High-Frequency Power Converter for Galvanic Isolation and Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for supplying electric power to boats lack integrated management of power flow between shore power, on-board power plants, and batteries, leading to energy wastage and exposure to galvanic corrosion, with traditional solutions being bulky and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing electronic power converters for galvanic protection and intelligent power management, eliminating the need for low-frequency transformers, which includes five controlled power converters and contactors to manage power flow between various energy sources and loads, ensuring no-break power supply and reducing capacitive couplings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a low frequency isolation transformer is used for galvanic protection, then galvanic protection is achieved, but weight and dimensions increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating frequency parameter from low frequency (50/60 Hz) to high frequency (20-100 kHz) for the isolation transformer. This parameter change enables the use of much smaller magnetic cores and windings while achieving the same galvanic isolation effect, thereby dramatically reducing weight and dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional low frequency electromagnetic isolation system with a high frequency electronic isolation system. By operating at high frequency, the isolation transformer achieves the same galvanic protection function with significantly reduced physical size and weight, effectively substituting a bulky mechanical system with a compact electronic one.
2Ease of operation
If shore power is used to supply utilities aboard the boat, then power supply is simplified, but galvanic corrosion damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a high frequency isolation transformer as an intermediary device between the shore power source and the boat's electrical system. This intermediary provides galvanic isolation, blocking harmful galvanic currents while allowing power transmission, thus maintaining the simplicity of shore power connection while preventing corrosion damage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power sources are available, then power supply flexibility increases, but energy management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an intelligent power management system with microprocessor control that continuously monitors the status of multiple power sources (shore power, generating set, batteries) and automatically selects the optimal configuration. The system uses feedback from voltage, current, and load sensors to make real-time decisions, simplifying the user interface while managing the complexity of multiple power sources through automated control algorithms.
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
This system effectively manages power flow, reduces energy wastage, and provides galvanic protection, achieving significant weight and dimension reductions while ensuring continuous power supply without voltage interruptions.
Implementation Method 1
The galvanic isolation is done by using electronic power converters (PFC) without the need to use a low frequency isolation transformer
Implementation Method 2
The advantage of using a high frequency transformer is the remarkable reduction of weight and dimensions compared to those of systems using low frequency isolation transformers
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
The patent proposes an integrated system for the control and galvanic protection of electric energy sources for marine applications. Said system makes it possible to have a galvanic isolation through an electric power converter (PFC) The management of the power flow among the electric sources, the load and batteries, is done by means of five suitably-controlled power converters (1-5).