Synchronous Inverter Regenerative Energy Feedback Circuit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for regenerative energy feedback in small electric drives are costly and inefficient, as they require complex structural measures and heating of braking resistors, which are not effective for small drive units.

Innovation Solution

A method and circuit that allow regenerative energy to be fed back into the power grid by using a synchronous inverter connected to the DC voltage intermediate circuit of a frequency converter, eliminating the need for a braking resistor and simplifying the circuit structure, with a DC-DC converter providing clocked and averaged current blocks for energy feedback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If a braking resistor is used to dissipate regenerative energy, then the energy can be converted into heat and released into the environment, but the structural complexity increases and the cost increases due to the need for large braking resistors and sufficient cooling measures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregenerative energy dissipationVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the braking resistor from the frequency converter structure by using a brake chopper circuit that can be arranged outside the frequency converter. This separates the energy dissipation function from the main converter structure, reducing the structural complexity and cooling requirements while maintaining the energy dissipation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a brake chopper as an intermediary component between the DC link and the braking resistor. This chopper circuit controls the discharge of regenerative energy to the braking resistor, providing a simplified interface that reduces the structural complexity compared to direct connection schemes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of energy

If a converter with high-quality power transistors and complex mains filter is used to feed regenerative braking power back into the power network, then energy feedback is achieved, but the investment costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregenerative energy feedbackVSAvoidinvestment costs
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts only the essential power electronics components needed for energy feedback from the complex converter system. By using a DC-DC converter and synchronous inverter instead of a full complex converter, it achieves energy feedback functionality while significantly reducing investment costs, especially for small drive units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operating parameters and topology of the power electronics system by using a DC-DC converter stage followed by a synchronous inverter. This parameter change allows for simpler and more cost-effective implementation compared to traditional high-complexity converter solutions, making energy feedback economically viable for small drives.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of energy

If a synchronous inverter is used to feed energy back into the power grid, then regenerative energy feedback is enabled, but the circuit structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregenerative energy feedbackVSAvoidcircuit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the energy feedback system into distinct functional stages: a DC-DC converter stage for energy conversion and a synchronous inverter stage for grid injection. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall circuit structure compared to integrated solutions, making the system more manageable and easier to implement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 cost-effective regenerative energy feedback in small drives without additional costs to the frequency converter, allowing for easy retrofitting of existing systems and reducing structural complexity, while maintaining optimal control of the synchronous inverter.

Implementation Method 1

a DC voltage converter (9, 12) which is fed from a DC voltage intermediate circuit (3, 13) of the frequency converter (1, 1')

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a synchronous inverter (10, 10') which is connected downstream of the DC voltage converter (9, 12)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

a mains filter (11, 11') which is connected downstream of the synchronous inverter (10, 10')

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical filtering: Filter (electronic)

Implementation Method 4

switches an inductance, the switching frequency being variable or constant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic energy storage: Inductor

Data Source

PatentEP2741934B1Method and circuit for the multi-phase operation of an electric motor
Publication Date: 2020.01.01 HOCHSCHULE OSTWESTFALEN LIPPE
  • EP2741934B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2741934B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for operating an electric motor in a generator mode, said electric motor being connected to at least three phases of a power supply network. An energy that is to be fed back into the power supply network (L1, L2, L3) is connected from a DC voltage intermediate circuit (3) of a frequency converter (1) to the network phase of the highest voltage as an intermittent and averaged power block by a synchronous inverter (10). A circuit is used in which a DC-DC converter (9) is fed from a DC voltage intermediate circuit (3) of the frequency converter (1), wherein a synchronous inverter (10) is connected downstream of the DC-DC converter and a network filter (11) is connected downstream of the synchronous inverter (10).