Precipitator Power Frequency Converter System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power supplies for electrostatic precipitators are inefficient and costly, and often incompatible with existing systems, failing to provide a precise and consistent electrical charge, which is essential for effective particulate collection.

Innovation Solution

A precipitator power frequency converter system that utilizes an IGBT system and microprocessor to convert input power from a standard 50/60 Hz frequency to a range of 100 Hz to 1000 Hz, employing pulse width modulation and amplitude modulation techniques to optimize power transfer and control, while being compatible with existing SCR-based and transformer rectifier controls.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If conventional power supplies are used for electrostatic precipitators, then the system is simple and compatible with existing hardware, but the power conversion efficiency is poor and the electrical charge is not precise or consistent

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower conversion efficiencyVSAvoidpower supply system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operating frequency parameter from conventional 50/60 Hz to a higher frequency range of 100-1000 Hz, and employs pulse width modulation (PWM) to control the power conversion process. This parameter change enables more efficient power conversion and precise electrical charge control while maintaining compatibility with existing precipitator hardware through a modular converter design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical/power-based rectifier systems with an electronic power converter system using IGBTs and PWM control. This substitution enables more efficient and controllable power conversion, achieving precise electrical charge delivery while reducing energy losses compared to traditional mechanical or simple rectifier-based systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If conventional power supplies are used, then the system is cost-effective, but the electrical charge precision and consistency are insufficient for effective particulate collection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical charge precisionVSAvoidpower supply system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a control system that receives SCR signals, compares them to generate demand signals, and uses PWM modulation with feedback control to regulate the power output. This feedback mechanism ensures precise and consistent electrical charge delivery to the precipitator, maintaining optimal performance for particulate collection while managing system complexity through intelligent control algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic PWM control that can adjust the frequency and duty cycle of power signals in real-time (100-1000 Hz range). This dynamic control capability allows the system to maintain precise electrical charge levels under varying operating conditions, improving measurement precision while managing complexity through adaptive control rather than fixed rigid systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If higher frequency power conversion (100-1000 Hz) is implemented, then power conversion efficiency and control precision are improved, but the system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower conversion efficiencyVSAvoidpower converter system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a power converter system that can operate across a wide frequency range (100-1000 Hz) and is compatible with both SCR-based and transformer rectifier control systems. This multi-functionality allows the same hardware platform to serve multiple purposes and integrate with different existing control architectures, improving productivity while managing complexity through universal design principles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs modular IGBT-based power conversion stages and separates the control functions (microprocessor, PWM generation, SCR signal processing) from the power conversion functions. This segmentation allows for efficient high-frequency operation while managing system complexity through modular, manageable components that can be independently optimized and maintained.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

The system provides improved reliability, reduced electromagnetic interference, faster response times, and maintains high performance with minimal disruption, enabling efficient and controlled power supply to electrostatic precipitators, thus enhancing particulate collection efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

employing pulse width modulation and amplitude modulation techniques to optimize power transfer and control

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPulse Width Modulation:

Implementation Method 2

employing pulse width modulation and amplitude modulation techniques to optimize power transfer and control

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAmplitude Modulation:

Implementation Method 3

An electrostatic precipitator is a particulate collection device capable of removing particles from flowing gas using the force of an induced electrostatic charge

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic charge induction: Electrostatic Induction

Implementation Method 4

The negatively charged solid particulate matter is attracted to, and collected on, a positive collecting plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic attraction: Ion Repulsion/Attraction

Data Source

PatentUS8797707B2Systems and methods of power conversion for electrostatic precipitators
Publication Date: 2014.08.05 REDKOH INDS
  • US8797707B2 patent drawing
  • US8797707B2 patent drawing
  • US8797707B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The disclosed technology describes methods and apparatus to convert and control power provided to a precipitator. An example embodiment of the disclosed technology includes a method for providing power to a device. The method includes receiving a first silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) signal and a second SCR signal from a controller device, generating a demand signal by the controller device based on a comparison of the first and second SCR signals, transmitting the demand signal to a power converter device, converting a first power signal from a first base frequency to a second power signal at a second base frequency, wherein the first base frequency is in the range of approximately 50 Hz to approximately 60 Hz and wherein the second base frequency is controlled in the range of approximately 100 Hz to approximately 1000 Hz, and switching the second power signal to the controller device.