Inverter Harmonic Detection for Transformer Inrush Current Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

In new energy power generation systems, the switching of transformers during maintenance leads to excessive inrush currents, causing misoperation of relay protection apparatuses and potential electrical damage to devices like power converters, which affects the reliability of the power supply.

Innovation Solution

A power converter with a controller that adjusts the output voltage based on even harmonic currents, specifically reducing the output voltage when even harmonic currents increase, to quickly exit the magnetic saturation state of inductive loads like transformers, thereby reducing inrush currents without adding hardware devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a harmonic compensation device is added to reduce inrush current impact, then the reliability of power supply is improved, but the system cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of power supplyVSAvoidsystem cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power converter controller automatically detects even harmonic currents and adjusts output voltage without external compensation devices. The system uses its own control capabilities to mitigate inrush current effects, eliminating the need for separate harmonic compensation equipment and reducing system cost while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The controller dynamically changes the output voltage parameter based on detected even harmonic current levels. When even harmonic currents are detected, the controller reduces output voltage to prevent transformer saturation and inrush current, thereby protecting the system without adding hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the transformer is switched slowly to reduce current impact and voltage fluctuation, then the reliability of power supply is improved, but the productivity of the power generation system decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of power supplyVSAvoidpower loss of the entire new energy power generation system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller performs preliminary detection of even harmonic currents before inrush current occurs during transformer switching. By detecting the presence of even harmonic currents that indicate approaching saturation, the controller proactively adjusts output voltage to prevent inrush current, enabling fast switching without compromising reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring even harmonic currents and adjusting output voltage in real-time. This closed-loop control allows the transformer to be switched quickly while the controller responds to harmonic current feedback to maintain system reliability, avoiding the power loss associated with slow switching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the output voltage is reduced when even harmonic current increases, then the inrush current impact is reduced, but the power output of the converter decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinrush current impactVSAvoidpower output of the converter
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The controller implements periodic monitoring of even harmonic currents and applies voltage reduction only during specific periods when even harmonic currents are detected. During normal operation without even harmonic currents, the converter operates at full power output. This periodic, condition-based control minimizes inrush current impact while maintaining maximum power output during normal conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic 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

This solution effectively reduces the impact of inrush currents on power converters, ensuring stable operation of new energy power generation systems without increasing hardware costs or adding additional devices.

Implementation Method 1

The controller is configured to control, based on an even harmonic current on a connection line between the DC/AC power conversion circuit and the load, an output voltage at which the power converter outputs the alternating current

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHarmonic current detection:

Implementation Method 2

The transformer is configured to boost a voltage of the alternating current and further feed, to a medium- and high-voltage network, an alternating current obtained through voltage boosting

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

The DC/AC power conversion circuit is connected in parallel between the positive direct current bus and the negative direct current bus and configured to convert a direct current from the direct current source into an alternating current

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPower conversion:

Data Source

PatentEP4542838A1Inverter with second harmonic detection for dynamic voltage reduction during grid transformer saturation
Publication Date: 2025.04.23 HUAWEI DIGITAL POWER TECH CO LTD
  • EP4542838A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2(b)
  • EP4542838A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4542838A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention provides a power converter, a resisting method in inductive load switching, and a power generation system. The power converter includes a direct current input end, an alternating current output end, a bus capacitor, a DC/AC power conversion circuit, and a controller. The direct current input end is configured to connect to a direct current source. The alternating current output end is configured to connect to a load. The bus capacitor includes a positive bus capacitor and a negative bus capacitor that are connected in series. The positive bus capacitor is connected to a positive direct current bus. The negative bus capacitor is connected to a negative direct current bus. The DC/AC power conversion circuit is connected in parallel between the positive direct current bus and the negative direct current bus, and configured to convert a direct current from the direct current source into an alternating current, and transmit the alternating current to the load through the alternating current output end. The controller is configured to control, based on an even harmonic current on a connection line between the DC/AC power conversion circuit and the load, an output voltage at which the power converter outputs the alternating current, to reduce an absolute value of a voltage difference between the positive bus capacitor and the negative bus capacitor.