Patent Application
20150137772
This disclosure relates generally to electrical devices and more particularly relates to power factor correction sub-systems for multi-phase power delivery.
Multi-phase power systems may be used for providing power to electrical devices. For example, an airplane or other vehicle may include a three-phase power system to provide power to electrical devices in the airplane.
It may be desirable to increase the power factor for multi-phase power systems (i.e., the ratio between real power provided to load devices and apparent power in the system). Current solutions for improving the power factor of multi-phase power systems may present disadvantages. For example, transformers or other devices used to provide power factor correction may cause excessive voltage or current harmonics in the power system. Such devices may also be larger than desirable, thereby presenting safety concerns or potential malfunctions in weight-sensitive operating environments such as airplanes.
Improved systems and methods for providing power factor correction for multi-phase power delivery are therefore desirable.
Systems and methods are disclosed for providing power factor correction for multi-phase power delivery.
In one aspect, a power factor correction sub-system is provided. The power factor correction sub-system can include multiple active power factor correction modules and multiple isolated DC-to-DC converters. Each active power factor correction module can increase a respective power factor associated with a respective phase of the multi-phase power system. Each DC-to-DC converter can be electrically connected to a respective active power factor correction module. Each isolated DC-to-DC converter can modify a respective DC voltage level for a respective DC voltage received from a respective active power factor correction module. Outputs of the isolated DC-to-DC converters are electrically connectable for providing a combined voltage or combined current to a load device. The combined voltage or combined current corresponds to the voltages received by the DC-to-DC converters from the active power factor correction modules.
In another aspect, a method is provided. The method involves determining an operating constraint associated with a voltage or current provided to a load device by a multi-phase power system. The method also involves selecting multiple active power factor correction modules based on the operating constraint. The method also involves providing a power factor correction sub-system for use with the multi-phase power system and the load device. The power factor correction sub-system can include the active power factor correction modules that are selected based on the operating constraint. Each active power factor correction module can increase a respective power factor associated with a respective phase of the multi-phase power system. The power factor correction sub-system can also include multiple isolated DC-to-DC converters. Each isolated DC-to-DC converter is configured to modify a respective DC voltage level for a respective DC voltage received from a respective active power factor correction module. Electrically connecting the isolated DC-to-DC converters together can provide the voltage or the current to the load device. The voltage or current corresponds to the voltages received by the DC-to-DC converters from the active power factor correction modules.
These illustrative aspects and features are mentioned not to limit or define the disclosure, but to provide examples to aid understanding of the concepts disclosed in this application. Other aspects, advantages, and features of the present disclosure will become apparent after review of the entire application.
Systems and methods are disclosed for providing power factor correction (“PFC”) for multi-phase power delivery.
A PFC sub-system can include multiple active PFC modules electrically connected to multiple isolated DC-to-DC converters. Inputs of the active PFC modules can be connected to a multi-phase power system. The connections to the multi-phase power system can include connections to a neutral line or phase-to-phase connections. Each active PFC module can increase a respective power factor associated with a respective phase of the multi-phase power system. For example, the PFC sub-system can offset the reactive power associated a load device that is powered by the multi-phase power system. Offsetting the reactive power can cause the load device to appear as a purely resistive load with respect to the multi-phase power system.
Each isolated DC-to-DC converter can reduce or otherwise modify a respective DC voltage received from a respective active PFC module based on the voltage or current specifications of the load device. Outputs of the isolated DC-to-DC converters can be connected in different topologies based on the load device. In some aspects, the isolated DC-to-DC converters can be connected in series to provide a combined voltage to the load device. The combined voltage can be a combination of respective voltages outputted by respective DC-to-DC converters that correspond to respective output voltages of the active PFC modules. In other aspects, the isolated DC-to-DC converters can be connected in parallel to provide a combined current to the load device. The combined current can be a combination of respective currents outputted by respective DC-to-DC converters that correspond to respective output voltages of the active PFC modules.
