Inverter Phase Synchronization via Wireless Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Inverter systems experience power loss due to phase shifts among connected inverter apparatuses, which affects the output power when multiple units are connected in parallel, as they need to synchronize their phases to achieve optimal power generation.

Innovation Solution

The inverter apparatus includes a power conversion unit, a wireless communication unit, and a control unit that receives synchronization signals to correct the phase of the output power, ensuring synchronization among connected units by using time information or known transmission intervals, thereby minimizing power loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple inverter apparatuses are connected in parallel to achieve desired output power, then the adaptability and power capacity are improved, but phase shifts occur among the inverter apparatuses causing power loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to various applicationsVSAvoidpower loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The inverter apparatus measures the phase of its output power and compares it with a reference phase, then feeds back phase correction information to adjust the output phase. This feedback mechanism ensures that all inverter apparatuses in parallel maintain synchronized phases, eliminating power loss while preserving system adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

A synchronization signal serving as an intermediary is introduced to coordinate the phases of multiple inverter apparatuses. Each inverter receives and adjusts to this common reference signal, ensuring phase alignment across all units without requiring complex inter-unit communication or control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the phase of output power is not synchronized among inverter apparatuses, then individual design flexibility is maintained, but the output power efficiency deteriorates due to phase shifts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutput powerVSAvoidpower loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit continuously monitors the output phase and automatically adjusts it to match the reference phase through feedback control. This ensures maximum power transfer efficiency and minimizes power loss while maintaining the ability to connect multiple inverters in parallel for increased productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If inverter apparatuses operate independently without phase synchronization, then system complexity is reduced, but power loss increases due to phase shifts in parallel connections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidpower loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

A simple reference phase signal acts as an intermediary that all inverter apparatuses follow. This approach maintains low system complexity by avoiding complex inter-unit communication protocols while effectively synchronizing phases to minimize power loss through a straightforward reference-based control mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9337747B2Inverter apparatus and inverter system

Publication Date: 2016.05.10 KK TOSHIBA

AI summary

According to one embodiment, an inverter apparatus includes a power conversion unit, a wireless communication unit and a control unit. The power conversion unit converts input power that is one of DC power and AC power into AC output power. The wireless communication unit wirelessly receives a first synchronization signal. The control unit controls a phase of the output power based on the first synchronization signal.