Solid-state phase splitting transformer
OwnerPaul Wilkinson Dentinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A solid state power transformer is described for converting an input power signal at a first phase or voltage to an output signal of a second voltage or opposite phase by the use of bidirectional solid state switches switched at a high carrier frequency to produce a double-sideband, suppressed-carrier representation of the input power signal, which is then synchronously demodulated using further similar switches to produce the desired output. It is further disclosed that multiple instances of the above with relative phase-staggering of the switching frequency may be operated in parallel and activated or deactivated according to output current demand to provide maximum efficiency over a wide range of current and power levels.
Claims17
A device for producing an electrical power output voltage at an output terminal of desired phase relative to an electrical power input voltage applied at an input terminal, the device having high power efficiency, including:—
- At least one module comprising:—
- A transformer designed to operate at a carrier frequency much higher than the frequency of said electrical input and output voltages, said transformer having a first winding end, a second winding end and a center tap;
- first and second bidirectional solid-state switches for alternately passing current from or blocking current flow from said input terminal to alternate winding ends of said transformer, the switches being configured to be controlled to allow current to flow from said input terminal to said first winding end or said second winding end alternately at said carrier frequency, and
- third and fourth bidirectional solid state switches for alternately passing current from or blocking current flow from said first transformer winding end and said second winding end to said output terminal, the switches being configured to be controlled to allow current flow to said output terminal from said first winding end or said second winding end alternately at said carrier frequency,
- said bidirectional solid state switches being controlled by a switching controller configured to control said first, second, third and fourth bidirectional solid-state switches such that said electrical power output voltage of said desired phase appears at said output terminal.
A device for producing substantially equal and opposite phase electrical power output voltages at a pair of output terminals relative to a neutral output terminal from a floating single phase supply applied at a pair of input terminals, the device having high power efficiency, including:—
- At least one module comprising:—
- A transformer designed to operate at a carrier frequency much higher than the frequency of said electrical input and output voltages, said transformer having a first winding end, a second winding end and a center tap, the center tap supplying current to said neutral output terminal, and
- first and second bidirectional solid-state switches connected between said first and second winding end respectively and a first of said pair of input terminals and third and fourth bidirectional solid-state switches connected between said first and second winding end respectively and the second of said pair of input terminals,
- said bidirectional solid state switches being controlled by a switching controller configured such that when said first and fourth switches pass current, said second and third switches block current flow, alternating at said carrier frequency with controlling said bidirectional solid state switches such that when said second and third switches pass current, said first and fourth switches block current flow.
A method of efficiently producing an electrical power output signal of opposite phase to an electrical power input signal, comprising the steps of:—
- Connecting said electrical power input signal to modulation circuitry for modulating said electrical power input signal on to a high carrier frequency to produce double-sideband, suppressed-carrier representation of said electrical power input signal, and
- connecting said double-sideband, suppressed-carrier representation of said electrical power input signal to synchronous demodulation circuitry for synchronously demodulating said double-sideband, suppressed-carrier representation of said electrical power input signal to obtain said electrical power output signal of opposite phase.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.