Multi-Coil Choke for AC Power Conditioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power conditioning systems fail to effectively eliminate transients and surges caused by inductive and capacitive loads, leading to inefficiencies and increased energy consumption due to phase shifts between voltage and current.

Innovation Solution

A multi-coil choke with a specific magnetic core structure and winding configuration, coupled with capacitors, is used across AC power lines to balance voltage and current, reducing energy consumption and enhancing surge protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional transient voltage suppressors with capacitors and varistors are used between power lines with chokes in series, then transient suppression is provided, but energy consumption is not reduced and phase shifts caused by inductive loads remain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransient suppressionVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The power conditioner divides the power lines into multiple segments, with a separate choke coil connected to each power line. This segmentation allows each choke to independently compensate for phase shifts on its respective line while maintaining transient suppression capabilities through the distributed capacitor network.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The choke coils serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide transient suppression by working with the capacitors, compensate for phase shifts caused by inductive loads, and reduce energy consumption by improving power factor. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate devices for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If inductive load devices such as motors and transformers are used, then useful work is performed, but phase shifts occur that reduce efficiency and increase power consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuseful work outputVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The choke coils act as counterbalancing elements that offset the phase shift effects of inductive loads. By introducing additional inductance through the chokes, the system compensates for the lagging current caused by motors and transformers, bringing current and voltage back into phase and reducing reactive power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

3Use of energy by moving object

If prior art power conditioners with simple choke and capacitor arrangements are used, then basic power factor correction is achieved, but transient and surge protection is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower factorVSAvoidtransient protection
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges transient suppression functionality with power factor correction by integrating capacitor networks with the choke coil system. The capacitors connected to each power line work in conjunction with the chokes to provide both reactive power compensation and transient voltage suppression, creating a unified protection system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The choke coils serve as intermediary elements between the power lines and the load devices. They mediate the electrical characteristics by filtering transient surges while simultaneously correcting phase shifts, acting as a buffer that improves both protection and efficiency without directly modifying the load devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 improved transient and surge protection, achieving significant energy savings and enhanced efficiency by ensuring the phase alignment of voltage and current, outperforming prior art devices in both protection and energy usage.

Implementation Method 1

The choke includes a magnetic core having a first leg, a second leg and a third leg. A first coil is wrapped around the first leg. A second coil is wrapped around the second leg of the core. A third coil is wrapped around the third leg

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS8866575B2AC power conditioning circuit
Publication Date: 2014.10.21 USES
  • US8866575B2 patent drawing
  • US8866575B2 patent drawing
  • US8866575B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A multi-coil choke for an AC power conditioner includes a magnetic core having first, second and third parallel legs. A first coil wrapped around the first leg terminates in first and second leads at respective ends. A second coil wrapped around the second leg terminates in first and second leads at respective ends. A third coil wrapped around the third leg terminates in first and second leads at respective ends. A fourth coil is formed from a proximal portion of the second lead of said first coil. The fourth coil is wrapped around a distal portion of the second lead of the third coil. A fifth coil is formed from a proximal portion of the second lead of the third coil. The fifth coil is wrapped around a distal portion of the second lead of the first coil. AC power conditioners using one or more such chokes are also disclosed.