Inverter-Generator Apparatus Circuit Simplification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inverter-generators for residential and industrial applications have complex circuit structures and are costly due to the use of double generators, making them impractical for certain applications, while also requiring a Full Bridge Inverter configuration to achieve reduced harmonic distortion and output voltages of 110/120 V and 220/240 V with predetermined frequencies.
Innovation Solution
An inverter-generator apparatus with a simpler circuit structure, utilizing a polyphase voltage generator, a rectifying/control stage, and a DC/AC converter stage with Half Bridge inverters and controlled-trigger semiconductor devices, which generates two independently sinusoidal output voltages and a differential output voltage with reduced harmonic distortion, using a common ground terminal for versatility and safety compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a Full Bridge Inverter configuration is used to generate sinusoidal voltages with reduced harmonic distortion, then the quality of output voltage is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase due to requiring double generators and duplicated circuit components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate Full Bridge Inverter systems into a single Half Bridge Inverter configuration. The inverter includes a first half-bridge circuit for generating one sinusoidal voltage and a second half-bridge circuit for generating another sinusoidal voltage, both sharing common components. This consolidation reduces the number of generators and circuit components while maintaining the capability to produce high-quality sinusoidal outputs with reduced harmonic distortion.
Solution Approach 2:
The Half Bridge Inverter configuration performs multiple functions simultaneously: it generates two independent sinusoidal voltages with reduced harmonic distortion, provides a differential output voltage between the output terminals, and maintains compatibility with both European and American electrical standards. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated systems for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a Full Bridge Inverter configuration with double generators is used to provide 110/120V and 220/240V outputs, then the versatility of voltage output is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The Half Bridge Inverter configuration performs multiple functions simultaneously: it generates two independent sinusoidal voltages with reduced harmonic distortion, provides a differential output voltage between the output terminals, and maintains compatibility with both European and American electrical standards. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The inverter is divided into functional segments: a first half-bridge circuit for generating one voltage, a second half-bridge circuit for generating another voltage, with controlled-trigger semiconductor devices that can independently control each output. This segmentation allows flexible voltage configuration while sharing common components like the DC voltage source and control circuitry.
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 provides a cost-effective and simpler circuit structure for generating sinusoidal voltages with reduced harmonic distortion, meeting the requirements of 110/120 V and 220/240 V outputs while ensuring compatibility with safety standards, thus overcoming the limitations of existing inverter-generators.
Implementation Method 1
a rectifying/control stage (10) configured to convert the polyphase voltage to a direct voltage
Implementation Method 2
by modulating a sinusoidal signal with PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) technique and then filtering the carrier
Implementation Method 3
modulating a sinusoidal signal with PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) technique and then filtering the carrier, e.g. with a filter LC
Implementation Method 4
generate a sinusoidal voltage having predetermined frequency and negligible harmonic distortion
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to an inverter-generator apparatus (100) which comprises: - a polyphase voltage generator (PMG); - a rectifying/control stage (10); - a DC/AC converter stage (40) connected to the rectifying/control stage and which includes an analog/digital control unit (CONTR); - a voltage storage stage (50) interposed between the rectifying/control stage and the converter stage, which includes a first capacitor (Ch) for storing a first direct voltage (VDC+) and a second capacitor (Cl) for storing a second direct voltage (VDC-). The rectifying/control stage includes: - a first (1) and a distinct second (2) group of mutually equal controlled-trigger semiconductor electronic devices (3); - a first control circuit (60) of the controlled-trigger semiconductor electronic devices of the first group and a second control circuit (70) of the controlled-trigger semiconductor electronic devices of the second group. The analog/digital control unit (CONTR) is configured to generate a first reference voltage (Vref1) and a second reference voltage (Vref2) to be supplied to the first and second control circuits, respectively, to keep the first direct voltage in the first capacitor and the second direct voltage in the second capacitor equal to predetermined constant values.