Phase Conversion (ph1-ph2) Without Intermediate Conversion To D.c. Patents (Class 363/148)
  • Patent number: 11775035
    Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-phase power supply regulator and a temperature balance control method thereof. The method comprises: providing a multi-phase power supply regulator which includes a controller and a plurality of power stages, transmitting a plurality of control signals to the plurality of power stages respectively by the controller. Each of the plurality of power stages includes a temperature sampling unit, wherein outputs of the temperature sampling units are connected in parallel and the plurality of power stages outputs a temperature detection signal. The invention determines one of the plurality of power stages comprising highest temperature by sequentially adjusting the control signals, the temperature of the power stage is reduced, and the temperatures of the multi-phase power supply regulator are balanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: SHANGHAI BRIGHT POWER SEMICONDUCTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Li-Qiang Hu, Shun-Gen Sun
  • Patent number: 11581131
    Abstract: Asymmetric AC to DC autotransformer for turboelectric propulsion, and associated systems and methods are described herein. In one embodiment, an asymmetric AC to DC autotransformer includes: a first coil, a second coil and a third coil of a delta winding Each coil is energized at its corresponding input phase. A first plurality of correction windings coupled to the first coil, a second plurality of correction windings coupled to the second coil, and a third plurality of correction windings coupled to the third coil. A bridge rectifier having a plurality of rectifiers is coupled to respective individual correction windings. Phases of the individual correction windings are asymmetric such that individual phase voltages are controlled relative to the opposite input phase. Voltages are unbalanced relative to neutral.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: ELDEC Corporation
    Inventors: Travis Sitton, Kaz Furmanczyk
  • Patent number: 11290026
    Abstract: A converter system includes a DC bus for each phase of an input AC power signal; a first switching cell for each phase, including first two active switches coupled in series across the DC bus and forming a first switching cell AC pole therebetween, the first switching cell AC pole being coupled to a respective phase; and a second switching cell for each phase, including second two active switches coupled in series across the DC bus and forming a second switching cell AC pole therebetween. The second switching cell AC poles are coupled to each other to form a flying neutral. One of the first switching cell and the second switching cell switches at a frequency at least an order of magnitude greater than the line frequency. The other of the first switching cell and the second switching cell switches at a frequency approximately equal to the line frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Sandeep Bala, Arun Kumar Kadavelugu
  • Patent number: 11073540
    Abstract: In some examples, a controller may include a processing resource and a memory resource storing machine readable instructions executable to cause the processing resource to set an electrical power threshold, monitor an amount of electrical power distributed between a plurality of phases of a multi-phase converter operation. The controller may detect a load disparity between a particular phase of the plurality of phases, disable the particular phase, and redistribute the electrical power amongst the remaining phases of the multi-phase converter operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development LP
    Inventors: Mohamed Amin Bemat, Thi Vu, Kirk Yates
  • Patent number: 10656217
    Abstract: A voltage regulator controller includes a first pin for receiving aggregate temperature information from a plurality of power stages, a plurality of second pins each for receiving phase current information from one of the power stages, control circuitry for controlling the power stages, detection circuitry for detecting signal levels at the first and second pins, and fault analysis circuitry for identifying the type of reported fault and the power stage that reported the fault based on the detected signal levels at the first and second pins and state information accessible by the controller. Aggregate temperature information is reported at the first pin in a first nominal range, and phase current information is reported at each of the second pins in a second nominal range. Each reported fault type has a unique fault signature at the first and second pins, which is outside at least one of the nominal ranges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies Austria AG
    Inventors: Aliaksandr Subotski, Giuseppe Bernacchia, Danny Clavette, Benjamim Tang
  • Patent number: 10444295
    Abstract: A battery balance management circuit includes an active and passive testing balance bus, a plurality of battery sets, a primary charging converter, a secondary charging system, an electrical load and a battery management system. An external balance management mechanism is utilized to compensate for current loss of the battery set, effectively enabling the battery sets to provide stable large current output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: NATIONAL CHUNG SHAN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Shu-Hsien Wen, Kuo-Kuang Jen, Gwo-Huei You, Chung-Ling Tseng
  • Patent number: 10197636
