Three-Phase Power Supply with Segmented PFC Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Balancing 3-phase power for high-power AC distribution is challenging in power supplies with power factor correction (PFC) connected to earth-grounded neutral lines, which interferes with combining outputs of PFC units.
Innovation Solution
A system that converts 3-phase AC power to single DC output via a PFC stage, separates and then combines phases after conversion, using separate PFC units tied to a common ground, allowing for efficient power distribution to computer servers with reduced stress on output capacitors and simplified control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power factor correction units are connected to earth-grounded neutral lines in a 3-phase power supply system, then power factor correction can be achieved, but the ability to combine outputs of different PFC units together is interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the 3-phase power supply system into three separate single-phase PFC units, each handling one phase independently. Each PFC unit has its own earth-grounded neutral connection, allowing them to operate independently while maintaining power factor correction. The outputs are then combined through a common bus, resolving the contradiction by enabling both PFC functionality and output combination through modular segmentation.
2Power
If 3-phase power is used for high-power AC distribution, then power delivery capability is improved, but balancing the power becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the 3-phase power processing into three independent single-phase PFC units, each with identical circuit topology and control logic. This segmentation allows each phase to be processed independently with the same balancing algorithm, automatically achieving power balance across all three phases while maintaining high power delivery capability through the combined output of all units.
3Reliability
If separate PFC units are used for each phase, then power factor correction can be applied to each phase independently, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs three identical single-phase PFC units with homogeneous circuit topology, components, and control logic. This homogeneity allows the system to process each phase independently with the same design template, simplifying the overall system architecture despite having multiple units. The repeated modular design reduces complexity compared to designing a completely different 3-phase PFC circuit.
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 system provides balanced 3-phase line currents, increases output power levels, eliminates second-harmonic ripple, and extends capacitor lifespan, enabling reliable and efficient power supply to computer data centers using less expensive semiconductor devices.
Implementation Method 1
a transformer stage arranged to receive power from the primary stage and to reduce the three-phase AC power in voltage level
Implementation Method 2
converts 3-phase AC power to single DC output via a PFC stage
Data Source
AI summary
An electric three-phase power supply system includes a primary stage arranged to receive an input of three-phase alternating current power; a transformer stage arranged to receive power from the primary stage and to reduce the three-phase AC power in voltage level, the transformer stage include an independent secondary winding for each of the phases in the alternating current power; a power factor correction (PFC) stage having a plurality of PFC units that each receive AC power for one of the phases in the alternating current power from the transformer stage; and a pair of output terminals that receive power form the PFC units, wherein output terminals of each of the PFC units are tied to each other, and ground terminals of each of the PFC units are tied to a common ground.