Three-Phase Electronic Transformer for Balanced Rectified Output

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic transformers face issues with high heat consumption, high power consumption, low efficiency, and unbalanced current distribution when converting three-phase AC voltages to DC voltage, leading to component damage and complex installation.

Innovation Solution

An electronic transformer design that includes three forward rectifiers and a backward rectifier, performing half-wave rectification on three-phase power sources and superposing the rectified outputs to create a balanced current distribution, with a capacitor for filtering, and utilizing a neutral line for balanced return current, forming a complete current loop.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If conventional coil transformers are used to convert three-phase AC to DC, then the transformation function is achieved, but high heat consumption and high power consumption occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat consumptionVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional electromagnetic coil transformers with an electronic transformer using solid-state power electronic components (rectifiers, capacitors, switches). This substitution eliminates the mechanical/electromagnetic induction losses inherent in coil transformers, achieving zero heat consumption during voltage transformation while maintaining the AC-to-DC conversion function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If conventional coil transformers are used, then voltage transformation is achieved, but installation is difficult and transportation is inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation convenienceVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic transformer is designed with modular segmented components (separate rectifier modules, capacitor banks, control circuits) that can be independently assembled and replaced. This segmentation simplifies installation by allowing step-by-step assembly and facilitates transportation by enabling modular shipping of components that can be easily reassembled at the destination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If conventional transformers are used, then power conversion is achieved, but efficiency is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconversion efficiencyVSAvoidenergy loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces inefficient electromagnetic induction-based coil transformers with high-efficiency solid-state power electronic conversion. The electronic transformer uses controlled rectification and switching circuits that achieve minimal energy loss during AC-to-DC conversion, dramatically improving conversion efficiency compared to conventional transformer-based systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Duration of action of stationary object

If unbalanced current distribution occurs in three-phase power conversion, then power conversion continues, but component damage occurs in short time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent lifespanVSAvoidsystem reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic transformer incorporates real-time current monitoring and control feedback mechanisms that detect imbalances in the three-phase power conversion. When unbalanced current distribution is detected, the control system automatically adjusts the switching of power electronic components to redistribute current evenly across all phases, preventing component overheating and damage while maintaining system reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 design achieves stable output voltage, balanced current distribution, simplified circuitry, reduced layout area and cost, and stable operating temperature, preventing component damage from unbalanced currents and improving system efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The first forward rectifier, the second forward rectifier and the third forward rectifier are configured to perform half-wave rectification on the first-phase power source, the second-phase power source and the third-phase power source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHalf-wave rectification: Diode

Implementation Method 2

to superpose the rectified first-phase power source, the rectified second-phase power source and the rectified third-phase power source at the first output terminal as an output voltage of the electronic transformer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuperposition principle:

Implementation Method 3

with a capacitor for filtering

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitive filtering: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP4325710A1Electronic transformer and three-phase four-wire power system thereof
Publication Date: 2024.02.21 DELTA ELECTRONICS INC(CN)
  • EP4325710A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4325710A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4325710A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic transformer includes a first forward rectifier, a second forward rectifier, a third forward rectifier and a backward rectifier. The first forward rectifier is coupled between a first-phase power and a first output terminal. The second forward rectifier is coupled between a second-phase power and the first output terminal. The third forward rectifier is coupled between a third-phase power and the first output terminal. The backward rectifier is coupled between a neutral line and a second output terminal. The first forward rectifier, the second forward rectifier, and the third forward rectifier are configured to half-wave rectify the first-phase power, the second-phase power, and the third-phase power to generate rectified first-phase to third-phase power sources, and superimpose the rectified first-phase to third-phase power sources on the first output end to serve as an output voltage of the electronic transformer.