Power Factor Correction Device With Current Form Signal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power supply devices with power factor correction modules experience reduced power factor due to deformation of the input current waveform, especially in the rear part of the half-wave, leading to interference in the supply network and inefficient energy transfer.

Innovation Solution

An electrical supply device with a control module that generates a time-dependent current form signal independently of the input voltage, synchronizing and adjusting the current waveform to match the input voltage, using a smoothing device and active power factor correction to ensure a high and constant power factor, while minimizing harmonics and reactive currents through phase shifting and zero-point zeroing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If conventional power factor correction modules are used, then the power factor is improved, but the input current waveform becomes deformed causing interference in the supply network

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower factorVSAvoidcurrent waveform deformation
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The control module generates the current form signal in advance based on the input voltage waveform, ensuring the PFC device can pre-shape the input current to match the voltage waveform before processing occurs. This preliminary generation of the reference signal enables proactive waveform matching rather than reactive correction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control module continuously monitors the input voltage and dynamically adjusts the current form signal to maintain optimal alignment between input current and voltage waveforms. This feedback mechanism ensures that the PFC device can adapt to varying conditions while maintaining high power factor and minimizing waveform deformation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Loss of energy

If the input current is increased to compensate for power factor loss, then the power factor is improved, but harmonics and reactive currents increase causing network interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower factorVSAvoidharmonics and reactive currents
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional reactive power compensation methods with an active control system that uses electronic switching and pulse-width modulation. The PFC device uses semiconductor switches controlled by the current form signal to actively shape the input current waveform, substituting mechanical or passive reactive compensation with precise electronic control that minimizes harmonics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The control module dynamically adjusts the switching parameters and current waveform characteristics based on the input voltage conditions. By changing the timing, amplitude, and shape parameters of the input current through electronic control, the system maintains high power factor while minimizing harmonic content and reactive current components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of energy

If active power factor correction is used to adapt phase position, then the power factor is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower factorVSAvoidcontrol module and signal generation
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control module serves multiple functions: it generates the current form signal, synchronizes with the input voltage, adjusts phase position, and controls the PFC device switching. This multi-functional approach consolidates what could be separate complex subsystems into a single integrated control unit, reducing overall device complexity while achieving active power factor correction.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The current form signal acts as an intermediary between the input voltage and the PFC device control. Instead of directly controlling the complex switching operations, the control module generates this intermediate reference signal that guides the PFC device to achieve the desired current waveform and phase alignment, simplifying the control architecture.

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 achieves a high power factor of almost 1, reduces current peaks, and improves the overall efficiency and quality of the mains current waveform, even under varying load conditions and frequency changes.

Implementation Method 1

a rectifier (5), which rectifies the input voltage (Uin) into a rectified input voltage (Upfc)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRectification: Diode

Implementation Method 2

a smoothing device (8) for smoothing the rectified input voltage (Upfc)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitive filtering: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP2740203B1Electrical power supply apparatus with pfc and current forming signal and a method for operating the same
Publication Date: 2016.12.14 DIEHL AEROSPACE GMBH
  • EP2740203B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2740203B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2e
  • EP2740203B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The object of the present invention is to provide an electrical power supply apparatus which keeps the loading on the power supply system low. To this end, the invention proposes an electrical power supply apparatus, in particular a power supply unit having a power factor correction device 7, wherein the power factor correction device generates a current forming signal from a predefined current forming pattern half-wave.