Three-Phase Rectifier with Independent Smoothing Coils

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing three-phase AC/DC conversion systems using autotransformers with 20° phase shift between output systems suffer from increased residual ripples in DC voltage and harmonic reinjections into the network, leading to higher mass and inefficiency, particularly when power is not balanced.

Innovation Solution

A device with independent smoothing means for each three-phase system, comprising a rectifying bridge and smoothing coils connected in common mode, reduces the mass of the magnetic circuit by limiting common and differential mode voltages through capacitors and leakage inductance, respectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of stationary object

If an autotransformer with 20° phase shift is used to reduce power through the magnetic circuit, then the mass of the magnetic circuit is reduced, but the residual ripples of DC voltage increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemass of magnetic circuitVSAvoidresidual ripples of DC voltage
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the smoothing function into three independent segments, one for each rectifier bridge output. Each segment has its own smoothing means (inductor and capacitor), allowing independent optimization of ripple reduction for each phase while maintaining overall system balance and reducing total magnetic circuit mass.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the phase shift parameter from the conventional 40° to 20°, which reduces the power flowing through the magnetic circuit and thereby reduces the mass of the magnetic circuit. This parameter change is compensated by adding independent smoothing means to each output to maintain voltage stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-generated harmful factors

If the number of rectifier bridges is increased to reduce harmonic reinjections, then the residual ripples and harmonic reinjections are reduced, but the device complexity and mass increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveharmonic reinjectionsVSAvoidnumber of rectifier bridges and smoothing chokes
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the smoothing functions for all three rectifier bridge outputs into a single autotransformer structure with 20° phase shift. Instead of using separate smoothing chokes for each bridge (which would require multiple magnetic circuits), the invention uses one shared magnetic circuit with independent smoothing means, reducing overall complexity and mass.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If smoothing chokes are added to reduce residual ripples, then the voltage stability improves, but the overall mass of the device increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage stabilityVSAvoidoverall device mass
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The autotransformer structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the 20° phase shift to reduce magnetic circuit power, acts as a common magnetic circuit for all three rectifier bridges, and incorporates independent smoothing means for each output. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate smoothing chokes, reducing overall mass while maintaining voltage stability.

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

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 configuration effectively reduces the mass of the device while minimizing residual ripples and harmonic reinjections, improving the efficiency and performance of the AC/DC conversion process.

Implementation Method 1

an autotransformer supplied with three-phase voltage and delivering several three-phase systems

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

rectifying means for three-phase systems, characterized in that the rectifying means comprise, specific to each system, a rectifying bridge

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiode rectification: Diode

Implementation Method 3

smoothing means associated with each system are independent of one another

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInductance filtering: Inductor

Implementation Method 4

limiting common and differential mode voltages through capacitors and leakage inductance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance filtering: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP1974451B1Device for rectifying a three-phase alternating voltage
Publication Date: 2017.10.04 THALES SA
  • EP1974451B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP1974451B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP1974451B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for rectifying a three-phase alternating voltage. The invention relates to the conversion of alternating electric power (AC) into direct power (DC). The inventive device includes an autotransformer (AT) which is supplied with three-phase voltage and delivers several three-phase systems (S1, S2, S3). The device also includes means (R) for rectifying the three-phase systems (S1, S2, S3). Each system includes three phases which are phase-shifted by 120° in relation to one another. According to the invention, the rectifying means (R) include a bridge rectifier (P1, P2, P3) and smoothing means (L1, L2, L3) which are specific to each system.