Patents by Inventor Hans-Joachim Knaak

Hans-Joachim Knaak has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 10505467
    Abstract: A converter station for the transmission of electrical power has a diode rectifier with a DC terminal and an AC terminal. At least one transformer is connected to the AC terminal. In order to render the converter station as compact as possible, the diode rectifier is arranged in an insulating material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Joerg Dorn, Dominik Ergin, Thomas Hammer, Hans-Joachim Knaak, Peter Menke, Roland Schuster
  • Patent number: 10470259
    Abstract: A non-linear load in the form of an arc furnace with an upstream furnace transformer is supplied with electric power from a power supply device with a plurality of converter units. The converter units have a plurality of main modules with inputs connected to a respective phase of a three-phase grid. The converter units have a common star point between the main modules and the primary side of the furnace transformer. Each main module has a series circuit with a coupling inductance and a plurality of submodules. The submodules have a bridge circuit with four self-commutated semiconductor switches and a bridge path with a storage capacitor between input and output. The semiconductor switches of the submodules can each be switched independently of the semiconductor switches of the other submodules of the same main module and of the other main modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Arno Doebbeler, Wolfgang Hoerger, Hans-Joachim Knaak, Martin Pieschel, Jonas Pinkwart
  • Patent number: 10468884
    Abstract: A device controls a load flow in an alternating-voltage network. The device is distinguished by a module series circuit of two-pole switching modules that can be inserted in series into a phase line of the alternating-voltage network. Each switching module has an energy store and controllable power semiconductors that can be switched on an off and each switching module can be controlled in such a way that a switching-module voltage can be produced at the poles thereof, which switching-module voltage corresponds to a positive or negative energy-store voltage or a voltage having the value of zero. A control apparatus for controlling the switching modules is provided, which control apparatus is configured to control the switching modules in such a way that a periodic longitudinal voltage can be produced at the module series circuit. A method for controlling a load flow in an alternating-voltage network is performed by the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Friedemann Augsburger, Dominik Ergin, Hans-Joachim Knaak, Andreas Philipp, Jochen Schaefer
  • Patent number: 10333389
    Abstract: A converter module for a multi-stage converter includes an energy storage device connected in parallel with a series circuit of a first and a second semiconductor switching unit. At least one of the semiconductor switching units has a bidirectional switch. A switch-on unit is connected in parallel with the bidirectional switch. With the switch-on unit there can be produced a switch-on voltage for switching on the bidirectional switch from a voltage dropping across the bidirectional switch. There is also disclosed a multi-stage converter having the novel converter module and a method for operating the converter module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Hans-Joachim Knaak
  • Patent number: 10243357
    Abstract: An apparatus switches a direct current in a high-voltage line. The apparatus contains a multiplicity of switching units, which are arranged so as to form a series circuit in the high-voltage line. Each switching unit in this case contains a switching element and a surge arrester arranged in a parallel circuit with the switching element, the threshold voltage of the surge arrester being higher than a rated voltage of the switching element. A sum of the rated voltages of the switching elements corresponds at least to an operating voltage of the high-voltage line. The switching elements are mechanical switches, and each mechanical switch contains a contact arrangement having two disconnectable contact pieces and is configured to build up an arcing voltage on disconnection of the contact pieces with a magnitude which is higher than the rated voltage of the mechanical switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hans-Guenter Eckel, Dominik Ergin, Herbert Gambach, Hans-Joachim Knaak, Andreas Philipp, Hubert Schierling
  • Publication number: 20190044431
    Abstract: A converter module for a multi-stage converter includes an energy storage device connected in parallel with a series circuit of a first and a second semiconductor switching unit. At least one of the semiconductor switching units has a bidirectional switch. A switch-on unit is connected in parallel with the bidirectional switch. With the switch-on unit there can be produced a switch-on voltage for switching on the bidirectional switch from a voltage dropping across the bidirectional switch. There is also disclosed a multi-stage converter having the novel converter module and a method for operating the converter module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2016
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Inventor: HANS-JOACHIM KNAAK
  • Publication number: 20180358808
    Abstract: A device controls a load flow in an alternating-voltage network. The device is distinguished by a module series circuit of two-pole switching modules that can be inserted in series into a phase line of the alternating-voltage network. Each switching module has an energy store and controllable power semiconductors that can be switched on an off and each switching module can be controlled in such a way that a switching-module voltage can be produced at the poles thereof, which switching-module voltage corresponds to a positive or negative energy-store voltage or a voltage having the value of zero. A control apparatus for controlling the switching modules is provided, which control apparatus is configured to control the switching modules in such a way that a periodic longitudinal voltage can be produced at the module series circuit. A method for controlling a load flow in an alternating-voltage network is performed by the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Publication date: December 13, 2018
