Five-Phase Power Distribution System Harmonic Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional three-phase electrical power systems face inefficiencies and harmonic issues due to nonlinear loads, particularly with 3rd, 5th, and 7th harmonics, which lead to increased heat losses and reduced power factor, with existing solutions being costly and ineffective for universal application.

Innovation Solution

A five-phase power distribution system utilizing a three-phase to five-phase power transformer converter, coupled with a five-phase zero sequence harmonic filter, to provide increased energy efficiency and harmonic reduction, specifically targeting 3rd and 5th harmonics in a safe, convenient, and economical manner.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If a three-phase system is used, then the system is simple and widely compatible, but it produces significant harmonics (3rd, 5th, 7th) leading to heat losses and reduced efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat lossesVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the three-phase system into five separate phases, creating five distinct conductors carrying currents that are 72 degrees apart. This segmentation allows individual harmonic components to be distributed and canceled across the five phases, reducing total harmonic distortion and energy losses while maintaining system manageability through modular implementation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of phase number from three to five, and adjusts the phase angle separation from 120 degrees to 72 degrees. This parameter change fundamentally alters the harmonic spectrum distribution, enabling natural cancellation of dominant harmonics (particularly triplen harmonics) and improving power factor without requiring complex external filtering equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If power electronics are used to convert three-phase to five-phase, then adjustable speed drive applications are enabled, but reliability is diminished

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustable speed drive capabilityVSAvoidsystem reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a five-phase transformer as an intermediary device that electrically couples the three-phase power source to the five-phase load. This transformer-mediated approach provides galvanic isolation and smooth waveform transformation without the switching transients and reliability issues associated with power electronic converters, while still enabling adjustable speed drive applications through the five-phase motor connection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of energy

If phase-shifting transformers are used to reduce harmonics, then 3rd, 5th and 7th harmonics can be reduced, but the system requires several transformers and works only for balanced loads

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveharmonic lossesVSAvoidtransformer quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The five-phase system configuration serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides natural harmonic cancellation for both balanced and unbalanced loads, maintains versatility for various load types (linear and nonlinear), and enables adjustable speed drive applications. A single five-phase transformer replaces what would otherwise require multiple phase-shifting transformers, achieving harmonic reduction while handling load imbalances that defeat traditional phase-shifting approaches

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Power

If six-phase or higher-phase systems are used, then power capacity is increased, but the complexity of the system increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower capacityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by transitioning from three-phase to five-phase rather than adopting six-phase or higher systems. This intermediate step provides sufficient power capacity increase and harmonic reduction benefits while avoiding the excessive complexity of six-phase systems. The five-phase configuration offers a practical compromise that delivers 50% more power capacity than three-phase with manageable system complexity and standard transformer availability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 five-phase system significantly reduces 3rd and 5th harmonics, lowering total harmonic distortion (THD) and power system losses, enhancing efficiency and reliability while avoiding the complexity and cost of higher-phase systems, making it suitable for commercial buildings and data centers.

Implementation Method 1

A three phase to five phase power transformer converter coupled to the source of three phase AC electrical potential

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHarmonic filtering: Filter (electronic)

Data Source

PatentUS9667163B1Five phase power distribution system

Publication Date: 2017.05.30 DAMJANOVIC ALEKSANDAR B

AI summary

A system for providing increased energy efficiency and harmonic reduction has a source of three phase AC electrical potential, a three phase to five phase power transformer converter coupled to the source of three phase AC electrical potential, a five phase cable coupled to the three phase to five phase power transformer converter, and at least one load coupled to the five phase cable.