Solid-State Transformer Frequency Shift for Compact Power Conversion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
High voltage power distribution in data centers is inefficient and costly due to the expense and size of high voltage components, and existing technologies struggle to provide efficient power factor correction at the low voltage secondary side.
Innovation Solution
A power supply system with a primary converter that increases the frequency of AC power using MOSFET or IGBT switches, followed by a secondary stage with rectification and power factor correction via a boost converter, allowing for compact, efficient, and cost-effective power conversion from medium voltage to low voltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If high voltage components are used for power distribution, then power transmission capability is improved, but device cost and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the frequency parameter of the AC power from standard 50/60 Hz to a higher frequency range (1 kHz to 100 kHz). This frequency multiplication enables the use of smaller, lower-cost transformer components while maintaining the required power transmission capability, directly resolving the contradiction between power capability and component cost
2Power
If high voltage components are used for power distribution, then power transmission capability is improved, but device weight and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
By operating the transformer at elevated frequencies (1 kHz to 100 kHz) rather than standard power frequencies, the patent enables the use of smaller magnetic cores and windings that achieve the same power transmission capability, significantly reducing transformer weight and volume
3Object-generated harmful factors
If power factor correction is implemented on the high voltage primary side, then power factor is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by implementing power factor correction on the low voltage secondary side rather than the high voltage primary side. This inversion allows the use of lower-voltage, lower-cost components while achieving the same power factor correction effect, resolving the contradiction between power factor improvement and device cost
4Adaptability or versatility
If standard frequency transformers are used, then compatibility with existing infrastructure is improved, but device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating frequency parameter to elevated levels (1 kHz to 100 kHz), which enables the use of compact high-frequency transformer designs with reduced weight and volume while maintaining power transmission effectiveness
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 achieves unity power factor, reduces component costs, and enables flexible installation, providing efficient and reliable power distribution with a lightweight, compact solid state transformer.
Implementation Method 1
a primary converter that increases the frequency of the AC signal in the primary stage of the transformer
Implementation Method 2
a transformer stage connected to receive AC power from the primary stage and to reduce a voltage level of the AC power
Implementation Method 3
secondary rectification, and power factor correction circuitry, in the secondary stage
Data Source
AI summary
An electric power supply unit includes a primary stage having an electric converter arranged to increase a frequency of AC power provided to an input of the power supply unit; a transformer stage connected to receive AC power from the primary stage and to reduce a voltage level of the AC power; and a secondary stage connected to receive the AC power at the reduced voltage level and the increased frequency and having a rectifier and power factor correction circuit arranged to convert the AC power to DC power and to provide power factor correction for power entering the power supply unit.