Transformer Rectifier with Controlled Switching to Reduce Turn-On Transients

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing transformer systems face issues with turn-on transients and semiconductor rectifier failures due to high voltages and currents, leading to increased costs and maintenance requirements, especially when converting AC to DC power.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a transformer with a controllable rectifier element and a magnet frame with an air gap, allowing controlled primary current flow to manage magnetic flux and reduce turn-on transients, thereby protecting semiconductor rectifiers and optimizing DC voltage generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional transformer systems are used for AC to DC conversion, then DC voltage generation is achieved, but turn-on transients and high voltages cause semiconductor rectifier failures and increased maintenance costs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesemiconductor rectifier reliabilityVSAvoidturn-on transients and high voltages
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by controlling the switching of semiconductor rectifier elements to occur at specific points in the AC cycle (when voltage is zero or at predetermined angles), preventing turn-on transients before they can cause damage. The control unit预先 determines optimal switching moments based on voltage polarity and magnitude, eliminating harmful inrush currents that would otherwise stress the semiconductor components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making the rectifier system controllable and adaptive. The control unit dynamically adjusts the switching timing and sequence of rectifier elements based on real-time voltage conditions, transforming a static rectifier circuit into a dynamically controlled system that can respond to changing electrical conditions and avoid harmful transients.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If high voltage and current are used in transformer rectifier systems, then DC voltage generation efficiency is improved, but semiconductor rectifier failures and maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveDC voltage generation efficiencyVSAvoidsemiconductor rectifier maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback by using a control unit that continuously monitors voltage and current conditions in the transformer rectifier system. Based on this feedback, the control unit adjusts the switching timing and sequence of rectifier elements to optimize performance while preventing excessive stress on components. This closed-loop control enables efficient operation at high voltages without compromising reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit预先 determines optimal switching moments based on voltage polarity and magnitude, preventing harmful inrush currents that would otherwise stress the semiconductor components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If controllable rectifier elements are used with controlled switching, then turn-on transients are reduced and semiconductor protection is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesemiconductor rectifier protectionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by designing a control system that automatically determines switching timing based on inherent voltage characteristics. The control unit monitors voltage polarity and magnitude, and autonomously decides when to switch rectifier elements without requiring external complex control signals or manual intervention. This self-regulating approach reduces control complexity while maintaining protection benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Object-affected harmful factors

If transformer systems operate with controlled primary current flow, then magnetic flux management is improved and turn-on transients are reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveturn-on transientsVSAvoidcurrent control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by controlling primary current flow in synchronized cycles with the AC input voltage. The control unit switches rectifier elements at regular intervals corresponding to voltage cycles, creating periodic current patterns that prevent magnetic flux buildup and eliminate turn-on transients. This rhythmic control approach manages magnetic flux without requiring complex continuous adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 effectively reduces turn-on transients, protects semiconductor rectifiers, and allows for efficient DC voltage generation with reduced semiconductor requirements and maintenance costs across various power applications.

Implementation Method 1

generator transformers that transform generator voltage to transmission voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

Method and device for creating a direct voltage or a direct current

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRectification: Diode

Data Source

PatentUS8199542B2Method and device for creating a direct voltage or a direct current
Publication Date: 2012.06.12 BREITMAIER MAX
  • US8199542B2 patent drawing
  • US8199542B2 patent drawing
  • US8199542B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A device, which functions to generate a DC voltage or a DC current, has at least one rectifier element (D) and at least one transformer (T) that has at least one primary winding (W1) connected through leads (PL1, PL2) of a power supply lead (PL) to an AC voltage source (Q) and has at least one secondary winding (W2) connected to a load (Z), the windings being disposed on an associated magnet frame (JK) that functions to carry a magnetic flux Φ. According to the invention, the primary winding (W1) is connected through the rectifier element (D) to the AC voltage source (Q) such that for each AC half-wave of corresponding polarity a current I1 is able to be carried through the rectifier element (D) and through the primary winding (W1), the current driving the magnetic flux Φ always in the same direction through the magnet frame (JK).