RC Network High Voltage Power Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for providing power to load electronic systems in high voltage electrical networks face challenges such as high costs, complex designs, and increased risks due to insulation failures and high voltage impulses, particularly for applications requiring low power, where solutions like wound voltage transformers and high voltage ceramic capacitors are not viable.

Innovation Solution

A single-phase electrical power conversion system using an RC network with surface-mounted resistive and capacitive components in series, connected between a high voltage electrical power supply and a power converter, which limits current draw at power frequencies and impulse conditions, and includes a voltage sense module to manage electrical stress effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a wound voltage transformer is used to provide power to high voltage equipment, then the power supply is reliable, but the cost and device complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoidtransformer design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the voltage transformation function into two separate stages: first, a simple capacitive divider reduces the high voltage to an intermediate level, and then a standard low-voltage transformer completes the transformation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall system complexity and cost while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediate voltage stage through the capacitive divider, which acts as a mediator between the high voltage source and the low-voltage transformer. This intermediate stage reduces the voltage stress on the transformer, allowing the use of standard, less complex transformers instead of specialized high-voltage transformers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a high voltage ceramic capacitor is used to limit current, then the impulse voltage is withstood, but the power loss increases and the capacitor size becomes large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpulse voltage withstandVSAvoidpower loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operating parameters by using the capacitor only for impulse voltage withstanding rather than continuous current limiting. The capacitor is sized to handle peak impulse voltages while the continuous current is limited by the transformer's impedance, optimizing both impulse protection and reducing continuous power loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If the power requirement for controllers is reduced, then the cost of wound voltage transformer decreases, but the insulation system requirements remain stringent

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransformer costVSAvoidinsulation system reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the voltage stress protection into two parts: the capacitive divider handles the high voltage stress and impulse protection, while the transformer only deals with reduced voltage levels. This segmentation allows the transformer to use standard insulation designs, reducing cost while the capacitive divider maintains the necessary insulation reliability for high voltage.

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

This solution provides a low-cost, compact power conversion system that reduces installation costs and effectively manages electrical stress, enabling efficient power supply to load electronics while withstanding impulse voltages and minimizing component stress.

Implementation Method 1

an RC network with surface-mounted resistive and capacitive components in series, connected between a high voltage electrical power supply and a power converter, which limits current draw at power frequencies

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitive reactance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

an RC network with surface-mounted resistive and capacitive components in series, connected between a high voltage electrical power supply and a power converter, which limits current draw at power frequencies

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical resistance: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 3

effectively manages electrical stress, enabling efficient power supply to load electronics while withstanding impulse voltages and minimizing component stress

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpulse voltage withstanding: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentEP3152826B1Electrical power conversion system
Publication Date: 2023.02.08 SIEMENS AG
  • EP3152826B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3152826B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP3152826B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

An electrical power conversion system for converting a high voltage (HV) from a HV electrical power supply to a low voltage, wherein the electrical power conversion system comprises: at least one power converter 103, and at least one RC network 105 comprising a plurality of resistive components and a plurality of capacitive components electrically connected in series, wherein the at least one RC network 105 is in series connection with the at least one power converter 103, and the at least one RC network 105 and at least one power converter 103 are arranged to be connected across a line potential of the HV electrical power supply.