Harmonic Regulator Loop Delay Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for reducing voltage waveform distortion in power systems, particularly caused by non-linear loads, often require increasing the electrical power source rating, leading to larger and heavier power sources, and struggle with stability issues due to loop transfer function delays.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a harmonic regulator with loop delay compensation, which includes a controller coupled to the power system and a delay component that adds delay to the power system, allowing for the reduction of harmonic distortion at frequencies that could not be controlled otherwise, by modifying the controller to include time delays inserted before or after the harmonic regulator to achieve stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the electrical power source rating is increased to reduce voltage waveform distortion, then the voltage distortion is reduced, but the power source becomes larger and heavier

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage waveform qualityVSAvoidpower source weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the electrical parameters of the power source, specifically reducing the voltage rating from a higher value to 208V line-to-line, while using power electronics (IGBTs, diodes, capacitors) to generate clean sinusoidal voltage waveforms. This parameter change allows the power source to deliver high-quality power without requiring increased physical size or weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If a harmonic regulator is applied to remove distortion from power, then voltage waveform distortion is reduced, but system stability deteriorates due to loop transfer function delays

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage waveform qualityVSAvoidsystem stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control system where the output voltage is monitored and fed back to the controller. The controller uses this feedback information to adjust the PWM switching signals, enabling the system to maintain stability while correcting harmonic distortions. The feedback loop allows real-time compensation without the instability issues mentioned in the contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic control through PWM (pulse width modulation) switching of power electronic devices. The switching frequency and duty cycle are dynamically adjusted based on the feedback signal to maintain system stability while eliminating harmonics. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to respond to changing load conditions without becoming unstable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3700041A1Harmonic regulator with loop delay compensation
Publication Date: 2020.08.26 HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORP
  • EP3700041A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3700041A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3700041A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Embodiments of the invention provide for a system, method, and controller for operating a harmonic regulator with loop delay compensation. Some embodiments include receiving, at a controller, voltage feedback from a power system, and applying a harmonic regulator to each distortion frequency to be compensated. Embodiments also include applying a predetermined delay to an output of the harmonic regulator, scaling the delayed output and adding it to a power source voltage reference waveform, and providing condition power to a load, using the conditioned power source voltage reference waveform.