24-Pulse Autotransformer System for Harmonic Distortion Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing autotransformer systems face challenges in reducing total harmonic distortion (THD) input currents, particularly the third harmonic, without using costly and bulky zero sequence blocking transformers, which increase heat dissipation and maintenance costs.

Innovation Solution

A 24-pulse autotransformer system is configured with two three-phase autotransformers in a reverse phase sequence configuration, coupled with rectifier units, and the turn ratios of the windings are adjusted to decrease voltages, thereby reducing THD without the need for zero sequence blocking transformers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-generated harmful factors

If zero sequence blocking transformers are used to reduce THD, then total harmonic distortion is reduced, but system cost increases and heat dissipation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetotal harmonic distortionVSAvoidheat dissipation
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the zero sequence blocking transformer from the system by using a 24-pulse rectifier configuration with two 12-pulse rectifiers. This configuration naturally blocks zero sequence currents through its inherent circuit topology, removing the need for separate blocking transformers and their associated heat dissipation issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the THD reduction function and zero sequence blocking function into the rectifier circuit configuration itself. The 24-pulse rectifier system integrates multiple transformer windings and rectifier bridges in a unified structure that simultaneously achieves harmonic reduction and zero sequence current blocking without requiring additional separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Object-generated harmful factors

If zero sequence blocking transformers are used to reduce THD, then total harmonic distortion is reduced, but system cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetotal harmonic distortionVSAvoidsystem cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the zero sequence blocking transformer component from the system by implementing a 24-pulse rectifier configuration that inherently blocks zero sequence currents. This extraction eliminates the additional expense associated with purchasing, installing, and maintaining separate blocking transformers while achieving the same THD reduction goal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The rectifier circuit configuration serves multiple functions simultaneously: it performs power conversion, reduces total harmonic distortion, and blocks zero sequence currents. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated blocking transformers, thereby reducing system cost while maintaining comprehensive performance.

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

3Object-generated harmful factors

If zero sequence blocking transformers are used to reduce THD, then total harmonic distortion is reduced, but maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetotal harmonic distortionVSAvoidmaintenance requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the zero sequence blocking transformer from the system and replaces it with a 24-pulse rectifier configuration that provides inherent zero sequence current blocking. This removal eliminates the maintenance burden associated with additional transformer components, reducing overall maintenance requirements while maintaining THD reduction effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Object-generated harmful factors

If zero sequence blocking transformers are used to reduce THD, then total harmonic distortion is reduced, but space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetotal harmonic distortionVSAvoidspace requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the zero sequence blocking transformer from the system by implementing a 24-pulse rectifier configuration that inherently blocks zero sequence currents. This extraction eliminates the additional physical space required for separate blocking transformers, reducing overall system footprint while achieving the same harmonic reduction performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 configuration effectively reduces THD input currents to comply with standards, enhancing system durability, reducing maintenance, and lowering costs while maintaining market appeal by eliminating the need for additional transformers.

Implementation Method 1

a first three-phase autotransformer coupled to an AC power source, with the first autotransformer having three input terminals and six output terminals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2973966B1Autotransformer system reducing total harmonic distortion
Publication Date: 2023.08.09 UNICO LLC
  • EP2973966B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2973966B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2973966B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

There is disclosed an apparatus and method to reduce total harmonic distortion input into a 24 -pulse autotransformer system and the autotransformer system itself. The 24 -pulse autotransformer system is configured to receive an input of a first voltage and produce an output voltage of a second voltage. The system includes a pair of autotransformers coupled to an AC power source. One winding of each phase of the first autotransformer has a turn ratio to effect a decrease in the voltage across said winding over a symmetric voltage value and a second winding of each phase of the first autotransformer has a turn ratio to effect a decrease in the voltage across said winding over a symmetric voltage value, thereby reducing total harmonic distortion (THD) in the input current to the system without a zero sequence blocking transformer.