Dynamic Voltage Sag Correction Universal kVA Utilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional dynamic voltage sag correction devices are limited in their ability to optimize kVA capability and are often manufactured for specific input voltages, leading to increased costs and reduced efficiency when used at fractions of their ratings or with higher input voltages.

Innovation Solution

A dynamic voltage sag correction device with a regulator module, inverter switching device, and injection transformer that can adapt to various input voltages by rectifying line-to-line signals, storing energy, and generating correction signals, allowing for optimal kVA utilization across different voltage levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a dynamic voltage sag correction device is manufactured for a specific input voltage rating, then the device can be optimized for that voltage, but the manufacturing cost increases and the device cannot be efficiently used with different voltage levels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidvoltage level adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal dynamic voltage sag correction device that can operate with multiple input voltage levels (208V, 240V, 277V, 480V, 600V) by using a reconfigurable circuit architecture. The device employs switching elements and controllable voltage sources that can be dynamically adjusted to match different input voltages, allowing a single device design to serve multiple voltage applications without requiring separate manufactured variants for each voltage level.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic reconfiguration of the circuit elements based on the detected input voltage level. The device includes controllable voltage sources and switching mechanisms that automatically adjust their parameters and connectivity to optimize performance for the specific voltage level being applied. This dynamic adaptation allows the device to maintain optimal operation across different voltage conditions without requiring separate fixed designs for each voltage level.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a dynamic voltage sag correction device operates at a fraction of its voltage rating, then it can be used in lower voltage systems, but the kVA throughput is reduced below its rating

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage system compatibilityVSAvoidkVA throughput utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes parameter changes in the controllable voltage sources and switching elements to optimize the device's output capacity based on the input voltage level. When operating in lower voltage systems, the device adjusts its internal parameters to maximize the kVA throughput appropriate for that voltage level, ensuring full utilization of the available capacity rather than operating at a fraction of the rated capacity. This allows the device to deliver optimal performance whether used at full rating or adapted to lower voltage systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If specialized heavy duty devices are manufactured for high voltages, then the device can handle higher input voltages, but the manufacturing cost and parts inventory requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehigh voltage handling capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal device architecture that can safely and effectively handle multiple voltage levels including high voltages (480V, 600V) using the same basic circuit topology and components. By employing reconfigurable switching elements and controllable voltage sources that can be dynamically adjusted, the device achieves high voltage handling capability without requiring separate specialized heavy duty devices for each voltage level, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and parts inventory requirements.

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

The solution enables efficient utilization of kVA capacity across multiple input voltages, reducing manufacturing costs and enhancing the device's ability to handle higher voltages, thereby improving voltage sag correction efficiency and reducing the need for multiple device variants.

Implementation Method 1

a rectifying device adapted to rectify a line-to-line input signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRectification: Diode

Implementation Method 2

a storage unit adapted to store energy corresponding to the rectified line-to-line input signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical energy storage: Electrical Accumulator

Implementation Method 3

an inverter switching device adapted to use the stored energy to generate a correction signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInversion:

Implementation Method 4

An injection transformer in electrical communication with the regulator module is adapted to reduce a voltage of the correction signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2147490B1Dynamic voltage SAG correction
Publication Date: 2018.11.21 ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECH INC
  • EP2147490B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2147490B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2147490B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A voltage sag correction device includes an input terminal adapted to receive a first operating signal having a line-to-neutral voltage. The first operating signal is provided to a load through an output terminal. A regulator module includes a rectifying device adapted to rectify a line-to-line input signal, a storage unit adapted to store energy corresponding to the rectified line-to-line input signal, and an inverter switching device adapted to use the stored energy to generate a correction signal during at least a portion of a voltage sag. An injection transformer in electrical communication with the regulator module is adapted to reduce a voltage of the correction signal. A bypass switch is in a closed position during a normal operating condition such that the injection transformer is bypassed. The bypass switch is in an open position during at least a portion of the voltage sag such that the injection transformer is energized.