HV to LV Power Conversion via RC Network Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for providing power to load electronic systems from high voltage (HV) electrical networks are costly and complex, particularly due to the need for insulation and protection against high electrical stresses and over-voltage impulses, with current methods such as wound voltage transformers and high voltage ceramic capacitors being inefficient and prone to failure.
Innovation Solution
An electrical power conversion system comprising a power converter and an RC network with resistive and capacitive components in series, including high resistance drop-off elements in parallel with capacitors to prevent charge buildup and failure, allowing for a compact, low-cost solution that can be integrated into equipment with minimal installation costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wound voltage transformer is used to derive power from HV line, then power can be supplied to remote equipment, but the solution becomes complex and costly with high installation costs
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the power conversion function into two separate stages: first, an HV-to-LV transformer converts high voltage to low voltage; second, a rectifier circuit converts the low voltage AC to DC. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary LV transformer as a mediator between the HV line and the power consumption equipment. This intermediary device enables safe power derivation by first stepping down the voltage to a manageable level before rectification, avoiding the complexity of designing a single-stage HV-to-DC converter.
2Reliability
If insulation systems are designed to withstand high electrical stresses and over-voltage impulses, then safety is improved, but the system becomes large, heavy and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation requirements are segmented and distributed: the LV transformer handles insulation for high voltage stress, while the rectifier circuit handles insulation for DC output. This segmentation allows each stage to use insulation designed for its specific voltage level, reducing the need for oversized, heavy insulation systems that would be required if a single component had to handle all stress conditions.
3Quantity of substance
If power requirements for load electronic systems are reduced, then cost decreases, but the ability to provide power from HV line becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the available HV line voltage itself to generate the required low voltage power through the transformer-rectifier combination. The design leverages the existing high voltage infrastructure to serve the low power requirements of modern electronic systems, eliminating the need for separate power supplies or complex voltage regulation circuits.
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 system effectively converts high voltage to low voltage, limiting current and power dissipation, preventing capacitor failure and reducing costs by providing a reliable, compact, and efficient power conversion solution for load electronic systems.
Implementation Method 1
an RC network with resistive and capacitive components in series
Implementation Method 2
capacitive components electrically connected in series... high resistance drop off elements connected in parallel with said capacitive components
Data Source
AI summary
An improved electrical power conversion system converts a high voltage (HV) from a HV electrical power supply to a low voltage. The electrical power conversion system includes at least one power converter and at least one RC network connected in series. The RC network includes a plurality of resistive components and a plurality of capacitive components electrically connected in series. The at least one RC network and at least one power converter are arranged to be connected across a line potential of the HV electrical power supply.