In some aspects, the PFC sub-system can provide power factor correction that complies with operating requirements regarding current or voltage harmonics for certain operating environments (e.g., aircraft, buildings, etc.). For example, the PFC sub-system can be configured to provide a desired harmonic performance over a specified range of frequencies. In additional or alternative aspects, the PFC sub-system can be designed from relatively lightweight components, thereby complying with weight requirements for certain operating environments.
These illustrative examples are given to introduce the reader to the general subject matter discussed here and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosed concepts. The following sections describe various additional aspects and examples with reference to the drawings in which like numerals indicate like elements. The features discussed herein are not limited to any particular hardware architecture or configuration.
The PFC sub-system 100 can include active PFC modules 102a-c and isolated DC-to-DC converters 104a-c. Each of the active PFC modules 102a-c can be electrically connected to a respective one of the DC-to-DC converters 104a-c via a respective one of DC links 106a-c.
The multi-phase power system 101 can provide multiple AC currents having a common frequency that are phase shifted from one another. For illustrative purposes,
Each of the active PFC modules 102a-c can improve a respective power factor associated with a respective one of the phases 109a-c. For example, each of the active PFC modules 102a-c can cause the PFC sub-system 100 and the load device 103 to function in a manner similar to that of a purely resistive load with respect to the multi-phase power system 101. Each of the active PFC modules 102a-c can include a suitable device or group of devices configured to offset the reactive power associated with the load device 103 by modifying the waveform of the AC current provided to the load device 103 such that the voltage and current received by the load device 103 are in phase with one another.
Any suitable active PFC modules 102a-c can be used. Non-limiting examples of suitable active PFC modules include average current control PFC converters, peak current control PFC converters, hysteresis control PFC converters, borderline control PFC converters, discontinuous current pulse-width modulation control PFC converters, etc.
The DC-to-DC converters 104a-c can allow voltages or currents at the outputs (i.e., the DC links 106a-c) of the active PFC modules 102a-c to be combined. One or more of the outputs of the active PFC modules 102a-c may have a different potential as compared to other active PFC modules in the PFC sub-system 100. The differing potentials may present the risk of causing excessive current to be provided to the load device 103 if the load device 103 were to be directly connected to the combined outputs of the active PFC modules 102a-c. The isolated DC-to-DC converters 104a-c can reduce the voltages across the DC links 106a-c to voltage levels usable by the load device 103.
Each of the DC-to-DC converters 104a-c can modify a respective DC voltage at a respective output of a respective one of the active PFC modules 102a-c. Each DC voltage outputted by one of the active PFC modules 102a-c can be converted to a lower voltage by a respective one of the DC-to-DC converters 104a-c. The DC-to-DC converters 104a-c can be selected or configured based on the power requirements of the load device 103. For example, a high voltage provided by the multi-phase power system 101 (e.g., 115 V) can be converted to a lower voltage by the DC-to-DC converters 104a-c for provision to the load device 103.
The DC-to-DC converters 104a-c can be electrically connected to provide a combined voltage to the load device 103. For example, as depicted in
Any suitable DC-to-DC converters 104a-c can be used. Non-limiting examples of suitable DC-to-DC converters include flyback converters, forward converters, half or full bridge converters, push-pull converters, phase-shifted full bridge converters, etc.
The PFC sub-system 100 can be implemented in any suitable manner. In a non-limiting example, the PFC sub-system 100 can be an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit can include active PFC modules 102a-c and DC-to-DC converters 104a-c that are electrically connected via a printed circuit board.
For illustrative purposes,
In some aspects, the load device 103 may require a higher current. The PFC sub-system 100 can be configured to provide the current. For example,
The load device 103 can be electrically connected in parallel to each of the terminals 112a-c of the respective DC-to-DC converters 104a-c and electrically connected in parallel to the terminals 114a-c of the respective DC-to-DC converters 104a-c. The terminals 112a-c being connected in parallel can allow output currents from the DC-to-DC converters 104a-c to be combined. The combined current can be provided to the load device 103.
In some aspects, the neutral conductor 111 may be omitted from the multi-phase power system 101. For example,
The configuration depicted in
The configuration depicted in
A PFC sub-system 100 can be selected, designed, manufactured, or otherwise provided for any suitable operating environment.
