Water-Bound DC Bus Power Supply With Bidirectional Voltage Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power supply systems for floating facilities face challenges in flexibility, weight reduction, and efficiency, particularly due to the need for multiple transformers and high losses in AC systems with variable frequencies, which complicates the distribution of electrical power to different voltage levels and increases weight and space requirements.

Innovation Solution

A power supply system utilizing a DC bus architecture with bidirectional DC/DC choppers, high-frequency transformers, and superconducting materials, allowing for a flexible and efficient power distribution between low-voltage and medium-voltage DC buses, reducing the need for transformers and enabling independent operation of drive systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If AC power distribution systems with multiple transformers are used to supply different voltage levels, then power distribution capability is improved, but weight and device complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower distribution capabilityVSAvoidtransformer weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional AC power distribution system with multiple transformers with a DC power distribution system using bidirectional DC/DC choppers. This substitution eliminates the need for heavy transformers while maintaining the capability to supply different voltage levels, directly resolving the contradiction between power distribution capability and weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The bidirectional DC/DC chopper serves multiple functions: it can step up voltage from low-voltage DC bus to medium-voltage DC bus, step down voltage from medium-voltage DC bus to low-voltage DC bus, and enable power flow in both directions. This multi-functionality replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate transformers, reducing overall system weight while maintaining distribution capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If AC power distribution systems with multiple transformers are used to supply different voltage levels, then power distribution capability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower distribution capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex AC power distribution system with multiple transformers and associated control equipment with a simplified DC power distribution system using bidirectional DC/DC choppers. The DC system requires fewer components and simpler control logic, directly reducing device complexity while maintaining distribution capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If traditional AC power distribution systems are used, then power supply reliability can be maintained, but energy losses are high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoidenergy losses

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operating parameters from AC to DC power distribution. This parameter change enables the use of bidirectional DC/DC choppers that operate with higher efficiency than traditional AC transformers, reducing energy losses while maintaining power supply reliability through the same redundancy architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 provides a lightweight, flexible, and efficient power supply system that reduces energy losses and weight, improving the reliability and redundancy of electrical power distribution, especially in fault situations, and allows for independent operation of drive systems.

Implementation Method 1

bidirectional DC/DC choppers, allowing for a flexible and efficient power distribution between low-voltage and medium-voltage DC buses

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

high-frequency transformers, and superconducting materials

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

high-frequency transformers, and superconducting materials

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuperconductivity: Superconductivity

Data Source

PatentUS11787522B2Power supply system for a water-bound device

Publication Date: 2023.10.17 SIEMENS ENERGY GLOBAL GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

A power supply system for a water-bound device and to an operating method, the water-bound device having an electric shaft and in particular a first zone and a second zone, the system includes: a first DC voltage bus for a first DC voltage and a second DC voltage bus for a second DC voltage; a first energy source and a second energy source, the first energy source being provided in the first zone for supplying at least one DC voltage bus of the at least two DC voltage buses, and the second energy source being provided in the second zone for supplying at least one DC voltage bus of the at least two DC voltage buses, the energy supply system being structured at least partially in a zone-dependent manner.