Thyristor Starter Control for High-Speed Commutation Margin

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Solution Overview

Problem

In thyristor starters for synchronous machines, the commutation of thyristors fails at high rotation speeds due to a shorter commutation margin time, which is insufficient to ensure reliable operation.

Innovation Solution

A thyristor starter system that includes a converter, DC reactor, inverter, controller, and voltage regulator, where the controller adjusts the phase control angle and field current to maintain a constant DC voltage and increase the induced voltage with rotation speed, thereby extending the commutation margin time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the rotation speed of the synchronous machine is increased, then the productivity is improved, but the commutation margin time becomes shorter causing commutation failure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotation speedVSAvoidcommutation reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the parameter of induced voltage dynamically with rotation speed. Specifically, the induced voltage is increased as rotation speed increases, which compensates for the reduced commutation margin time and maintains sufficient commutation reliability at high speeds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention makes the system dynamic by adjusting the induced voltage according to the rotation speed. The voltage regulator dynamically controls the field current to increase induced voltage when rotation speed exceeds reference speed, adapting the system to maintain commutation reliability across varying operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Speed

If the phase control angle increases linearly with rotation speed, then the AC power frequency matches the machine speed, but the commutation margin time becomes insufficient at high speeds

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization between AC power and machine rotationVSAvoidcommutation margin time
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the parameter of induced voltage to compensate for the linear phase control angle increase. By increasing induced voltage with rotation speed, the system maintains adequate commutation margin time even when phase control angle increases linearly to keep AC power synchronized with machine rotation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the induced voltage is kept constant, then the system is simple to control, but the commutation margin time becomes insufficient at high rotation speeds

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol simplicityVSAvoidcommutation margin time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transitions from a static constant voltage control to a dynamic voltage control system. The voltage regulator dynamically adjusts induced voltage based on rotation speed, maintaining commutation reliability at high speeds while keeping the control logic relatively simple through automated feedback control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Ensures reliable commutation of thyristors at high rotation speeds by maintaining a sufficient commutation margin time, preventing failures and ensuring stable operation.

Implementation Method 1

a converter that converts AC power into DC power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic rectification: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a DC reactor that smooths the DC power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

an inverter that converts the DC power provided from the converter through the DC reactor into AC power having a variable frequency

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic inversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 4

an induced voltage of the synchronous machine

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3907879B1Thyristor starting device
Publication Date: 2024.12.25 TMEIC CORP
  • EP3907879B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3907879B1 patent drawingFigure 2(A)~2(D)
  • EP3907879B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In a thyristor starter, an inverter converts DC power provided from a converter through a DC reactor into AC power having a variable frequency, and supplies the AC power to a synchronous machine. A controller controls the inverter based on a phase control angle. A voltage regulator regulates an induced voltage of the synchronous machine by supplying a field current to the synchronous machine,. When a rotation speed of the synchronous machine exceeds a reference rotation speed during acceleration of the synchronous machine, the voltage regulator controls the field current such that the induced voltage increases with an increase in the rotation speed of the synchronous machine. The controller decreases a rate of increase in the phase control angle relative to the rotation speed of the synchronous machine, as compared with when the rotation speed of the synchronous machine is less than the reference rotation speed.