    Inventors: FRIEDEMANN AUGSBURGER, DOMINIK ERGIN, HANS-JOACHIM KNAAK, ANDREAS PHILIPP, JOCHEN SCHAEFER
  • Patent number: 9960603
    Abstract: An installation for transmitting electrical power between a first and a second alternating voltage network. A self-commutated converter can be connected to the second alternating voltage network, and is connected to a unidirectional rectifier by way of a direct voltage connection. The unidirectional rectifier can be connected to the first alternating voltage network on the alternating voltage side, and to a wind farm via said first alternating voltage network. The farm has at least one wind turbine feeding electrical power into the first alternating voltage network when wind speeds are greater than a switch-on wind speed. An energy-generating device can be connected to the first alternating voltage network and/or to the at least one wind turbine for providing electrical energy. The energy-generating device converts a renewable primary energy from its surroundings when wind speeds are lower than the switch-on wind speed for the wind turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Joerg Dorn, Hans-Joachim Knaak, Peter Menke, Bernd Utz, Michael Weinhold
  • Publication number: 20180076730
    Abstract: A converter station for the transmission of electrical power has a diode rectifier with a DC terminal and an AC terminal. At least one transformer is connected to the AC terminal. In order to render the converter station as compact as possible, the diode rectifier is arranged in an insulating material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Publication date: March 15, 2018
    Inventors: JOERG DORN, DOMINIK ERGIN, THOMAS HAMMER, HANS-JOACHIM KNAAK, PETER MENKE, ROLAND SCHUSTER
  • Patent number: 9875861
    Abstract: A device switches a direct current. The device contains an operating current branch in which a mechanical switch is arranged, a protective switch connected to the operating current branch for interrupting the current flow in the operating current branch, a capacitor branch connected in parallel with the operating current branch in which capacitor branch a capacitor is arranged, and a damping apparatus which has a resistance element. The damping apparatus is arranged in the capacitor branch in series with the capacitor or in the operating current branch in series with the mechanical switch, which damping apparatus can be bypassed by a bypass switch connected in parallel with the damping apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Dominik Ergin, Hans-Joachim Knaak, Mojtaba Mohaddes Khorassani
  • Patent number: 9853562
    Abstract: A converter station for the transmission of electrical power has a diode rectifier with a DC terminal and an AC terminal. At least one transformer is connected to the AC terminal. In order to render the converter station as compact as possible, the diode rectifier is arranged in an insulating material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Joerg Dorn, Dominik Ergin, Thomas Hammer, Hans-Joachim Knaak, Peter Menke, Roland Schuster
  • Patent number: 9831657
    Abstract: A device for switching a direct current in a pole of a direct current network includes two connecting terminals to be connected in series with the pole, an operating current path extending between the connecting terminals, at least one mechanical switch in the operating current path, a disconnection branch including a power switching unit for shutting down high short-circuit currents having power semiconductor switches that can be switched on and off, and a commutation device for commutating a current from the operating current path to the disconnection branch. In order to provide such a device which is economical, generates fewer losses and at the same time is able to switch high short-circuit currents quickly, the commutation device is provided with at least one inductive component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Dominik Ergin, Hans-Joachim Knaak, Richard Zenger
  • Patent number: 9806532
    Abstract: A method for switching an operating current in a meshed DC voltage network enables operating currents in a DC voltage network to be switched economically in both directions. At least one converter connected to the DC voltage network is controlled in such a way that a zero current is generated in a switching branch having a mechanical switch and the mechanical switch is actuated in accordance with the generated zero current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Dominik Ergin, Hans-Joachim Knaak, Andreas Philipp
  • Patent number: 9748848
    Abstract: A DC converter is suitable for continuous operation for connecting high-voltage DC networks having different voltages. The DC converter has a first partial converter and a second partial converter, which are connected in series with each other, forming a converter series circuit. The converter series circuit extends between the DC terminals of a DC connection. The second partial converter extends between the DC terminals of a second DC connection. The first partial converter and the second partial converter are connected to each other via a power exchange device, such that the exchange of electrical power between the first partial converter and the second partial converter is made possible via the power exchange device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Mark-Matthias Bakran, Hans-Joachim Knaak, Andre Schoen
