Synchronizing Power Supply Pulses to Reduce Line Distortion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern electrostatic precipitators (ESPs) operated in pulsed mode cause high line current distortion and unbalanced mains phase loading when powered by a common feeding, leading to issues like equipment malfunction, noise, and resonance due to unsynchronized pulses from individual power supplies.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a control system that synchronizes the pulses of individual power supplies by shifting their initial pulses relative to a reference pulse, ensuring uniform distribution and minimizing simultaneous pulsing, thereby optimizing mains energy quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power supplies operate in pulsed mode with arbitrary current waveforms, then each power supply can be controlled independently for optimal ESP performance, but line current distortion and unbalanced mains phase loading increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the control of multiple power supplies by synchronizing their pulse operations through a common reference signal. The control units of different power supplies are merged into a coordinated system where pulse timing is aligned, transforming independent arbitrary waveforms into synchronized waveforms that reduce harmonic distortion and balance mains loading while preserving individual power supply adaptability.
2Device complexity
If pulses from different power supplies occur simultaneously, then the system structure remains simple without coordination, but heating in transformers, generators and power lines increases due to unbalanced loading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic pulse action with synchronized timing across multiple power supplies. By using a common reference signal, pulses are distributed periodically and uniformly across the mains cycle, preventing simultaneous occurrence that causes peak loading. This periodic coordination reduces RMS current and minimizes heating losses in transformers and power lines without requiring complex coordination infrastructure.
3Extent of automation
If power supplies operate without pulse scheduling, then implementation is straightforward, but electric resonance and mechanical oscillations occur in the mains system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a common reference signal as an intermediary that mediates between multiple power supply control units. This reference signal acts as a coordinating intermediary that synchronizes pulse timing across all power supplies, preventing resonant conditions and mechanical oscillations by ensuring uniform power distribution. The intermediary reference signal adds minimal automation complexity while effectively eliminating harmful resonance effects.
Data Source
Figure 1~2a
Figure 2b~2c
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The disclosure relates to an electrostatic precipitator unit with at least two individual power supplies (11) for pulsed operation of electrostatic precipitators, wherein the power supplies (11) are powered by a common feeding (1), wherein each power supply (11) comprises a control unit (23), and wherein the control units are at least indirectly connected by communication lines (32) allowing for a controlled relative scheduling of the pulsed operation of the individual power supplies (11).