Three-phase capacitor triangular configuration series connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional three-phase capacitors with cylindrical geometry are limited in achieving high energy storage capacity, especially in high-voltage systems, due to design constraints that restrict their ability to withstand operating voltages effectively.

Innovation Solution

A three-phase capacitor design featuring three cylinders connected in a triangular configuration, where each cylinder comprises two capacitors arranged in series, with insulating material allowing axial movement and equipotential bonding, enabling increased energy storage capacity and voltage handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional cylindrical three-phase capacitors are designed with single-piece construction and star connection, then manufacturing is simplified, but energy storage capacity is limited due to voltage handling constraints

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesingle-piece constructionVSAvoidenergy storage capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The capacitor is divided into three separate cylindrical units instead of a single-piece construction. Each cylinder contains two capacitors arranged in series, and the three cylinders are connected in triangular configuration. This segmentation allows each unit to handle voltage independently while achieving higher total energy storage capacity through the series arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If capacitors are designed for high-voltage systems, then voltage handling capability increases, but energy storage capacity is limited by constructive design constraints

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage handling capabilityVSAvoidenergy storage capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transitions from a single cylindrical dimension to a three-dimensional triangular configuration with three separate cylinders. Each cylinder contains two capacitors in series, creating a multi-dimensional structure that simultaneously achieves high voltage handling (through series connection) and high energy storage capacity (through the triangular configuration of three cylinders).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Quantity of substance

If three cylinders are connected to form a triangle, then energy storage capacity increases for high-voltage systems, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy storage capacityVSAvoidtriangular connection configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges three separate cylindrical units into a unified triangular configuration where the capacitors are connected in series within each cylinder and the cylinders are connected in triangular arrangement. This merging achieves high energy storage capacity while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure compared to alternative high-voltage capacitor designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 design achieves a high energy storage capacity capable of handling high voltages for both AC and DC, suitable for applications like rail, automotive, and wind turbines, while ensuring safety through relative movement and insulation.

Implementation Method 1

Each one of the capacitors is separated from the adjacent capacitor thereof by a flat insulating material with very low coefficient of friction, with the aim of allowing the inner part be able to move with respect to the outer part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3471118B1Three-phase capacitor formed by three cylinders connected to form a triangle
Publication Date: 2022.01.12 RTR ENERGIA
  • EP3471118B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3471118B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A three-phase capacitor formed by three cylinders, each one of them manufactured in a single piece and being connected to form a triangular or delta connection. Each cylinder is made up of two annular windings, concentrically arranged, with each one being separated with respect to the contiguous cylinder thereof by an insulating material that dielectrically isolates a capacitor with respect to the contiguous cylinder thereof and which furthermore allows for the axial movement of a capacitor with respect to the other. The two capacitors defined in each one of the cylinders are arranged in series, such that the total capacity of the two capacitors is half the capacity of each of them, whereas the voltage to which they can be subjected is twice the voltage of each one of them individually, and given that the energy storage capacity is quadratic with voltage, an increase in stored energy is achieved with the constructive requirements of smaller capacitors.