  • Publication number: 20170208654
    Abstract: A non-linear load in the form of an arc furnace with an upstream furnace transformer is supplied with electric power from a power supply device with a plurality of converter units. The converter units have a plurality of main modules with inputs connected to a respective phase of a three-phase grid. The converter units have a common star point between the main modules and the primary side of the furnace transformer. Each main module has a series circuit with a coupling inductance and a plurality of submodules. The submodules have a bridge circuit with four self-commutated semiconductor switches and a bridge path with a storage capacitor between input and output. The semiconductor switches of the submodules can each be switched independently of the semiconductor switches of the other submodules of the same main module and of the other main modules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Publication date: July 20, 2017
    Inventors: ARNO DOEBBELER, WOLFGANG HOERGER, HANS-JOACHIM KNAAK, MARTIN PIESCHEL, JONAS PINKWART
  • Patent number: 9705406
    Abstract: A DC-DC converter for connecting high-voltage DC networks has series-connected sub-converters. The high-voltage DC networks which can be connected to the DC-DC converter can have different transmission symmetries by way of power exchanging devices and additional power exchanging devices. Thus, a symmetrical monopole can be connected to an asymmetrical bipolar network using the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Mark-Matthias Bakran, Dominik Ergin, Hans-Joachim Knaak, Andre Schoen
  • Publication number: 20170005479
    Abstract: A power plant contains an internal AC voltage grid, electrical energy generation units which are connected to the internal AC voltage grid, and a HVDC transmission device, which is connected to the internal AC voltage grid, is connectable to an external AC voltage grid via a DC link and enables energy transmission from the internal AC voltage grid in the direction of the external AC voltage grid. The energy generation units feed their power into the internal AC voltage grid via a power electronics converter. The energy generation units each have a synchronization device, which is suitable for regulating the generation of the output voltage of the respective energy generation unit such that the phase angle of the output voltage has a setpoint phase angle, which is preset to the respective energy generation unit, with respect to a synchronization signal applied on the input side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Publication date: January 5, 2017
    Inventors: HANS-GUENTER ECKEL, MAGDALENA GIERSCHNER, HANS-JOACHIM KNAAK
  • Publication number: 20170005478
    Abstract: An installation for transmitting electrical power between a first and a second alternating voltage network. A self-commutated converter can be connected to the second alternating voltage network, and is connected to a unidirectional rectifier by way of a direct voltage connection. The unidirectional rectifier can be connected to the first alternating voltage network on the alternating voltage side, and to a wind farm via said first alternating voltage network. The farm has at least one wind turbine feeding electrical power into the first alternating voltage network when wind speeds are greater than a switch-on wind speed. An energy-generating device can be connected to the first alternating voltage network and/or to the at least one wind turbine for providing electrical energy. The energy-generating device converts a renewable primary energy from its surroundings when wind speeds are lower than the switch-on wind speed for the wind turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Publication date: January 5, 2017
    Inventors: JOERG DORN, HANS-JOACHIM KNAAK, PETER MENKE, BERND UTZ, MICHAEL WEINHOLD
  • Publication number: 20160315467
    Abstract: An apparatus switches a direct current in a high-voltage line. The apparatus contains a multiplicity of switching units, which are arranged so as to form a series circuit in the high-voltage line. Each switching unit in this case contains a switching element and a surge arrester arranged in a parallel circuit with the switching element, the threshold voltage of the surge arrester being higher than a rated voltage of the switching element. A sum of the rated voltages of the switching elements corresponds at least to an operating voltage of the high-voltage line. The switching elements are mechanical switches, and each mechanical switch contains a contact arrangement having two disconnectable contact pieces and is configured to build up an arcing voltage on disconnection of the contact pieces with a magnitude which is higher than the rated voltage of the mechanical switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Publication date: October 27, 2016
    Inventors: Hans-Günter ECKEL, Dominik ERGIN, Herbert GAMBACH, Hans-Joachim KNAAK, Andreas PHILIPP, Hubert SCHIERLING
  • Publication number: 20160300671
    Abstract: A device switches a direct current. The device contains an operating current branch in which a mechanical switch is arranged, a protective switch connected to the operating current branch for interrupting the current flow in the operating current branch, a capacitor branch connected in parallel with the operating current branch in which capacitor branch a capacitor is arranged, and a damping apparatus which has a resistance element. The damping apparatus is arranged in the capacitor branch in series with the capacitor or in the operating current branch in series with the mechanical switch, which damping apparatus can be bypassed by a bypass switch connected in parallel with the damping apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2013
    Publication date: October 13, 2016
    Inventors: DOMINIK ERGIN, HANS-JOACHIM KNAAK, MOJTABA MOHADDES KHORASSANI