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US5576942A Expired / Lapsed US ⏱️ 0.0 years remaining

Method and apparatus for reducing the harmonic currents in alternating-current distribution networks

Assignee: Fermi Research Alliance
•
Filing: 1994-09-30
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Granted: 1996-11-19
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Expires: 2014-09-30
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Abstract

Abstract An improved apparatus and method reduce the harmonic content of AC line and neutral line currents in polyphase AC source distribution networks. The apparatus and method employ a polyphase Zig-Zag transformer connected between the AC source distribution network and a load. The apparatus and method also employs a mechanism for increasing the source neutral impedance of the AC source distribution network. This mechanism can consist of a choke installed in the neutral line between the AC source and the Zig-Zag transformer.

Inventors

  • 👤 Leon H. Beverly
  • 👤 Richard D. Hance
  • 👤 Alexandr L. Kristalinski
  • 👤 Age T. Visser

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction US
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-11-01 07:41
CPC Classifications
H; H02; H02J; H02J3/00; H02J3/01; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E40/00; Y02E40/40

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim 94 words
An apparatus for reducing the harmonic content of AC phase and neutral line currents between a load and a polyphase AC source distribution network, said apparatus comprising: a polyphase Zig-Zag autotransformer having input and output current lines, an input neutral line and an output neutral line, said input current lines and input neutral line being connected to said AC source distribution network, said output current lines and output neutral line being connected to said load; and a choke connected within said input neutral line between said AC source distribution network and said Zig-Zag autotransformer.
Claim 2
Independent Claim 94 words
An apparatus for reducing the harmonic content of AC phase and neutral line currents between a load and a polyphase AC source distribution network, said apparatus comprising: a polyphase Zig-Zag autotransformer having input and output current lines, an input neutral line and an output neutral line, said input current lines and input neutral line being connected to said AC source distribution network, said output current lines and output neutral line being connected to said load; and a choke connected within said input neutral line between said AC source distribution network and said Zig-Zag autotransformer.
Claim 3
Independent Claim 106 words
An apparatus for reducing the harmonic content of AC phase and neutral line currents between a load and a polyphase AC source distribution network, said apparatus comprising: a polyphase Zig-Zag autotransformer having input and output current lines, an input neutral line and an output neutral line, said input current lines and input neutral line being connected to said AC source distribution network, said output current lines and output neutral line being connected to said load; and means for increasing the source neutral impedance on said input neutral line experienced by said AC source distribution network relative to said Zig-Zag autotransformer connected in parallel with said load.
Claim 4
Independent Claim 106 words
An apparatus for reducing the harmonic content of AC phase and neutral line currents between a load and a polyphase AC source distribution network, said apparatus comprising: a polyphase Zig-Zag autotransformer having input and output current lines, an input neutral line and an output neutral line, said input current lines and input neutral line being connected to said AC source distribution network, said output current lines and output neutral line being connected to said load; and means for increasing the source neutral impedance on said input neutral line experienced by said AC source distribution network relative to said Zig-Zag autotransformer connected in parallel with said load.
Claim 5
Independent Claim 93 words
A method for reducing the harmonic content of AC phase and neutral line currents between a load and a polyphase AC source distribution network comprising the steps of: providing polyphase Zig-Zag autotransformer having input and output current lines, an input neutral line and an output neutral line; connecting said input current lines and input neutral line to said AC source distribution network; connecting said output current lines and output neutral line to said load; and connecting a choke within said input neutral line between said AC source distribution network and said Zig-Zag autotransformer.
Claim 6
Independent Claim 93 words
A method for reducing the harmonic content of AC phase and neutral line currents between a load and a polyphase AC source distribution network comprising the steps of: providing polyphase Zig-Zag autotransformer having input and output current lines, an input neutral line and an output neutral line; connecting said input current lines and input neutral line to said AC source distribution network; connecting said output current lines and output neutral line to said load; and connecting a choke within said input neutral line between said AC source distribution network and said Zig-Zag autotransformer.
Claim 7
Independent Claim 104 words
A method for reducing the harmonic content of AC phase and neutral line currents between a load and a polyphase AC source distribution network comprising the steps of: providing a polyphase Zig-Zag autotransformer having input and output current lines, an input neutral line and an output neutral line; connecting said input current lines and input neutral line to said AC source distribution network; connecting said output current lines and output neutral line to said load; and increasing the source neutral impedance on said input neutral line experienced by said AC source distribution network relative to said Zig-Zag autotransformer connected in parallel with said load.
Claim 8
Independent Claim 104 words
A method for reducing the harmonic content of AC phase and neutral line currents between a load and a polyphase AC source distribution network comprising the steps of: providing a polyphase Zig-Zag autotransformer having input and output current lines, an input neutral line and an output neutral line; connecting said input current lines and input neutral line to said AC source distribution network; connecting said output current lines and output neutral line to said load; and increasing the source neutral impedance on said input neutral line experienced by said AC source distribution network relative to said Zig-Zag autotransformer connected in parallel with said load.

References Cited (Backward Citations)

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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Annuity Stage Window Opens Payment Deadline Surcharge Period Until Estimated Fee Status
3.5 Years (Year 4) 1999-11-19 2000-05-20 2000-11-19 $2000.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8) 2003-11-19 2004-05-20 2004-11-19 $3760.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12) 2007-11-19 2008-05-20 2008-11-19 $7700.00 Window Closed / Lapsed

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