Dual-DC Bus Midpoint Grounding via Impedance Circuit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Directly connecting the midpoint of a dual-DC bus in an active rectifier system to system ground can result in high third harmonic current flow, especially during transient periods when the active rectifier is inactive or not yet in steady-state, causing issues due to the short-circuit path to ground.

Innovation Solution

A high-frequency impedance circuit, comprising a capacitor in parallel with a resistor-capacitor (RC) circuit, is used to connect the midpoint of the dual-DC bus to system ground, providing impedance for third harmonic common-mode current and reducing its amplitude to acceptable levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the midpoint of the dual-DC bus is directly connected to system ground, then the connection is simple and direct, but high third harmonic common-mode current flows causing operational disruptions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of ground connectionVSAvoidthird harmonic common-mode current
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

An impedance circuit is introduced as an intermediary element between the midpoint of the dual-DC bus and system ground. This impedance circuit blocks high-frequency third harmonic common-mode current while allowing the ground connection to be established, thus resolving the contradiction between connection simplicity and harmful current suppression

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The impedance circuit changes the electrical parameter (impedance) at the ground connection point. By introducing frequency-dependent impedance, the circuit allows low-frequency fundamental currents to pass while blocking high-frequency third harmonic currents, thus eliminating the harmful effect while maintaining the ground connection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the midpoint is connected to ground through an impedance circuit, then third harmonic current is reduced, but the connection becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethird harmonic common-mode currentVSAvoidground connection circuit
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The impedance circuit is applied locally only at the midpoint ground connection point where third harmonic current suppression is needed. This localized application achieves the desired current suppression without requiring complex modifications throughout the entire power conversion system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

A relatively simple impedance circuit (comprising passive components) is used as an intermediary to achieve third harmonic suppression. This intermediate solution is simpler than alternative approaches such as complex active filtering or modifying the rectifier control strategy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The impedance circuit effectively manages third harmonic common-mode current, ensuring safe and efficient operation by reducing high-frequency current flow, thus allowing the midpoint to be connected to system ground without causing operational disruptions.

Implementation Method 1

The impedance circuit comprises a capacitor in parallel with a resistor-capacitor (RC) circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

The impedance circuit comprises a capacitor in parallel with a resistor-capacitor (RC) circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 3

provides impedance for third harmonic common-mode current

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpedance:

Data Source

PatentEP2720367B1System and method for connecting the midpoint of a dual-DC bus to ground
Publication Date: 2020.09.02 HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORP
  • EP2720367B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2720367B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B

AI summary

A system includes a power source 12 that provides alternating current (AC) power and is connected to system ground; a dual-DC bus that provides direct current (DC) power to a load, and comprises a positive line, a negative line, load, and a midpoint line; an active rectifier 16 that converts AC power from the power source to DC power for the dual-DC bus; and an impedance circuit 22 connected between the midpoint of the dual-DC bus and the system ground that provides impedance for third harmonic common-mode current.