    Abstract: A voltage regulator controller includes a first pin for receiving aggregate temperature information from a plurality of power stages, a plurality of second pins each for receiving phase current information from one of the power stages, control circuitry for controlling the power stages, detection circuitry for detecting signal levels at the first and second pins, and fault analysis circuitry for identifying the type of reported fault and the power stage that reported the fault based on the detected signal levels at the first and second pins and state information accessible by the controller. Aggregate temperature information is reported at the first pin in a first nominal range, and phase current information is reported at each of the second pins in a second nominal range. Each reported fault type has a unique fault signature at the first and second pins, which is outside at least one of the nominal ranges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies Austria AG
    Inventors: Aliaksandr Subotski, Giuseppe Bernacchia, Danny Clavette, Benjamim Tang
  • Patent number: 9966868
    Abstract: An autotransformer for converting three-phase AC power to nine-phase AC power. The autotransformer includes three coils each having serial connected windings and non-serial connected windings. The combination of the serial and non-serial windings are interconnected to form a polygon for a total of six windings per phase, in an arrangement which reduces the power rating of an autotransformer suitable for 18-pulse AC to DC power converters. There are a plurality of direct outputs that are equal in magnitude and are out of phase with respect to the voltages at the input. The input is offset from the nine outputs to create the required phase magnitudes for DC power converters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: NORLAKE MANUFACTURING COMPANY
    Inventor: James Patrick Nunamaker
  • Patent number: 9886010
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and an apparatus for controlling a voltage in a near direct current area. The method includes: collecting measured values of parameters as initial values of prediction values of the parameters; inputting the initial values into a preset control model for optimizing a model predictive control; solving the preset control model to obtain a solution sequence of the terminal voltage setting values of the generators participating in the voltage control within a time window; and sending first values in the solution sequence to the generators, such that the voltage control in the near direct current area is realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Hongbin Sun, Qinglai Guo, Bin Wang, Boming Zhang, Wenchuan Wu, Fengda Xu
  • Patent number: 9712079
    Abstract: An electric power converter according to an embodiment includes a switching unit, a controller, and a second bidirectional switch. The switching unit includes a plurality of first bidirectional switches disposed between a DC power source and an AC load or between a DC load and an AC power source. The controller controls the switching unit to perform power conversion between DC power and AC power. When turning off the second bidirectional switch disposed on a path between one pole of the DC power source or the DC load and the switching unit, the controller turns on the first bidirectional switch connected between the other pole of the DC power source and the AC load or between the other pole of the DC load and the AC power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA YASKAWA DENKI
    Inventors: Sadao Ishii, Katsutoshi Yamanaka, Tsuyoshi Higuchi, Takashi Kuboyama, Yutaro Ihara
  • Patent number: 9240706
    Abstract: Among other things, one or more techniques and/or systems are provided for synchronizing one or more direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) power sources (e.g., a DC power source coupled to an inverter) for restoration of power to a load. That is, responsive to a grid fault of a grid used to supply power to a load over a common bus, the common bus is isolated from the grid and the load. One or more DC to AC power sources are synchronized through synchronization circuits (e.g., voltage, phase, and/or frequency synchronization) until a total power supply provided by respective synchronized DC to AC power sources is greater than or equal to a target power used to supply the load. Once the target power is achieved, a load circuit breaker is closed so that respective synchronized DC to AC power sources provide power to the load over the common bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: ABB Technology AG
    Inventors: Shetul R. Patel, Marc Lambert, Francois-Pierre Pepin, Philippe Lautier, Kurt Rothermann, Armando Luigi Nold
  • Patent number: 8885377
    Abstract: A matrix converter according to an embodiment includes a control unit generates a highest phase-to-phase voltage among load side phase-to-phase voltages by controlling bidirectional switches that connect phases with respect to the highest phase-to-phase voltage and phases with respect to a highest phase-to-phase voltage among AC-source side phase-to-phase voltages. Moreover, the control unit generates a middle phase-to-phase voltage among the load side phase-to-phase voltages by controlling bidirectional switches that connect phases with respect to the middle phase-to-phase voltage and phases with respect to a middle phase-to-phase voltage among the AC-source side phase-to-phase voltages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Yaskawa Denki
    Inventor: Eiji Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20140247636
    Abstract: A power converter is provided for direct conversion of multi-phase AC power to AC power. The power converter includes a conversion circuit and a plurality of output lines. The conversion circuit has first and second switching elements that are configured to be connected to phases of the multi-phase AC power for bidirectional switching of energizing current. The output lines are connected to the conversion circuit. The first and second switching elements have output terminals. The output terminals of the first and second switching elements are arranged in first and second rows. The output terminals of the first and second switching elements face each other. The first output lines include two first output lines including first and second widely shaped bus bars connected to the output terminals of the first and second switching elements, respectively. The first output lines extending out in one direction, and line up in an upright direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Inventors: Hironori Koyano, Takamasa Nakamura, Kouji Yamamoto, Junichi Itoh, Yoshiya Ohnuma
