Solid-State Transformer Grid Without Secondary Frequency Filters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical energy supply networks using power electronics transformers incur significant losses due to the need for secondary-side frequency filters to produce sinusoidal voltages, and require consumers to operate in a linear range, which increases switching losses and resonance effects.
Innovation Solution
Eliminating or minimizing secondary-side frequency filters and allowing power electronics transformers to generate rectangular AC voltage signals, which reduces switching losses and enables efficient energy transmission, while using spectral components for targeted control and prioritization of energy distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If secondary-side frequency filters are used to produce sinusoidal voltages, then voltage waveform quality is improved, but switching losses and energy transmission efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the secondary-side frequency filter from the power electronics transformer system. By extracting this component, the system eliminates the associated switching losses and energy waste while accepting a rectangular voltage waveform output. The filter is completely taken out of the system rather than reduced, achieving maximum energy efficiency improvement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage waveform parameter from sinusoidal to rectangular. This parameter change eliminates the need for frequency filtering on the secondary side, as the rectangular waveform is directly suitable for modern power electronic interfaces. The transformation from sinusoidal to rectangular waveform is the key parameter change that resolves the contradiction between waveform quality and energy efficiency.
2Manufacturing precision
If power electronics transformers operate in linear range to generate sinusoidal output, then voltage waveform quality is improved, but device complexity and control requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using linear operation to generate sinusoidal waveforms, the patent inverts the approach by using rectangular waveform switching and eliminating the need for sinusoidal generation. The power electronics transformer switches between discrete states rather than operating in the linear range, fundamentally inverting the traditional control methodology.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical constraint of linear operation with a digital/control-based rectangular switching system. By substituting the continuous linear control mechanism with discrete switching states, the system simplifies control while maintaining functionality through spectral component utilization.
3Manufacturing precision
If secondary-side frequency filters are installed, then voltage waveform quality is improved, but device complexity and resonance risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the secondary-side frequency filter from the system. This extraction eliminates not only the filter component itself but also the associated complexity, tuning requirements, and resonance vulnerabilities that come with filter installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts what would traditionally be considered a harmful factor (rectangular waveform with harmonics) into a beneficial feature. Rather than filtering out harmonics, the system utilizes the spectral components of the rectangular waveform for targeted control and prioritization of energy distribution, turning potential harm into a control advantage.
4Loss of energy
If rectangular AC voltage signals are generated without frequency filters, then energy transmission efficiency is improved, but compatibility with traditional sinusoidal-load consumers may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the voltage waveform parameter to rectangular and eliminates frequency filtering. This parameter change improves energy efficiency by removing filter losses while the spectral components of the rectangular waveform maintain compatibility with modern power electronic interfaces that can process non-sinusoidal inputs.
Solution Approach 2:
The rectangular voltage signal with its spectral components serves multiple functions: it provides efficient energy transmission without filters, enables targeted control through spectral component selection, and maintains compatibility with power electronic interfaces. The system achieves multi-functionality where a single rectangular waveform serves both power transmission and control purposes.
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 approach significantly enhances energy transmission efficiency, allows for centralized control of energy supply, and prioritizes critical consumers by leveraging harmonics and spectral components, reducing the need for local power interruption devices and enabling direct energy transfer between consumers.
Implementation Method 1
at least one power electronics transformer by which electrical energy supplied to the power supply network on the primary side is converted into electrical energy supplied to the connected electrical consumers on the secondary side
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to an electric power supply grid for supplying electrical consumers connected to the power supply grid with electrical energy, having at least one power electronic transformer (solid state transformer), by means of which primary electrical energy supplied to the energy supply grid is converted into secondary electrical energy supplied to the connected electrical consumers, wherein the secondary electrical energy is provided by the at least one power electronic transformer as an alternating voltage signal, which substantially has a square time profile, and the at least one power electronic transformer has, at least substantially, no secondary frequency filter. The invention also relates to a method for operating such an electrical energy supply grid.