Watercraft Transformer Layout for Isolated AC Bus Power Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power distribution systems in water vehicles require rectifiers and inverters, leading to low efficiency, high costs, complexity, and lack of electrical isolation from land-based power grids.

Innovation Solution

A transformer that converts alternating voltages between AC busses, eliminating the need for AC/DC converters with isolation, and a power distribution system that includes a bidirectional AC/DC converter and DC bus, allowing power transfer between AC and DC loads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a rectifier and inverter are used to supply power from the power grid to AC loads, then power conversion is achieved, but the system complexity increases and reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower conversion capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the rectifier and inverter functions into a single integrated power conversion device. This device can operate in multiple modes: converting AC to DC for power storage devices, converting DC to AC for AC loads, and directly transmitting AC power to AC loads, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The power conversion device is designed with multi-functionality, capable of performing AC-DC conversion, DC-AC conversion, and AC power transmission functions. This universal design eliminates the need for separate rectifier and inverter units, reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a rectifier and inverter are used for power conversion, then power supply flexibility is achieved, but the total efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply flexibilityVSAvoidtotal efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary AC-DC conversion and stores energy in power storage devices when AC power is available. This preliminary action allows the system to avoid repeated conversion cycles, reducing energy losses while maintaining power supply flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements continuous power supply through the integration of power storage devices. The system continuously charges power storage devices from AC power and continuously discharges them to AC loads, eliminating the need for repeated conversion cycles and maintaining high efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Ease of operation

If AC loads are directly connected to the power grid, then power supply simplicity is achieved, but electrical isolation from the power grid is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply simplicityVSAvoidelectrical isolation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a power conversion device as an intermediary between the power grid and AC loads. This intermediary provides electrical isolation through its inherent conversion architecture while maintaining simple power supply operation through automated control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If separate rectifier and inverter units are used, then power conversion functions are achieved, but the costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower conversion functionVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges separate rectifier and inverter units into a single integrated power conversion device, reducing component count, manufacturing complexity, and overall system cost while maintaining full power conversion functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enhances efficiency, reduces costs, and improves reliability by eliminating the need for additional converters and achieving electrical isolation, while supporting peak shaving when connected to the power grid.

Implementation Method 1

The transformer is configured to convert each of a first alternating voltage from a first AC bus, a second alternating voltage from a second AC bus, and a third alternating voltage from a third AC bus into an alternating voltage from each of the others of the first to third AC busses

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12552260B2Transformer for a watercraft, energy distribution system for a watercraft, and watercraft

Publication Date: 2026.02.17 TORQEEDO

AI summary

An energy distribution system is provided that includes a first AC bus; a second AC bus for connecting to at least one second AC load; a third AC bus for connecting to a supply network; a transformer that converts an alternating voltage of each of the first to third AC buses into an alternating voltage of each of the other of the first to third AC buses; a DC bus; an energy storage device connected to the DC bus; and a bidirectional AC-DC power converter that is connected between the first AC bus and the DC bus.