  • Publication number: 20140247635
    Abstract: A power converter is provided for direct conversion of multi-phase AC power to AC power. The power converter includes a conversion circuit, a plurality of input lines and a plurality of capacitors. The conversion circuit has first and second switching elements that are configured to be connected to the phases of the multi-phase AC power for bidirectional switching of energizing current. The input lines are connected to the conversion circuit. The capacitors are connected to the conversion circuit. The first and second switching elements are arranged such that paired input terminals line up in a row with the paired input terminals to an outside, and paired output terminals to an inside. The input lines extend in a direction in which the paired input terminals line up, and extend from one of the input terminals to another of the input terminals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: National University Corporation Nagaoka University of Technology
    Inventors: Hironori Koyano, Takamasa Nakamura, Kouji Yamamoto, Junichi Itoh, Yoshiya Ohnuma
  • Patent number: 8767426
    Abstract: A matrix converter control apparatus includes three AC switches each including a first and a second switching elements connected in series. The first and the second switching devices each: have a first terminal, a second terminal, and a gate terminal; pass a current between the first terminal and the second terminal when a first voltage which is a voltage of the gate terminal with reference to a voltage of the first terminal is higher than a threshold voltage; interrupt a current flowing from the second terminal to the first terminal when the first voltage is lower than the threshold voltage; and pass a current from the first terminal to the second terminal when the first voltage is lower than the threshold voltage and the voltage of the gate terminal is higher than the threshold voltage with reference to a voltage of the second terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Shuji Tamaoka
  • Patent number: 8742622
    Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, systems and methods for thermal protection in a power system may be provided. In accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for thermal protection in a power system having a plurality of power modules selectively enabled and disabled in accordance with an efficiency policy may be provided. The method may include determining if an operating temperature for the power system is greater than a first threshold temperature. The method may also include enabling one or more power modules disabled in accordance with the efficiency policy in response to a determination that the operating temperature is greater than the first threshold temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventor: George Richards, III
  • Publication number: 20140126263
    Abstract: There is disclosed a power conversion apparatus 3 for converting polyphase ac power directly to ac power. A conversion circuit includes first switching devices 311, 313, 315 and second switching devices 312, 314, 316 connected, respectively, with the phases R, S, T of the polyphase ac power, and configured to enable electrical switching operation in both directions. There are provided input lines R, S, T connected with input terminals of the switching devices and output lines P, N connected with output terminals of the switching devices. The output terminals of the first switching devices and the output terminals of the second switching devices are, respectively, arranged in a row. The first switching devices and second switching devices are arranged side by side with respect to a direction of the rows. The output lines are disposed below the input lines in an up and down direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventors: Hironori Koyano, Takamasa Nakamura, Masao Saito, Kouji Yamamoto, Tsutomu Matsukawa, Manabu Koshijo, Junichi Itoh, Yoshiya Ohnuma
  • Patent number: 8687397
    Abstract: A method and device for operating a direct converter circuit are provided. A control signal controls power semiconductor switches of switching cells of the associated phase module. The control signal is formed, for each phase module, from the difference between a reference signal relating to the voltage over the phase module and a voltage signal over the inductor. The voltage signal over the inductor is formed from a reference signal relating to the current through the corresponding phase module. The reference signal relating to the current through the phase module is formed from a respective mean value or instantaneous value of a phase power of a phase of the first and second current or voltage systems connected to the phase module and from respective sums of the instantaneous values or the mean values of the phase powers of the phases of the first and second current or voltage systems, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Manfred Winkelnkemper, Arthur Korn
  • Publication number: 20130301329
    Abstract: An electrical circuit, in particular a circuit used for generating electric power, wherein this circuit comprises a generator with n phases, a converter and a transformer to which a p-phase load can be connected. The converter comprises m partial converters, each of the partial converters is composed of p units and each of these units is provided with n/m switching circuits. The switching circuits of the individual units are connected symmetrical to the generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: CONVERTEAM TECHNOLOGY LTD.
