Multiphase Power Converter Control for Grid Load Asymmetry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing energy management systems face voltage and load asymmetry issues in multi-phase energy distribution networks, leading to inefficiencies and potential loss of up to 85% of network transmission capability due to unpredictable and variable asymmetrical load profiles.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing a power converter device with multi-phase controllable power electronics that detects phase-specific power quantities, determines deviations from symmetrical loads, and adjusts power distribution asymmetrically to counteract these deviations, ensuring balanced load and improved voltage quality through continuous monitoring and control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If symmetrical energy extraction is implemented in multi-phase charging and discharging, then control simplicity is improved, but network transmission capacity is reduced due to inherent load and voltage imbalance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol simplicityVSAvoidnetwork transmission capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by intentionally creating asymmetric power distribution across phase conductors to counteract inherent network imbalances. The control unit calculates individual target powers for each phase conductor based on detected voltage imbalances, enabling asymmetric energy extraction that compensates for network asymmetry and improves overall transmission capacity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by continuously detecting voltage values on each phase conductor and using this information to dynamically adjust power distribution. The control unit monitors network conditions in real-time and modifies target powers accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing load and voltage conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Stability of the object's composition

If phase-symmetrical energy extraction is maintained, then voltage quality stability is improved, but energy distribution efficiency deteriorates due to unpredictable voltage imbalance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage quality stabilityVSAvoidenergy distribution efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by proactively compensating for voltage imbalances before they cause significant energy losses. The control unit detects voltage deviations and immediately adjusts power distribution to counteract the imbalance, preventing deterioration of voltage quality and reducing energy losses in advance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making the power distribution adaptive and variable rather than fixed. The control unit continuously adjusts target powers for each phase conductor based on real-time voltage measurements, enabling the system to dynamically respond to changing network conditions and optimize energy distribution efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If asymmetrical power distribution is implemented to counteract voltage imbalance, then network transmission capacity is improved, but device complexity increases due to phase-specific control requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork transmission capacityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a control unit that performs multiple functions: detecting voltage values, calculating target powers, and controlling power distribution across all phase conductors. This multi-functional approach consolidates control complexity into a single device rather than requiring separate control mechanisms for each phase

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by dynamically adjusting power distribution parameters (target powers for each phase) based on detected voltage conditions. The control unit modifies these parameters in real-time to optimize transmission capacity while managing control complexity through systematic parameter adjustment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Manufacturing precision

If continuous monitoring of phase-specific power parameters is performed, then voltage quality improvement is achieved, but measurement and control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage qualityVSAvoidmeasurement and control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies merging by combining voltage detection and power control functions into a unified control unit. The control unit simultaneously performs measurements and control actions, reducing the need for separate measurement and control systems and simplifying the overall measurement and control architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4391272A1Method for energy management when providing electrical energy, computer program product, system, and vehicle
Publication Date: 2024.06.26 MITTELDEUTSCHE NETZGESELLSCHAFT STROM MBH
  • EP4391272A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4391272A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4391272A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method (100) for energy management when supplying electrical energy via multiple phase conductors (11) of a power converter device (10) with multiphase controllable power electronics (12) which is connected to a power grid (20) via the phase conductors (11), comprising acquiring (101) at least one phase-specific power parameter (200) for each of the phase conductors (11) when supplying the energy. The invention further relates to a computer program product, a system (1), and a vehicle (30).