Polyphase Power Converter Boost Circuit Phase Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing polyphase power converters do not fully utilize the power available from the polyphase AC source, leading to inefficiencies and reduced maximum power rating.
Innovation Solution
The polyphase power converter design allows two boost circuits to simultaneously draw power from the same phase of the polyphase AC source for a significant part of the line cycle, increasing the percentage of time power is supplied to the DC output and reducing peak and RMS currents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If each phase is connected to a single positive boost circuit and a single negative boost circuit, then the device complexity is reduced, but the power output and efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling each boost circuit to draw power from multiple phases during different portions of the line cycle. The boost circuits are configured to selectively connect to different phases based on voltage conditions, allowing them to serve multiple functions: drawing power from primary phases during normal operation and switching to secondary phases when primary phases are unavailable or overloaded. This increases power output capability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic operation by allowing the connection configuration of boost circuits to change continuously during the line cycle. Switching devices dynamically reconfigure which phases are connected to which boost circuits based on real-time voltage conditions. This dynamic adaptation enables the system to optimize power draw at each moment, extracting maximum power from the polyphase source while maintaining manageable device complexity through controlled switching.
2Use of energy by moving object
If boost circuits draw power from multiple phases simultaneously, then the use of energy is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional switching devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the switching devices and control logic to anticipate when phase voltage conditions will change. The switching devices are positioned and controlled to proactively connect boost circuits to appropriate phases before voltage drops or becomes unavailable, ensuring continuous optimal energy utilization. This preliminary preparation allows the system to maintain high energy utilization without the complexity of reactive switching.
3Productivity
If the converter operates at higher power levels, then the productivity is improved, but the inductive components become larger and heavier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the power conversion function across multiple boost circuits that operate in parallel and can be independently controlled. Each boost circuit handles a portion of the total power load, allowing the system to achieve high overall power conversion capability while keeping individual inductive components sized appropriately for their specific load. This segmentation prevents the need for single oversized inductors that would increase weight.
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 approach enhances efficiency, increases the power output by approximately 37% compared to prior designs, and reduces the size and weight of inductive components due to lower peak currents.
Implementation Method 1
each of the first plurality of circuits is adapted to receive a plurality of phases of the polyphase AC source and to produce a DC voltage at the positive DC output. Each of the second plurality of circuits is adapted to receive a plurality of phases of the AC source and to produce a DC voltage at the negative DC output.
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a polyphase power converter includes an input adapted to couple to a polyphase AC source, a positive DC output, and a negative DC output. The polyphase power converter also includes a first plurality of circuits and a second plurality of circuits. In one embodiment, each of the first plurality of circuits is adapted to receive a plurality of phases of the polyphase AC source and to produce a DC voltage at the positive DC output. Each of the second plurality of circuits is adapted to receive a plurality of phases of the AC source and to produce a DC voltage at the negative DC output. In one embodiment, the polyphase power converter includes a plurality of switching devices and each of the plurality of switching devices is adapted to isolate at least one phase of the polyphase AC source from at least one of the plurality of circuits.