    Inventors: Georg MOEHLENKAMP, Reinhard WAGNITZ
  • Publication number: 20130265812
    Abstract: A matrix converter control apparatus includes three AC switches each including a first and a second switching elements connected in series. The first and the second switching devices each: have a first terminal, a second terminal, and a gate terminal; pass a current between the first terminal and the second terminal when a first voltage which is a voltage of the gate terminal with reference to a voltage of the first terminal is higher than a threshold voltage; interrupt a current flowing from the second terminal to the first terminal when the first voltage is lower than the threshold voltage; and pass a current from the first terminal to the second terminal when the first voltage is lower than the threshold voltage and the voltage of the gate terminal is higher than the threshold voltage with reference to a voltage of the second terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventor: SHUJI TAMAOKA
  • Patent number: 8531142
    Abstract: A bi-power motor controlling apparatus, which is electrically connected with a motor, includes a driver IC having a first pin and a second pin. The first and second pins are used to receive a first power and a second power, respectively, from outside. The second power is supplied to the driver IC, and the first power is supplied to the motor for controlling the rotational speed of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Ming-Lung Liu, Chun-Chia Lu, Chia-Feng Wu, Chun-Lung Chiu
  • Patent number: 8526208
    Abstract: An electrical circuit, in particular a circuit used for generating electric power, wherein this circuit comprises a generator with n phases, a converter and a transformer to which a p-phase load can be connected. The converter comprises m partial converters, each of the partial converters is composed of p units and each of these units is provided with n/m switching circuits. The switching circuits of the individual units are connected symmetrical to the generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Converteam Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Georg Moehlenkamp, Reinhard Wagnitz
  • Patent number: 8446741
    Abstract: A power supply includes a power source having at least one power source output, and a plurality of drivers connected to the at least one power source output. At least one of the plurality of drivers includes a bridge network having a first switch, a second switch and a bridge network output. The first switch is connected between the at least one power source output and the bridge network output. The second switch is connected between the bridge network output and a ground. The bridge network further includes at least one control input connected to the second switch. The bridge network is adapted to change a state of the first switch based on a state of the second switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Inventors: Laurence P. Sadwick, Ruey-Jen Hwu, Mohammad M. Mojarradi
  • Patent number: 8395469
    Abstract: A transformer for converting 3 phase AC to 9 phase AC power is provided. The transformer includes first, second and third coils, each coil having a plurality of serial windings coupled together to form a polygon. The transformer further includes first, second and third input terminals each linked to a respective winding of the first, second and third coils. The input terminals are configured to receive a first, second and third phases of input AC power and at least one selected input terminal of the first, second and third input terminals is adjustable to alter a number of turns of the respective winding of the corresponding first, second or third coil on either side of the selected input terminal. The transformer further includes first through ninth output terminals linkable to first through ninth output power lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary L. Skibinski, Lixiang Wei
  • Publication number: 20120218801
    Abstract: A current-source power converting apparatus in an embodiment includes a current-reference generating unit, a polarity determining unit, a PWM-pulse-signal generating unit, and a drive-signal generating unit. The current-reference generating unit outputs a phase current reference and a line-to-line current reference. The polarity determining unit determines a polarity of the phase current reference. The PWM-pulse-signal generating unit generates a PWM pulse signal by comparing the line-to-line current reference and a carrier signal. The drive-signal generating unit generates a drive signal that drives each of a plurality of switching elements, based on the PWM pulse signal and a polarity of the phase current reference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA YASKAWA DENKI
    Inventor: Katsutoshi YAMANAKA
  • Patent number: 8207699
    Abstract: An alternating current motor control system constituted of: a control unit; a cycloconverter functionality; a phase control functionality; and a semiconductor switching unit comprising a plurality of electronically controlled semiconductor switches each associated with a particular winding of a target alternating current motor and each independently responsive to the control unit. In one embodiment the semiconductor switching unit is arranged to connect the windings of the target alternating current motor to a three phase power input in one of a star and a delta configuration responsive to the control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: InnoSave Ltd.
