Parallel Rectifier Cabinet Layout for Shorter AC Cable Runs

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

High-voltage DC power supply systems with multiple parallel rectifier modules require longer and more costly low-voltage AC cables, and existing layouts are inefficient in terms of space and cost, particularly in large data center applications.

Innovation Solution

A parallel assembly of rectifier modules with a structured assembly frame, DC bus bars, and a compact rectifier cabinet design that includes a switch, connectors, and AC copper bars to facilitate efficient electrical connections and reduce cable length, along with a modular and scalable architecture for easy maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If multiple parallel rectifier modules are connected with longer AC cables from the phase-shifting transformer, then the power supply system can achieve high rated power, but the cost of low-voltage AC cables increases and the cable length becomes longer

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverated powerVSAvoidcable length
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the power supply into multiple independent rectifier modules (first parallel rectifier module, second parallel rectifier module, etc.) that can be connected in parallel. Each module has its own AC input terminals and DC output terminals, allowing the system to achieve high rated power through parallel connection while maintaining manageable cable lengths by connecting modules to different windings of the transformer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the multi-winding structure of the phase-shifting transformer to distribute rectifier modules across different spatial and electrical dimensions. Instead of connecting all modules in a single long cable sequence, modules are connected to different windings (first winding, second winding, third winding), effectively reducing the required cable length while maintaining high power output capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Power

If multiple parallel rectifier modules are used to achieve high rated power, then the power supply capacity increases, but the number of parallel rectifier modules needed increases and the total cable length required becomes longer

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply capacityVSAvoidnumber of parallel rectifier modules
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each rectifier module is designed as a universal, standardized unit with identical AC input terminals and DC output terminals. This multi-functional design allows any number of modules to be connected in parallel to achieve the desired power supply capacity, while each module maintains the same structural complexity, preventing overall system complexity from increasing proportionally with power capacity.

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

3Power

If a large number of rectifier modules are connected in parallel, then the power supply system achieves high rated power, but the area occupied by the rectifier cabinet increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehigh rated powerVSAvoidarea occupied by rectifier cabinet
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple rectifier modules are arranged in a compact, nested configuration within the rectifier cabinet. The modules are positioned to utilize vertical and horizontal space efficiently, with AC input terminals and DC output terminals arranged to minimize the overall footprint. This nesting approach allows high rated power capacity to be achieved while keeping the cabinet area occupied to a minimum.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 reduces the volume and cost of the power supply system, enhances power density, and simplifies maintenance by minimizing cable length and optimizing the layout, making it suitable for high-power applications like large data centers and electric vehicle charging systems.

Implementation Method 1

transform the three-phase medium-voltage commercial power into multi-winding low-voltage three-phase alternating current, which is then input to a plurality of parallel rectifier modules

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRectification:

Implementation Method 2

connect three-phase medium-voltage commercial power to a phase-shifting transformer through a medium-voltage switch so as to transform the three-phase medium-voltage commercial power into multi-winding low-voltage three-phase alternating current

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11742772B1Parallel assembly of rectifier modules, rectifier cabinet and dc power supply system thereof
Publication Date: 2023.08.29 SHANGHAI BAIZHU CHENGHANG NEW ENERGY CO LTD
  • US11742772B1 patent drawing
  • US11742772B1 patent drawing
  • US11742772B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The parallel assembly of rectifier modules includes a plurality of rectifier modules connected in parallel, a switch for switching-in and switching-out of the rectifier modules, an assembly frame, being provided therein with a switch accommodating space and a rectifier module accommodating space; a DC bus bar, being arranged at the top of the assembly frame; a plurality of groups of connectors, being fixed at one end close to the back side of the assembly frame; an AC copper bar, being fixed at one end close to the front side of the assembly frame; an extended copper bar, being fixed at one end close to the back side of the assembly frame.