Multi-pulse Transformer Phase Shift Harmonic Attenuation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Industrial machines experience harmonic distortions in power supply systems due to non-linear loads, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs, as conventional solutions like line filters and voltage spike filters are large, costly, and reduce system efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A multi-pulse transformer with phase-shifted secondary windings is used to convert primary voltage to secondary voltage, attenuating harmonic distortions without the need for additional components like line filters, thereby reducing system size and inefficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If line filters and voltage spike filters are used to reduce harmonic distortion, then harmonic distortion is reduced, but system size and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveharmonic distortionVSAvoidsystem size
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple filtering functions (harmonic filtering and voltage spike suppression) into a single integrated transformer design with phase-shifted windings. The transformer's secondary windings are configured with specific phase shifts (e.g., 30 degrees for 12-pulse, 15 degrees for 24-pulse) that inherently cancel harmonic distortions while the same structure also suppresses voltage spikes, eliminating the need for separate line filters and voltage spike filters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The transformer is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: voltage transformation, harmonic distortion reduction, voltage spike suppression, and power factor correction. The phase-shifted secondary windings create multiple pulse groups that work together to address multiple power quality issues in a single device, making the system more compact and cost-effective.

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

2Object-affected harmful factors

If line filters and voltage spike filters are used to reduce harmonic distortion, then harmonic distortion is reduced, but system cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveharmonic distortionVSAvoidsystem cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple filtering functions (harmonic filtering and voltage spike suppression) into a single integrated transformer design with phase-shifted windings. The transformer's secondary windings are configured with specific phase shifts (e.g., 30 degrees for 12-pulse, 15 degrees for 24-pulse) that inherently cancel harmonic distortions while the same structure also suppresses voltage spikes, eliminating the need for separate line filters and voltage spike filters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The transformer is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: voltage transformation, harmonic distortion reduction, voltage spike suppression, and power factor correction. The phase-shifted secondary windings create multiple pulse groups that work together to address multiple power quality issues in a single device, making the system more compact and cost-effective.

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

3Device complexity

If conventional transformer with single secondary winding is used, then system is simple, but harmonic distortion is not attenuated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransformer structureVSAvoidharmonic distortion
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The transformer is divided into multiple secondary windings (at least two) with different phase shifts relative to the primary winding. Each secondary winding generates a separate pulse group with specific phase characteristics. The segmentation of the secondary side allows each winding to contribute differently to the overall output, creating harmonic cancellation effects when the pulse groups are combined.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The secondary windings are designed with asymmetric phase shifts (e.g., +30 degrees and -30 degrees for 12-pulse, or multiple asymmetric angles for 24-pulse configurations) rather than symmetric equal divisions. This asymmetric phase shifting creates specific harmonic cancellation patterns that target particular harmonic orders while maintaining efficient power transfer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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 multi-pulse transformer effectively reduces Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) and improves power system efficiency by eliminating the need for additional filtering components, resulting in a more compact and cost-effective power delivery system.

Implementation Method 1

A multi-pulse transformer with phase-shifted secondary windings is used to convert primary voltage to secondary voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

A multi-pulse transformer with phase-shifted secondary windings is used to convert primary voltage to secondary voltage, attenuating harmonic distortions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase cancellation: Interference

Data Source

PatentUS11264887B2Multi-pulse transformer for use with an industrial machine
Publication Date: 2022.03.01 JOY GLOBAL SURFACE MINING INC
  • US11264887B2 patent drawing
  • US11264887B2 patent drawing
  • US11264887B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A multi-pulse transformer for an industrial machine, the multi-pulse transformer including a primary winding and a plurality of secondary windings. The primary winding coupled to a power source, the power source operable to generate a primary voltage. The secondary windings are coupled to one or more converters, each of the secondary windings are phase shifted with respect to the primary winding. The converters are operable to provide a secondary voltage to at least one component of the industrial machine. Wherein the multi-pulse transformer converts the primary voltage to the secondary voltage and attenuates harmonic distortions caused by the converters and the component of the industrial machine. Additionally, the secondary voltage is at a voltage less than the primary voltage.