    Inventor: Arthur Naiman
  • Patent number: 8115408
    Abstract: A light source apparatus and a light source adjusting module are provided. The light source apparatus includes a power supply, a phase modulator, an electrical transformer, a light source adjusting module and a light-emitting device. The power supply provides a first AC voltage signal. The phase modulator receives the first AC voltage signal and adjusts a conducting phase of the first AC voltage signal to generate a modulated AC voltage signal. The electrical transformer transforms the modulated AC voltage signal to generate a second AC voltage signal. The light adjusting module generates a luminance adjusting signal according to a state of the second AC voltage signal. The light-emitting device receives the luminance adjusting signal to generate a corresponding light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Novatek Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventors: Yi-Te Liu, Chih-Jen Yen, Chih-Yuan Hsieh, Lan-Shan Cheng
  • Publication number: 20110194323
    Abstract: A method is provided for operation of a converter circuit. The converter circuit has at least two phase modules, where each phase module has a first and a second sub-converter system, and the sub-converter systems for each phase module are connected in series with one another. Each sub-converter system includes a plurality of series-connected two-pole switching cells. In the method, the control signals for the switching cells are additionally formed from a damping signal. The damping signal is formed from a measured current through the respective sub-converter system and from a predeterminable resistance value, in order to attenuate undesirable currents in the sub-converter systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Manfred WINKEINKEMPER, Arthur KORN
  • Publication number: 20110075465
    Abstract: A direct converter includes n input phase connections and p output phase connections, where n?2 and p?2. The direct converter also includes (n·p) two-pole switching cells for switching at least one positive voltage and at least one negative voltage between the poles. Each output phase connection is connected in series with each input phase connection, respectively, via a switching cell. To enable any desired and continuous current flow setting from an input phase connection to an output phase connection of the direct converter and, moreover, to exchange electrical energy between the two-pole switching cells of the direct converter, at least one inductance is connected into each series connection. A system including a direct converter is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Manfred WINKELNKEMPER, Arthur Korn
  • Publication number: 20110063883
    Abstract: An inverter control circuit (6) controls the operation of a plurality of switching elements in a three-phase inverter circuit (2) by a PWM signal. A phase voltage output from the three-phase inverter circuit (2) is outputted through a low-pass filter (3). A waveform of the phase voltage output from the low-pass filter (3) assumes the following waveforms through the control of the PWM signal. The waveform becomes zero in a first one-third period of a cycle; forms a sine wave corresponding to a phase from 0 to 2?/3 in a second one-third period; and forms a sine wave corresponding to a phase from ?/3 to ? in a remaining one-third period of the cycle. Such PWM signal cyclically includes a period where a pulse is not generated. Therefore, the switching action of the switching element is periodically stopped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: DAIHEN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Hattori, Noriyuki Morotomi, Daisuke Tsukiyama
  • Publication number: 20110051479
    Abstract: A multi-phase voltage regulator is disclosed. The multi-phase voltage regulator includes a voltage regulator controller. Phase output stages are coupled to the voltage regulator controller. The voltage regulator controller and the phase output stages are configured to provide regulated voltages at one or more output nodes. The voltage regulator controller is configured to monitor one or more conditions of the phase output stages and to control one or more of the phase output stages based, at least in part, on the one or more conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: John Breen, Shiguo Luo
  • Patent number: 7781925
    Abstract: A matrix converter for the conversion of a polyphase alternating current into a desired alternating output current in which m phases of the polyphase alternating current are converted into alternating output current with n (n<m) phases of a load by a multiple number of controllable bidirectional switches. The converter includes at least one stage, and in that at least one stage of the converter each phase of the polyphase alternating current is controlled by a controllable bidirectional switch. The at least one stage of the converter is formed by a two-dimensional array of stage stacks of switching elements which stage stacks are arranged substantially parallel to each other along a stack direction perpendicular to the plane of the matrix converter, and wherein the input of the stage stacks is provided by bus bars located on one side of the stage stacks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: ALSTOM Technology Ltd.
