Phase-Shifted Polygon Forked Wye Transformer Harmonic Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
AC-to-DC converters generate harmonics on the AC side due to the rectification process, leading to issues like power losses, overheating, resonances, and operational instability in power distribution networks, particularly in data processing and telecommunications equipment.
Innovation Solution
A phase-shifted polygon forked wye transformer configuration, where two phase-shifted polygon primary transformers are magnetically coupled to forked wye output windings, generating a pseudo multiple pulse output waveform that phase-shifts and mitigates harmonic currents, allowing for efficient harmonic cancellation and redundant power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional transformer is used for AC-to-DC conversion, then power supply is provided to loads, but harmonic currents are generated causing power losses, overheating, and operational instability
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the single transformer into multiple parallel transformers (at least two), each with its own primary and secondary windings. By segmenting the power supply system, harmonic currents generated by each transformer are distributed and do not accumulate, thereby reducing overall harmonic distortion and improving operational stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines multiple transformers in parallel configuration where their outputs are merged to supply the load. The secondary windings of multiple transformers are connected in parallel, and their combined output provides a more stable power supply with reduced harmonics compared to a single transformer.
2Reliability
If transformer capacity is increased to handle harmonic-related overheating, then reliability improves, but device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using one large transformer that would be oversized to handle harmonic heating, the system segments the load across multiple smaller transformers. Each transformer handles a portion of the load and generates proportionally less heat, avoiding the need for excessive cooling capacity in a single unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the harmful effect of harmonic currents into a beneficial distribution effect. By having multiple transformers operate in parallel, the harmonic distortion from each unit is distributed across the system, and the combined effect is less severe than a single transformer handling the entire load, thereby reducing overall overheating issues.
3Reliability
If redundant power supply is implemented, then continuity is ensured during maintenance, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into multiple independent transformer units that can be individually maintained. This segmentation enables one transformer to be taken offline for maintenance while others continue to supply power, ensuring continuity without requiring complex switching mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple transformer units are combined in a parallel configuration where their outputs are merged to supply the load. This merging creates inherent redundancy where the failure or maintenance of one unit does not affect the others, providing continuous power supply with relatively simple architecture.
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 effectively reduces harmonic-related issues, leading to cooler operation, increased efficiency, and cost savings by enabling smaller transformer capacities, while ensuring continuous power supply even if one pair is taken offline for maintenance or failure.
Implementation Method 1
two phase-shifted polygon primary transformers are magnetically coupled to one of a pair of forked wye output windings providing a pseudo multiple pulse output voltage waveform
Data Source
AI summary
A pair of phase shifted polygon primary windings, each of which are magnetically coupled to one of a pair of forked wye output windings providing a phase shifted pseudo multiple pulse output voltage waveform from the secondary output windings.