Power Conversion Apparatus Idle Phase Energy Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
In power conversion apparatuses using a single-phase power supply to convert three-phase AC voltage to DC voltage, the unconnected phase of the three-phase rectifier remains idle and unused, and regenerative energy can raise the voltage across the capacitor beyond necessary levels.
Innovation Solution
A power conversion apparatus is designed with a converter and capacitor, where a passive element, such as a discharge resistor, connects the idle circuit to the capacitor, allowing the control unit to manage voltage by discharging excess energy through this resistor, and the control unit also controls switching elements to perform power regeneration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single-phase power supply is used to convert three-phase AC voltage to DC voltage, then inrush current is suppressed, but the unconnected phase remains idle and regenerative energy causes voltage to exceed necessary levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful regenerative energy that causes voltage to exceed necessary levels into a beneficial resource by introducing a regenerative energy discharge circuit. This circuit includes a discharge switch and discharge resistor that actively manage the regenerative energy from the idle phase, preventing voltage overload while utilizing the energy that would otherwise be wasted or harmful.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the idle circuit multi-functional by adding the regenerative energy discharge circuit to the idle phase. The previously unused circuit now serves dual purposes: it can still function as an idle circuit when needed, and simultaneously serves as a regenerative energy discharge path to manage surplus energy from the converter, thereby eliminating the waste and voltage control issues.
2Reliability
If a single-phase power supply is used to convert three-phase AC voltage to DC voltage, then inrush current is suppressed, but the idle circuit remains unused
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the idle circuit multi-functional by adding the regenerative energy discharge circuit to the idle phase. The previously unused circuit now serves dual purposes: it can still function as an idle circuit when needed, and simultaneously serves as a regenerative energy discharge path to manage surplus energy from the converter, thereby eliminating the waste and voltage control issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful regenerative energy that causes voltage to exceed necessary levels into a beneficial resource by introducing a regenerative energy discharge circuit. This circuit includes a discharge switch and discharge resistor that actively manage the regenerative energy from the idle phase, preventing voltage overload while utilizing the energy that would otherwise be wasted or harmful.
3Device complexity
If the idle circuit is left unconnected, then circuit simplicity is maintained, but regenerative energy raises voltage beyond necessary levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the control unit monitors the voltage across the capacitor and the state of the regenerative energy discharge circuit. When voltage exceeds necessary levels or when regenerative energy is present in the idle circuit, the control unit activates the discharge switch to route energy through the discharge resistor, thereby maintaining precise voltage control through continuous monitoring and adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a discharge resistor as an intermediary element in the regenerative energy discharge circuit. This resistor acts as a mediator that safely dissipates the regenerative energy from the idle phase, preventing voltage from rising beyond necessary levels while maintaining circuit stability and control.
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 utilizes the idle circuit and manages surplus energy, ensuring efficient power conversion and utilization of regenerative energy, thereby optimizing the power conversion process.
Implementation Method 1
a passive element, such as a discharge resistor, connects the idle circuit to the capacitor, allowing the control unit to manage voltage by discharging excess energy through this resistor
Implementation Method 2
a converter (12) including input terminals and switching elements corresponding to respective phases of a three-phase AC power supply, and configured to convert an AC voltage of the three-phase AC power supply into a DC voltage
Implementation Method 3
a capacitor configured to smooth the DC voltage converted by the converter
Data Source
AI summary
A power conversion apparatus includes: a converter that includes input terminals and switching elements corresponding to respective phases of a three-phase AC power supply and converts an AC voltage of the three-phase AC power supply into a DC voltage, and a capacitor that smooths the DC voltage converted by the converter. A single-phase AC power supply or a DC power supply is connected to two of the input terminals corresponding to any two of the three phases of the converter while a passive element is provided to connect the remaining one of the input terminals corresponding to the phase to which the single-phase AC power supply or the DC power supply is not connected, with one terminal of the capacitor.