    Inventor: Alain Lacaze
  • Patent number: 7782643
    Abstract: There is provided a matrix converter apparatus including both functions of outputting a step up voltage and outputting a step down voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Yaskawa Denki
    Inventors: Hidenori Hara, Eiji Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7750782
    Abstract: A polygon connected three-phase autotransformer using six windings per phase provides a reduced power rating nine-phase power source suitable for 18-pulse AC to DC power converters. The windings are selected and connected in a manner that controls harmonic currents and minimizes total kVA rating. When the autotransformer is used to power a nine-phase AC to DC converter its kVA rating is typically less than 48% of the DC load kW. Additional isolated windings can provide means for the invention to operate as an efficient double-wound transformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventor: Derek Albert Paice
  • Publication number: 20100149848
    Abstract: [Problem] To provide a space vector modulation method for a matrix converter which uses only one carrier for three phases when a carrier comparison is made. [Means for solving problem] Provided is a matrix converter space vector modulation method in which bidirectional switches (SW1 through SW9) of a matrix converter (3) are PWM controlled in a space vector modulation from a multi-phase AC power source. Switching patterns for which virtual indirect space vectors are used are converted into switching patterns for which direct conversion space vectors constituted by five vectors are used. Any one of the converted switching patterns satisfying predetermined conditions is selected and duties of the five vectors of the selected switching pattern are calculated using duty relationship equations between the virtual indirect conversion space vectors and the direct conversion space vectors. Then, the matrix converter is PWM-controlled on a basis of the calculated duties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventors: Shota Urushibata, Yugo Tadano
  • Publication number: 20100080031
    Abstract: A current control circuit (active element) is provided that is connected between a rectifier of a DC power source and a smoothing capacitor in a power frequency converter and that controls a variation in the rectified current caused by a variation in the instantaneous power consumption of the load device. When the rectified current increases, the current control circuit limits the current to have a reference current value or lower and, when the rectified current decreases, the current control circuit increases the current to have a value close to the reference current to thereby suppress the rectified current from the rectifier to a substantially-constant value. This consequently mitigates the influence on the primary power source by the variation in the instantaneous power consumption of the load device, thus clearing the Load Demand Variation specification required for the power source to be used in an aircraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: JAMCO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mineo Mizukami, Hiroyuki Hozumi, Tatsuya Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 7466574
    Abstract: A method for operating a matrix converter in which m phases of a generator generating alternating voltage with n phases of a load are alternatingly connected via a multiple number of controllable bi-directional switches arranged in an (m×n) matrix. An improvement of the spectrum of the generated alternating voltage, i.e. of the alternating voltage with n phases is achieved by means of voltages which are added on-line to the converter output or input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Alstom Technology Ltd
    Inventor: Alain Lacaze
  • Publication number: 20080231127
    Abstract: A matrix converter (3) for the conversion of a polyphase alternating current (6) into a desired alternating output current (7) in which m phases of the polyphase alternating current (6) are converted into alternating output current with n (n<m) phases of a load by a multiple number of controllable bidirectional switches (4). The converter includes at least one stage (8,9), and in that at least one stage (8,9) of the converter each phase (6) of the polyphase alternating current (6) is controlled by a controllable bidirectional switch (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventor: Alain Lacaze
  • Patent number: 7315463
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for multi-phase transformers are described. In one embodiment, a coupled inductor topology for the multi-phase transformers comprising N primary inductors. In one embodiment, each primary inductor is coupled to one of N input nodes and a common output node. The transformer further includes N?1 secondary inductors coupled in series between one input node and the common output node. In one embodiment, the N?1 secondary inductors are arranged to couple energy from N?1 of the primary inductors to provide a common node voltage as an average of N input node voltages, wherein N is an integer greater than two. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Gerhard Schrom, Peter Hazucha, Donald S. Gardner, Vivek K. De, Tanay Karnik
