy drive are installed with ASD, then harmonics are filtered and regenerating energy is controlled, but cost and space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the harmonic filter drive and regenerating energy drive into a single integrated apparatus. The unified drive includes a common inverter, DC link, and control system that can operate in multiple modes: harmonic filtering mode when the ASD is operating normally, and regenerating energy mode when the motor acts as a generator. This merging eliminates the need for two separate drives, reducing cost, space, and complexity while maintaining both functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated drive is designed with multi-functionality to perform both harmonic filtering and regenerating energy control. The inverter and control system can switch between different operating modes depending on the ASD's state: filtering harmonics from the ASD input when operating normally, and capturing regenerating energy from the motor when it acts as a generator. This universal design allows a single apparatus to replace two specialized drives.
2Reliability
If separate harmonic filter drive and regenerating energy drive are installed with ASD, then harmonics are filtered and regenerating energy is controlled, but economic burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the harmonic filter drive and regenerating energy drive into a single integrated apparatus. The unified drive includes a common inverter, DC link, and control system that can operate in multiple modes: harmonic filtering mode when the ASD is operating normally, and regenerating energy mode when the motor acts as a generator. This merging eliminates the need for two separate drives, reducing cost, space, and complexity while maintaining both functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated drive is designed with multi-functionality to perform both harmonic filtering and regenerating energy control. The inverter and control system can switch between different operating modes depending on the ASD's state: filtering harmonics from the ASD input when operating normally, and capturing regenerating energy from the motor when it acts as a generator. This universal design allows a single apparatus to replace two specialized drives.
3Reliability
If separate harmonic filter drive and regenerating energy drive are installed with ASD, then harmonics are filtered and regenerating energy is controlled, but additional space for hardware is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the harmonic filter drive and regenerating energy drive into a single integrated apparatus. The unified drive includes a common inverter, DC link, and control system that can operate in multiple modes: harmonic filtering mode when the ASD is operating normally, and regenerating energy mode when the motor acts as a generator. This merging eliminates the need for two separate drives, reducing cost, space, and complexity while maintaining both functions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If ASD operates with nonlinear load, then motor speed and torque control is achieved, but harmonics are introduced into the system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful harmonics generated by the ASD's nonlinear operation into a beneficial function. The integrated drive's inverter actively generates counter-harmonics that cancel out the ASD's harmonics, transforming the harmful electromagnetic interference into a useful harmonic cancellation effect. Additionally, the system captures regenerating energy that would otherwise be wasted, converting it back into usable electrical energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated drive acts as an intermediary between the ASD and the power system. It monitors the ASD's operation and injects compensating currents through its inverter to cancel harmonics. The device also serves as an energy intermediary by capturing regenerating energy from the motor and returning it to the power system or storing it in the DC link capacitor, mediating the energy flow between the motor and power source.
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 provides a compact and cost-effective means to manage harmonics and regenerating energy, reducing the need for separate drives and minimizing hardware requirements, thereby lowering economic and design burdens.
Implementation Method 1
Active harmonic filters include converters that are typically controlled using pulse width modulation
Data Source
AI summary
An active harmonic filter (AHF) and regenerating energy control (REC) apparatus for an adjustable speed drive (ASD) includes an inverter and a controller operatively coupled to the inverter to selectively control operation thereof. The controller is programmed to operate the inverter in different modes in order to manage different conditions that occur during operation of the ASD. In an AHF mode, the controller operates the inverter to filter harmonics present at an input to an ASD. In an REC mode, the controller operates the inverter to control regenerating energy flowing into the inverter from the ASD.