The method 500 involves determining an operating constraint associated with providing a voltage or current to a load device 103 by a multi-phase power system, as depicted in block 510. The operating constraint can include any restriction, requirement, or other operating condition associated with providing voltage or current to the load device 103. An operating constraint can be determined based on aspects such as (but not limited to) features or other characteristics of the load device 103, the operating environment in which the load device 103 is installed or otherwise used, features or other characteristics of the multi-phase power system 101. Any number of operating constraints (including one) can be determined at block 510.
In some aspects, an operating constraint can include harmonics associated with the voltage or current provided to the load device 103. For example, a load device 103 may be an electrical device installed in an operating environment that is subject to one or more safety requirements or other operating standards with respect to electrical power delivery. Non-limiting examples of such operating environments include airplanes or other vehicles, certain buildings or other structures, etc. The safety requirements for the operating environment may specify that current or voltage harmonics generated by non-linear loads (e.g., the load device 103) may not exceed a threshold amplitude or that spurious harmonics may not be generated. The threshold amplitude for current or voltage harmonics can be determined as an operating constraint.
In additional or alternative aspects, an operating constraint can include a weight associated with the PFC sub-system 100. For example, the load device 103 may be installed or otherwise used in an aircraft or other vehicle. The weight of the PFC sub-system 100 used with the load device 103 may present issues such as safety concerns or operational concerns (e.g., preventing take-off of an aircraft or limiting the cargo carrying capacity of the aircraft or other vehicle). The operating constraint associated with the PFC sub-system 100 may include minimizing the weight of the PFC sub-system 100 or limiting the maximum weight of the PFC sub-system 100.
In additional or alternative aspects, an operating constraint can include balancing phases of multi-phase power provided to the load device 103. For example, an operating constraint may require that each of the phases 109a-c of the multi-phase power system 101 provide an equal amount of current or an amount of current that does not deviate beyond a specified range.
The method 500 also involves identifying multiple active PFC modules based on the operating constraint, as depicted in block 520. For example, specific implementations or configurations of the active PFC modules 102a-c can be identified that satisfy one or more conditions specified by the operating constraint. One non-limiting example of identifying the active PFC modules includes selecting the active PFC modules for use in designing or building a PFC sub-system 100. Another non-limiting example of identifying the active PFC modules includes selecting a PFC sub-system 100 that includes active PFC modules 102a-c that satisfy the operating constraint.
In some aspects, specific implementations or configurations of active PFC modules 102a-c can be identified that minimize undesirable effects in accordance with the operating constraint(s) of an operating environment. In one non-limiting example, specific active PFC modules 102a-c may be identified that minimize voltage or current harmonics associated with the voltage or current provided to the load device 103. Specific active PFC modules 102a-c may be also identified that minimize the voltage or current harmonics over a specified range of frequencies used by the multi-phase power system 101. In another non-limiting example, specific active PFC modules 102a-c may be identified that minimize the weight of the PFC sub-system 100 or that prevent the weight of the PFC sub-system 100 from exceeding a maximum weight. In another non-limiting example, specific active PFC modules 102a-c may be identified that provide a balanced provision of current among the phases 109a-c of the multi-phase power system 101.
The method 500 also involves providing a PFC sub-system 100 for use with the multi-phase power system and the load device that includes the active PFC modules that are identified based on the operating constraint, as depicted in block 530. In one non-limiting example, providing the PFC sub-system 100 can involve designing or manufacturing the PFC sub-system 100 having the active PFC modules 102a-c identified at block 520. In another non-limiting example, providing the PFC sub-system 100 can involve obtaining a previously-manufactured PFC sub-system 100 that includes the active PFC modules 102a-c identified at block 520.
The foregoing description of aspects and features of the disclosure, including illustrated examples, has been presented only for the purpose of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Numerous modifications, adaptations, and uses thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Aspects and features from each example disclosed can be combined with any other example. The illustrative examples described above are given to introduce the reader to the general subject matter discussed here and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosed concepts.