  • Patent number: 7274280
    Abstract: An irregular polygon connection of a three-phase autotransformer using only five windings per phase provides a source of nine-phase power suitable for an 18-pulse AC to DC power converter. The windings are connected in a manner to limit the amount of third harmonic current circulating in them. When the autotransformer is used to power a nine-phase AC to DC converter its kVA rating is typically less than 50% of the DC load kW. An additional tap on one of the five windings allows a wide range of AC output voltages to be obtained. Voltages greater than, less than, or equal to the AC input voltage can be obtained. Other multi-phase outputs are feasible. Additional isolated windings can provide means for the invention to operate as an efficient double-wound transformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Inventor: Derek Albert Paice
  • Patent number: 6951478
    Abstract: In a piece of equipment deriving power from a three-phase power supply, a method and a connector provide a country-independent arrangement of connection pins to interface with the equipment, so as to provide one or more single-phase output voltages at designated pins. The connector includes a number of electrical terminals wired to the connection pins according to a country-dependent arrangement. In one embodiment, the connector includes one or more jumpers each configured to provide a short circuit between a designated pair of connection pins according to the country-dependent arrangement scheme. The country-independent arrangement provides a single-phase output voltage between 200-240 volts (RMS) across a designated pair of connection pins. In one application, a connector configured for the United States is used in conjunction with a 4-conductor cable having a U.S. conforming connector for plugging into a U.S. three-phase specification wall socket (e.g., NEMA).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Inventor: Chin Y. Cheng
  • Patent number: 6831849
    Abstract: A system for controlling multiple vehicle includes a twelve volt (12V)/forty-two volt (42V) battery power distribution system that provides direct current. The system converts single phase alternating current to multiple phase alternating current to simultaneously power multiple vehicle systems. A single pulse width modulation generator converts the direct current from the 12V/42V battery power distribution system to alternating current. This provides one power supply path of alternating current, which has a first phase. A splitter device splits the one power supply path of alternating current into three power paths. A lead/lag circuit is used to shift the alternating current of the second path to a second phase different than the first phase of the first power supply path. A second lead/lag circuit for shifts the alternating current of the third path to a third phase different than the first phase or the second phase. This creates a three-phase alternating current power from a single direct current source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Meritor Light Vehicle Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Craig Rae Fowler, Dennis A. Kramer, Jerome Quere, Enrico Fin, George Chene, Stephen Chiu, Pascal Garrido, Ira B. Goldberg, Charles Hopson, David M. Barry, Dan Rogovin
  • Patent number: 6744650
    Abstract: A method is described for controlling a matrix converter which includes nine bi-directional circuit-breakers arranged in a 3×3 switch matrix. A commutation sequence is selected based on detected linked input voltages and a predetermined limit value and compared with a calculated commutation sequence. If these two do not agree, the switching states of the calculated commutation sequence are rearranged into the selected commutation sequence. In this way, it is possible to operate a matrix converter without requiring a precise measurement of the polarity of the input voltages, which eliminates the risk of a commutation short circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens AG
    Inventors: Jochen Mahlein, Olaf Simon
  • Patent number: 6731525
    Abstract: A phase converter that converts single phase AC electric power to balanced three phase AC power. Two input terminals are connectable to a single phase AC power source, and connect directly to two output terminals of the converter. The phase converter has a storage capacitor, a charging circuit for controlled charging the storage capacitor and an output circuit for controlled discharge of the storage capacitor to provide single phase AC power to a third output terminal. The charging circuit controls input to the storage capacitor to provide a sinusoidal input current and to step up the voltage to the storage capacitor. The output circuit provides output power to the third output terminal of a predetermined phase and amplitude, relative to the other two output terminals, to result in balanced three phase AC power at the three output terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Phase Technologies, LLC.
