Three-Phase Power Converter Phase Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power converters for charging batteries are large and expensive due to the use of a chain of transformers and converters connecting the power grid to the battery.

Innovation Solution

A three-phase power converter system that includes a three-phase grid transformer, a three-phase switching converter, and series inductors, along with a control circuit to manage phase differences between power grid and converter signals, reducing the need for additional transformers and simplifying the design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a chain of transformers and converters is used to connect the power grid to the battery, then electrical isolation and power conversion are achieved, but the device size and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical isolationVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the functions of multiple transformers and converters into a single integrated power conversion system. The first and second converters, along with their associated transformers, are merged into one unified device that performs both isolation and power conversion functions simultaneously, thereby reducing the overall device size while maintaining electrical isolation between the power grid and battery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated power converter is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides electrical isolation between the power grid and battery, converts power in both charging and discharging directions, and manages bidirectional power flow. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, reducing device size and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Power

If a chain of transformers and converters is used to connect the power grid to the battery, then power conversion is achieved, but the device cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower conversion capabilityVSAvoiddevice cost
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple power conversion stages into a single integrated converter system. By combining the first converter with its transformer and the second converter with its transformer into one unified device, the manufacturing cost is reduced compared to assembling multiple separate components, while full power conversion capability is maintained.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated converter is designed to handle both charging and discharging operations with bidirectional power flow capability. This universal design eliminates the need for separate dedicated charging and discharging equipment, reducing overall system cost while maintaining complete power conversion functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If multiple converters and transformers are used, then electrical isolation is provided, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical isolationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple isolation and conversion functions into a single power conversion device. The first and second converters with their respective transformers are merged into one system, reducing the number of discrete components and simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining electrical isolation between the power grid and battery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If several transformers are used for isolation, then electrical isolation between battery and grid is achieved, but the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical isolationVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple isolation transformers into a single integrated power conversion system. The first transformer associated with the first converter and the second transformer associated with the second converter are merged into one device, providing the necessary electrical isolation while significantly reducing the overall device volume compared to using separate transformers.

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 solution results in a more compact, cost-effective power converter that minimizes power losses and allows for efficient charging and discharging of batteries with reduced complexity and size.

Implementation Method 1

The three-phase grid transformer provides electrical isolation between the power grid network and the battery

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The first series inductor, the second series inductor and the third series inductor are arranged in series between the three-phase grid transformer and the three-phase switching converter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field generation: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP3360243B1A bidirectional power converter
Publication Date: 2020.12.23 HELIOX BV
  • EP3360243B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3360243B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3360243B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A three-phase power converter for converting power between a power grid network and a battery (255) comprises a three-phase grid transformer (230), a three-phase switching converter (251) for coupling to a positive terminal of the battery, a first, second and third series inductors(Ls1, Ls2, Ls3) coupled between the three-phase grid transformer and the three-phase switching converter, a control circuit (262) configured for controlling a first, second and third phase differences between first, second and third time-periodical power grid voltage signals(Vs1, Vs, Vs3) provided by the grid transformer and first, second and third converter time-periodical voltage signals (Vc1, Vc2, Vc3)provided to the switching converter such that the first, second and third time- periodical power grid voltage signals(Vs1, Vs2, Vs3) and first, second and third converter time-periodical currents(Ic1, Ic2, Ic3) are in phase. The three-phase grid transformer provides electrical isolation between the power grid network and the battery.