Delta Secondary Transformer for Compact Multiphase Power Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aircraft electrical components, including transformers and rectifier units, occupy significant area and weight, increasing production costs and fuel consumption.

Innovation Solution

A transformer design integrating a primary and delta secondary transformer circuit to generate multiple multiphase AC and DC output signals, reducing the need for separate auto transformer and rectifier units, thereby minimizing space and weight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate transformer rectifier units and auto transformer units are used, then electrical components can perform required functions, but aircraft weight and occupied area increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical component functionalityVSAvoidaircraft weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the transformer rectifier unit and auto transformer unit into a single integrated transformer device. The primary transformer circuit receives high-voltage AC power and generates first multiphase AC output signals, while the secondary transformer circuit with delta configuration generates second multiphase AC output signals. This merging eliminates the need for separate transformer rectifier units and auto transformer units, significantly reducing aircraft weight and occupied space while maintaining all required electrical conversion functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If separate transformer rectifier units and auto transformer units are used, then electrical components can perform required functions, but available aircraft area is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical component functionalityVSAvoidaircraft available area

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple electrical transformation functions into a single compact transformer device. The primary transformer circuit and secondary transformer circuit with delta configuration are combined in one unit, replacing what would traditionally require separate transformer rectifier units and auto transformer units. This consolidation significantly reduces the occupied area within the aircraft, increasing available space for passengers, cargo, and other systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Length of moving object

If high-voltage generators with auto transformer units are used, then feeder size can be reduced, but production cost and fuel consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeeder sizeVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the auto transformer functionality and transformer rectifier functionality into a single integrated device, eliminating the need for separate components. This integration simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces production costs compared to assembling multiple separate units, while still enabling the use of high-voltage generators with reduced-size feeders.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated transformer device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both an auto transformer for voltage reduction and as a transformer rectifier for AC to AC conversion with multiple multiphase outputs. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized components, reducing overall system complexity and production cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Reduces aircraft weight and fuel consumption by integrating transformer functions into a single unit, increasing available space and decreasing production costs.

Implementation Method 1

a delta secondary transformer circuit configured to magnetically couple to the primary transformer circuit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12462974B2Transformer and method of generating multiple multiphase output signals

Publication Date: 2025.11.04 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

An apparatus includes a primary transformer circuit including a plurality of primary coils. The apparatus further includes a delta secondary transformer circuit configured to magnetically couple to the primary transformer circuit. The delta secondary transformer circuit includes a first plurality of secondary coils, a first plurality of nodes coupled to the first plurality of secondary coils, and a second plurality of secondary coils configured to magnetically couple to the plurality of primary coils. Each coil of the second plurality of secondary coils is physically coupled to a respective node of the first plurality of nodes.