Phase Shifting Transformer Power Cell Voltage Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power supplies with multiple semiconductor devices are costly and large, necessitating a reduction in the number of semiconductor devices to minimize size and cost while maintaining effective three-phase AC output generation.
Innovation Solution
A power supply system utilizing a phase shifting transformer and cascaded power cell sets, where each power cell comprises no more than eight semiconductor devices organized as a rectifier and inverter, receiving single or three-phase voltage from secondary winding sets to generate a three-phase AC output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional power supplies with multiple semiconductor devices are used, then reliable three-phase AC output generation is achieved, but cost and device size increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is divided into multiple power cell sets, where each power cell contains a limited number of semiconductor devices (no more than eight). Each power cell processes a specific phase or portion of the three-phase voltage, and the cells are cascaded together to generate the complete three-phase AC output. This segmentation allows the system to achieve reliable three-phase output while keeping each individual cell compact and cost-effective.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a phase shifting transformer with multiple secondary winding sets that provide phase-shifted voltages to different power cells. By utilizing the phase dimension of electrical signals, the system can generate three-phase AC output through cascaded power cells that would otherwise process single-phase or portioned inputs. This dimensional approach to voltage phase manipulation enables reduced device count while maintaining output quality.
2Device complexity
If the number of semiconductor devices is reduced to minimize cost, then device count and cost decrease, but maintaining effective three-phase AC output becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The phase shifting transformer acts as an intermediary device that receives three-phase primary voltage and transforms it into multiple secondary winding sets with different phase shifts. These phase-shifted voltages are then distributed to individual power cells, enabling each cell to contribute effectively to the final three-phase AC output. This intermediary transformation allows the system to use fewer semiconductor devices per cell while still achieving effective three-phase output generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the phase parameter of the input voltage by using a phase shifting transformer. Each secondary winding set provides a voltage with a specific phase shift relative to others, allowing power cells with reduced semiconductor device counts to process phase-differentiated inputs. This parameter change enables the cascaded power cells to synthesize effective three-phase AC output despite having fewer devices per cell compared to traditional designs.
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
This configuration significantly reduces the number of semiconductor devices, leading to substantial cost savings and a more compact power supply design without compromising AC output quality.
Implementation Method 1
The phase shifting transformer receives a three-phase primary voltage and steps the three-phase primary voltage one of up and down to a secondary voltage with a plurality of secondary winding sets. There is phase shifting between different secondary winding sets.
Data Source
AI summary
For a power supply with a reduced number of semiconductor devices, a phase shifting transformer receives a three-phase primary voltage and steps the three-phase primary voltage one of up and down to a secondary voltage with a plurality of secondary winding sets. There is phase shifting between different secondary winding sets. A plurality of power cell sets each comprise a plurality of power cells cascaded connected, and each power cell receives one of a single phase and a three-phase voltage of a distinct secondary winding set of the phase shifting transformer. Each power cell comprises no more than eight power semiconductor devices organized as a rectifier and an inverter. Each power semiconductor device is one of a diode and an active switch. Each power cell set generates one phase of a three-phase alternating current output.