Multi-winding Transformer Phase Shift for Harmonic Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional series-connected multi-level power conversion devices face challenges in reducing harmonic currents in the primary winding, particularly due to the phase differences between secondary windings of the multi-winding transformer.

Innovation Solution

The configuration includes a multi-winding transformer with specific voltage phase differences between secondary windings connected to single-phase power converters, generating steepled-wave currents with a phase difference of 10 degrees in the primary winding, effectively dispersing harmonic influences and reducing current harmonics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-generated harmful factors

If conventional phase difference configuration (20 degrees between groups, 20/3 degrees within groups) is used, then harmonic current reduction is achieved, but device complexity increases due to multiple transformers and complex wiring

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveharmonic currentVSAvoidtransformer configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple transformer functions into a single multi-winding transformer that integrates primary and secondary windings with specific phase relationships. This merging approach achieves the same harmonic current reduction effect as conventional multiple-transformer configurations but with simplified structure and wiring, directly resolving the contradiction between harmonic reduction and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Productivity

If multiple single-phase power converters are used to reduce harmonic current, then power conversion efficiency improves, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower conversion efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The multi-winding transformer is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: voltage transformation, phase shifting for harmonic reduction, and power distribution to multiple single-phase converters. This universal design achieves high power conversion efficiency while simplifying the overall system structure and easing manufacturing requirements compared to multiple specialized components.

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

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 configuration significantly reduces current harmonics in the primary winding by dispersing the influence of steepled-wave currents, enhancing the efficiency of the power conversion process.

Implementation Method 1

The multi-winding transformer transforms a multiphase alternating input voltage into a primary winding and outputs the transformed voltage to a plurality of secondary windings

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2587658B1Series-connected multi-level power conversion device
Publication Date: 2021.03.10 YASKAWA DENKI KK
  • EP2587658B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2587658B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2587658B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A series-connected multi-level power conversion device (1, 1A, 1B) according to an aspect of embodiments includes a multi-winding transformer (10) and a power conversion unit (20). The multi-winding transformer (10) has a relationship that n secondary windings (12a to 12f) respectively connected to n single-phase power converters (21a to 21f) in the same output phase have a voltage phase difference of 60/n degrees and a relationship that the m secondary windings (12a to 12f) respectively connected to the m single-phase power converters (21a to 21f) corresponding to the m output phases have a voltage phase difference of 60/m degrees.