Current Transformer Control for DC Voltage Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power conversion systems require multiple sensors to stabilize DC voltage, leading to increased system size and complexity due to the need for large current and voltage sensors to detect primary currents and voltages, which complicates the power stabilizing device.

Innovation Solution

A power conversion system incorporating a current transformer with a control power source that estimates primary current and voltage information from control information, eliminating the need for large current and voltage sensors by using a current transformer and a control power source to suppress DC magnetization and compensate for voltage variations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If large current and voltage sensors are used to detect primary currents and voltages for DC voltage stabilization, then the DC voltage stabilization function is achieved, but the system size and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveDC voltage stabilizationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a current transformer to create a scaled-down copy of the primary current for measurement purposes. The current transformer generates a secondary current that is proportional to the primary current but much smaller in magnitude, allowing measurement without requiring large sensors. This copying approach enables DC voltage stabilization while avoiding the need for large current and voltage sensors, thus reducing system size and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a current transformer as an intermediary device between the primary circuit and the measurement/control system. The current transformer acts as a mediator that converts the large primary current into a manageable secondary current, which can then be used for control purposes without requiring large sensors. This intermediary approach resolves the contradiction by enabling measurement and control functions while avoiding direct connection to high-current circuits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If multiple sensors are added to the power conversion system for DC voltage stabilization, then the DC voltage stabilization capability is improved, but the number of components and system size increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveDC voltage stabilization capabilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the current transformer serve multiple functions: it provides both the measurement signal for DC voltage stabilization and simultaneously suppresses DC magnetization of the transformer core. By integrating these functions into a single component, the patent avoids adding separate sensors and active suppression circuits, thereby improving DC voltage stabilization capability without increasing the number of components.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent configures the current transformer to automatically suppress its own DC magnetization problem through proper winding connection and control. The transformer uses its own structure and operating principles to prevent DC flux accumulation, eliminating the need for external active suppression circuits or additional components. This self-service approach resolves the contradiction by achieving both stabilization capability and component reduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 reduces the number of components and system size by integrating the power stabilizing device with the power converter, eliminating the need for additional sensors and wiring, thereby stabilizing DC voltage effectively while downsizing the system.

Implementation Method 1

a current transformer including a transformer core, a primary winding connected in series between the DC distribution line and the power converter, and a secondary winding magnetically coupled to the primary winding through the transformer core

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12095388B2Power conversion system
Publication Date: 2024.09.17 DENSO CORP
  • US12095388B2 patent drawing
  • US12095388B2 patent drawing
  • US12095388B2 patent drawing

AI summary

In a power conversion system, a power converter includes a power conversion circuit connected to a direct current (DC) source via a DC distribution line and converts and supplies received DC power to a load, and a power conversion control unit. A power stabilizing device is disposed between the DC distribution line and the power converter and stabilizes a DC voltage applied from the DC power source. A control power source of the power stabilizing device performs current control of the current transformer to suppress DC magnetization caused by a DC current component of the primary current while compensating for a varying component of the DC voltage. The control power source acquires current information or voltage information calculated from control information used by the power conversion control unit for control operations related to energization of the load and uses it as control information for the power stabilizing device.