Phase Balancing Device for Polyphase Networks

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Polyphase electrical networks face phase imbalances due to single-phase loads, leading to voltage drops, energy losses, and overload issues, requiring manual intervention for rebalancing which is infrequent and disruptive to continuous operation of critical loads.

Innovation Solution

A phase balancing device with a converter that selectively modifies the phase shift of its output voltage to synchronize with the polyphase network, allowing for automatic load transfer between phases without disrupting service, using a control module to identify and correct imbalances by transferring single-phase loads to optimize phase balance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If manual rebalancing intervention is performed on polyphase networks, then phase balance is improved, but service continuity is disrupted and intervention frequency is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephase balanceVSAvoidservice continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic load transfer between phases using electronic switches controlled by a processor, eliminating the need for manual technician intervention. The system monitors phase imbalances and autonomously redistributes single-phase loads to maintain phase balance while ensuring continuous service to critical loads.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical switching operations with electronic switching devices controlled by a processor. The electronic switches can rapidly transfer loads between phases without requiring physical technician intervention, enabling frequent adjustments while maintaining service continuity through controlled transition timing.

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

2Stability of the object's composition

If manual rebalancing is performed frequently, then phase balance is optimized, but operational disruptions increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephase balanceVSAvoidoperational efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts load distribution between phases based on real-time monitoring of phase imbalances. The processor continuously evaluates the need for rebalancing and executes transfers only when necessary, optimizing phase balance without causing unnecessary operational disruptions. Critical loads are identified and protected from transfer to maintain operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If critical loads are transferred between phases, then phase balance is improved, but load operation continuity is interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephase balanceVSAvoidload operation continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system identifies critical loads in advance and excludes them from transfer operations. Before executing any load transfer, the processor evaluates the impact on load continuity and prevents transfers of critical loads. This preliminary identification and protection mechanism ensures phase balance optimization without interrupting essential services.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2676348B1Load-balancing device on a polyphase network
Publication Date: 2018.12.05 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
  • EP2676348B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2676348B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4e
  • EP2676348B1 patent drawingFigure 5a~5e

AI summary

The invention relates to a load-balancing device (2), including: an inverter (22) which generates an output voltage to be supplied to a single-phase electrical load connected to the polyphase power network (3); a module for controlling the inverter (23), capable of synchronizing the output voltage of the inverter with a first phase (ph1) and controlling a gradual phase shift of the output voltage until the latter is synchronized with a second phase (ph2); a connection-controlling module (23) which generates a connection signal for the electrical load with the output voltage of the inverter when the latter is synchronized with the first phase, generates a disconnection signal for the electrical load during the gradual phase shift of the outlet voltage, and generates a connection signal for the electrical load with the second phase when the output voltage of the inverter is synchronized with the second phase.