Automatic Single-Phase to Three-Phase Converter Circuit

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing single phase to three phase power conversion systems require manual or continuous operation of the converter circuit to ensure three phase power availability, leading to power wastage and unnecessary wear and tear, as they need to be started sequentially and run constantly to meet demand.

Innovation Solution

An automatic-starting single phase to three phase converter circuit that detects load power demand, disconnects the load, starts an idler motor, and reconnects it only when sufficient three phase power is generated, using sensors and relays to manage the power flow and motor connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the single phase to three phase converter circuit is run constantly to ensure three phase power availability, then the reliability of power supply is improved, but power wastage and wear and tear increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply availabilityVSAvoidpower wastage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The converter circuit is pre-configured with all necessary components (capacitors, contactors, relays, sensors) ready for immediate operation. When power demand is detected, the system can start almost instantly without needing prolonged preliminary setup, resolving the contradiction by having the system ready but not actively running until needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of continuous operation, the converter circuit operates periodically - remaining idle until power demand is detected, then activating only when needed. The control system continuously monitors for demand signals and triggers conversion operations periodically rather than continuously, eliminating energy wastage while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Reliability

If the single phase to three phase converter circuit is run constantly to ensure three phase power availability, then the reliability of power supply is improved, but wear and tear on components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply availabilityVSAvoidcomponent lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

All control mechanisms (contactors, relays, sensors) are pre-positioned and ready for immediate action. When demand is detected, the system executes a predetermined sequence of operations to start the idler motor and establish three-phase power, minimizing the time components are subjected to stress while ensuring rapid response to maintain reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The converter circuit operates in periodic cycles rather than continuously. Components remain idle during periods of no demand, significantly reducing cumulative wear and tear. The system activates only when power demand is detected, extending component lifespan while maintaining power supply reliability through on-demand operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Device complexity

If manual sequential powering-up of converter circuit and load is required, then the complexity of automatic control is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol circuit complexityVSAvoidpowering-up process
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service through automatic detection of power demand and autonomous execution of the starting sequence. Sensors detect when three-phase power is needed, and the control circuit automatically coordinates the starting of the idler motor and connection to the load, eliminating manual intervention while keeping the control logic relatively simple and straightforward.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The control system uses feedback from sensors that detect power demand conditions to automatically trigger the conversion process. When the sensor detects that three-phase power is required, it feeds this information back to the control circuit, which then automatically initiates the idler motor start sequence and load connection, improving ease of operation without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 enables efficient and reliable generation of three phase power only when needed, reducing power wastage and wear and tear by automatically starting the converter only when demand is detected, thus optimizing energy usage and extending equipment lifespan.

Implementation Method 1

a run capacitance ("R") and a start capacitance ("S") may be temporarily switched, such as by a normally-open push-switch ("NOS"), in parallel with each other to start the three phase converter motor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

A single phase VAC supply, comprised of a hot leg and neutral conductor, is coupled to two of the three phase converter motor terminals... Three phase power may be generated by use of a three phase converter idler motor to generate three phase VAC power at the three phase motor terminals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11050379B1Circuit and method for start of single phase to three phase conversion system
Publication Date: 2021.06.29 APPL IND MOTORS LLC
  • US11050379B1 patent drawing
  • US11050379B1 patent drawing
  • US11050379B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A circuit for converting single phase power to three phase power and method of operation that automatically starts upon detection of a demand for three phase power from a three phase load connected to the circuit.