Split-Phase Noise Suppression Circuit for Transient Voltage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Phase unbalance and harmonic noise in electrical circuits, particularly in small-scale systems, cause equipment damage, control lock-ups, and reduce system reliability, as existing solutions like inductors and metal oxide varistors are ineffective in addressing transient voltage spikes and harmonics.
Innovation Solution
A noise suppression apparatus for split-phase power systems that balances phase voltage, filters harmonics, and absorbs electrical noise, using a transformer and non-inductive resistor configuration to redirect energy and protect against transient voltage spikes, without being damaged by electrical noise and with minimal energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If inductors are used for harmonic mitigation, then current smoothing is improved, but transient electrical noise including harmonics cannot be removed effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the filtering approach from inductive (current-based) to resistive-capacitive (voltage-based). By using a non-inductive resistor in series with a capacitor, the system effectively removes transient voltage spikes and harmonics while maintaining current smoothing capabilities, thus resolving the contradiction between current smoothing and transient noise removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional inductive filtering mechanism with a capacitive-resistive filtering mechanism. This substitution allows the system to handle transient voltage spikes effectively while maintaining the benefits of current smoothing, thereby resolving the limitation of inductors in removing transient electrical noise.
2Reliability
If metal oxide varistors (MOV) based TVSS are used, then transient voltage surge suppression is improved, but spikes injected at zero crossing below clamping voltage cannot be addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a capacitor with sufficient capacitance value (e.g., 1000 microfarads or higher) to ensure that even small voltage spikes below the traditional MOV clamping voltage are effectively filtered. This excessive capacitance ensures that partial voltage disturbances are also suppressed, resolving the limitation of MOV-based TVSS against zero-crossing spikes.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitor acts as a cushioning element that absorbs and dampens voltage spikes before they can reach and damage connected equipment. By providing this prior cushioning effect, the system protects against transient voltage surges including those below traditional clamping voltages, thus resolving the contradiction between surge suppression and zero-crossing spike protection.
3Reliability
If the apparatus uses non-inductive resistor and capacitor configuration, then transient voltage spike suppression is improved, but energy consumption must be minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitor in the circuit charges and discharges periodically in response to transient voltage spikes, rather than continuously consuming energy. This periodic action allows the system to maintain effective transient suppression while minimizing continuous energy consumption, as the capacitor only draws significant current during transient events rather than during normal steady-state operation.
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
Effectively suppresses transient voltage spikes and harmonics, preventing equipment damage and maintaining system reliability by balancing phase voltage and filtering noise, while being energy-efficient and capable of operating without drawing excessive current.
Implementation Method 1
a transformer having a primary side and a secondary side, the primary side having two primary coils... the secondary side of the transformer having two secondary coils
Implementation Method 2
a power resistor, coupled between the first terminal of the first secondary coil and the first terminal of the second secondary coil... absorbing electrical noise
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with the disclosed subject matter herein, an apparatus for suppressing in a split-phase power system, effects of line-to-ground transient voltage spikes, balancing phase voltage with respect to ground, filtering phase voltage harmonics, cleaning up electrical noise in a split-phase power system, redirecting energy and absorbing electrical noise, protecting or replacing typical TVSS (transient voltage surge suppressor) units. The apparatus of the present invention can not be damaged by electrical noise. It uses virtually no energy in monitor mode and cannot draw over 3 amps. The apparatus of the present invention can be applied to single-phase lines from center tapped delta power transformers.In some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, an apparatus for use with a power supply bus having at least a first power line and a second power line. An exemplary apparatus includes an interface having an input side and an output side, the input side capable of being coupled to at least the first power line, the second power line and ground node, and the output side of the interface having at least first and second output nodes.