Resonant Current Transformer Power Module for Compact DC Supply

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional current transformers used for converting alternating electrical energy to direct electrical energy are bulkier and do not meet the dimension constraints for powering electronic devices, particularly those requiring a minimum electrical current of a few hundred micro-amps, such as electronic cards for measuring electrical quantities.

Innovation Solution

An electrical energy supply module comprising a current transformation block with a magnetic transformer, an alternating voltage to direct voltage conversion block featuring a compensation capacitor to optimize energy collection and reduce component size, an energy storage block, and an impedance adaptation block to match load and source impedances, ensuring efficient power supply to resistive loads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a conventional current transformer is used to convert alternating electrical energy to direct electrical energy, then the conversion function is achieved, but the size of the device becomes too large for certain applications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesize of current transformerVSAvoidability to provide minimum electrical current
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the electrical parameters by introducing a compensation capacitor with specific capacitance value (C1 = 1/(L1×ω0²)) to resonate with the magnetizing inductance, thereby improving energy transfer efficiency and enabling compact design while maintaining required output current capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The compensation capacitor acts as an intermediary element that resonates with the magnetizing inductance to compensate for energy losses and improve the overall efficiency of energy transfer from the alternating to direct current, enabling compact transformer design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Volume of moving object

If the size of the current transformer is reduced to meet dimensional constraints, then the device becomes compact, but energy loss increases due to the magnetizing inductance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesize of current transformerVSAvoidenergy loss due to magnetizing inductance
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of magnetizing inductance (which causes energy loss) into a beneficial resonant circuit by adding a compensation capacitor, transforming the energy loss problem into a resonant energy transfer mechanism that improves efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

By changing the electrical parameters through resonance (matching capacitive reactance with inductive reactance), the patent compensates for energy losses in the magnetizing inductance, allowing compact transformer design without sacrificing energy efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Volume of moving object

If a compensation capacitor is added to create a resonant effect, then energy collection is optimized and component size is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesize of componentsVSAvoidcomplexity of voltage conversion block
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The compensation capacitor serves multiple functions: it compensates for magnetizing inductance losses, creates resonant conditions for efficient energy transfer, and enables compact component sizing, thereby justifying the added complexity through multiple benefits

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

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 proposed module is compact and efficient, providing a stable direct voltage supply to electronic devices while minimizing component bulk, optimizing energy collection through resonant effects and impedance matching, thereby enhancing power delivery and reducing module size.

Implementation Method 1

the compensation capacitor creates a resonant effect with the current transformation block, which makes it possible to optimize the energy collection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

configured to convert alternating electrical energy into direct electrical energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4415238A1Electrical energy providing module
Publication Date: 2024.08.14 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IND SAS
  • EP4415238A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4415238A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4415238A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an electrical power supply module (2) configured to convert alternating electrical energy into direct electrical energy to power a resistive load, comprising a current transformation block (4) including a magnetic current transformer (15) having an equivalent magnetizing inductance, an AC-to-DC voltage conversion block (6), an energy storage block (10), and an output voltage regulation block (12) adapted to supply electrical energy to the resistive load (14). The AC-to-DC voltage conversion block (6) includes a compensation capacitor (22) configured to compensate for energy loss due to the magnetic current transformer, the AC-to-DC voltage conversion block (6) being connected between the current transformation block (4) and the energy storage block (10).