Switching Matrix Phase Balancing for Three-Phase Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

In three-phase networks, asymmetries in load distribution lead to increased losses and unbalanced voltage, which can damage equipment and restrict power usage, particularly for high-power consumers like electric vehicles and generators, due to limitations in phase loading and symmetry requirements.

Innovation Solution

A switching matrix is used to dynamically balance electrical loads across phases by measuring current and voltage on multiple phases and selectively connecting consumers and generators to phases with optimal load conditions, allowing for balanced phase utilization and reduced asymmetry.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If high-power consumers are connected to a single phase, then power transmission capability is improved, but phase asymmetry increases causing neutral point shift and increased losses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transmission capabilityVSAvoidnetwork losses
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamic switching of phase connections for high-power consumers. The switching matrix dynamically reconfigures which phases are connected to which consumers based on real-time load conditions, transforming the static single-phase connection into a dynamic multi-phase switching system that adapts to changing network conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If high-power consumers are connected to all three phases, then phase symmetry is improved, but device complexity and connection requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephase symmetryVSAvoidconnection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The switching matrix serves as an intermediary device between the consumer and the three-phase network. Instead of requiring complex multi-phase connections at the consumer end, the switching matrix simplifies the connection while dynamically managing phase assignments to maintain symmetry in the overall system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If phase load limits are enforced to maintain symmetry, then network stability is improved, but power utilization efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork stabilityVSAvoidpower utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring phase load conditions and using this information to dynamically adjust switching matrix configurations. This closed-loop control allows the system to maintain phase symmetry constraints while optimizing power utilization by directing loads to phases with available capacity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Device complexity

If static phase assignments are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to changing load conditions is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidload adaptation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static phase assignment system into a dynamic one through the switching matrix. The system automatically adapts to changing load conditions by reconfiguring phase connections in real-time, providing versatility without requiring complex manual intervention or redesign

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3245702B1Method for operating an electrical load or generator on a subscriber network and a switching matrix
Publication Date: 2019.02.27 INNOGY NETZE DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
  • EP3245702B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3245702B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2d
  • EP3245702B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Power-optimized operation of an electrical subscriber is enabled by measuring at least one electrical variable on at least two input-side phases of a switching matrix having at least two outputs, wherein the inputs are connected to different phases of a subscriber network, and assigning at least one input of the switching matrix to at least one output of the switching matrix depending on the measurement, wherein inputs are allocated to at least fewer outputs than there are inputs in the switching matrix. As a result of the fact that the load or generator is connected to one or two phases of the network in each case, the load of the phases can also be balanced. Smart meters are used to measure the corresponding electrical variables (current, voltage, power and/or phase).