    Inventor: Larry Gene Meiners
  • Publication number: 20040066665
    Abstract: In a piece of equipment deriving power from a three-phase power supply, a method and a connector provide a country-independent arrangement of connection pins to interface with the equipment, so as to provide one or more single-phase output voltages at designated pins. The connector includes a number of electrical terminals wired to the connection pins according to a country-dependent arrangement. In one embodiment, the connector includes one or more jumpers each configured to provide a short circuit between a designated pair of connection pins according to the country-dependent arrangement scheme. The country-independent arrangement provides a single-phase output voltage between 200-240 volts (RMS) across a designated pair of connection pins. In one application, a connector configured for the United States is used in conjunction with a 4-conductor cable having a U.S. conforming connector for plugging into a U.S. three-phase specification wall socket (e.g., NEMA).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: Chin Y. Cheng
  • Patent number: 6594157
    Abstract: A magnetic powder core comprises a molded article of a mixture of a glassy alloy powder and an insulating material. The glassy alloy comprises Fe and at least one element selected from Al, P, C, Si, and B, and has a texture primarily composed of an amorphous phase. The glassy alloy exhibits a temperature difference &Dgr;Tx, which is represented by the equation &Dgr;Tx=Tx−Tg, of at least 20 K in a supercooled liquid, wherein Tx indicates the crystallization temperature and Tg indicates the glass transition temperature. The magnetic core precursor is produced mixing the glassy alloy powder with the insulating material, compacting the mixture to form a magnetic core precursor, and annealing the magnetic core precursor at a temperature in the range between (Tg−170) K and Tg K to relieve the internal stress of the magnetic core precursor. The glassy alloy exhibits low coercive force and low core loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shoji Yoshida, Hidetaka Kenmotsu, Takao Mizushima, Kazuaki Ikarashi, Yutaka Naito
  • Publication number: 20030099124
    Abstract: A phase converter that converts single phase AC electric power to balanced three phase AC power. Two input terminals are connectable to a single phase AC power source, and connect directly to two output terminals of the converter. The phase converter has a storage capacitor, a charging circuit for controlled charging the storage capacitor and an output circuit for controlled discharge of the storage capacitor to provide single phase AC power to a third output terminal. The charging circuit controls input to the storage capacitor to provide a sinusoidal input current and to step up the voltage to the storage capacitor. The output circuit provides output power to the third output terminal of a predetermined phase and amplitude, relative to the other two output terminals, to result in balanced three phase AC power at the three output terminals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventor: Larry Gene Meiners
  • Publication number: 20020191431
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide a multiple phases switching circuit, which can be used in a multiple phase signal generator and a succeeding circuit, in the same time, the multiple phase signal generator will generate N multiple phases clock signals that spreading 360 degrees, the phase of any clock signal is ahead of the phase of the next coming clock signal, the multiple phase switching circuit comprises:
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventors: Chen-Chih Huang, Pao-Cheng Chiu
  • Publication number: 20020149956
    Abstract: A system for controlling multiple vehicle includes a twelve volt (12V)/forty-two volt (42V) battery power distribution system that provides direct current. The system converts single phase alternating current to multiple phase alternating current to simultaneously power multiple vehicle systems. A single pulse width modulation generator converts the direct current from the 12V/42V battery power distribution system to alternating current. This provides one power supply path of alternating current, which has a first phase. A splitter device splits the one power supply path of alternating current into three power paths. A lead/lag circuit is used to shift the alternating current of the second path to a second phase different than the first phase of the first power supply path. A second lead/lag circuit for shifts the alternating current of the third path to a third phase different than the first phase or the second phase. This creates a three-phase alternating current power from a single direct current source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Applicant: Meritor Light Vehicle Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Craig Rae Fowler, Dennis A. Kramer, Jerome Quere, Enrico Fin, George Chene, Stephen Chiu, Pascal Garrido, Ira B. Goldberg, Charles Hopson, David M. Barry, Dan Rogovin
  • Patent number: 6362988
    Abstract: A system 10 for synchronizing the phase angle of an alternating current power source (“APS”) 12 with the phase angle of a power grid 14. The system 10 provides for reliable synchronization between the phase angle of the APS 12 and the phase angle of the power grid 14 during both normal and abnormal operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Ford Global Tech., Inc.
    Inventors: Doug D. Deng, Mukunda V. Prema