Configurable power converter

Abstract

A configurable power converter for converting between a direct current (DC) voltage and an alternating current (AC) voltage is disclosed. In one aspect, a configurable power converter includes a first set of switches coupled to a first set of ports, a set of filter components, and a second set of switches. In one aspect, a configurable power converter includes a controller configured to receive a configuration signal indicative of a selected configuration mode of the configurable power converter, enable a subset of a second set of switches in accordance with the configuration signal, and applying periodic pulses to the first set of switches according to the configuration signal to generate one or more AC voltages at one or more ports of the second set of ports.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application generally relates to systems and methods for converting between direct current (DC) power and alternating current (AC) power. background

[0002] A power converter can convert a DC voltage into an AC voltage to power other electrical components. For example, a computer, a television, a speaker, an electric light source, a refrigerator, or various electronic devices can receive an AC voltage (100V-220V) from a power converter and operate based on the received AC voltage. Different power converters can output different AC voltages, depending on the number of output ports, the specific voltage or frequency of the AC voltage to be supplied, load conditions, etc. For example, one power converter can output a single-phase 120V / 240AC voltage at two output ports, while another power converter can output a three-phase 139V / 240AC voltage at three output ports. In some cases, the power converter can be rearranged or reconfigured to provide power with different AC voltages or to provide power to different numbers of ports by manually replacing hardware components (such as transformers, inductors with different windings, electrical connectors, or any combination thereof). However, for the desired AC voltage, identifying and obtaining suitable hardware components may be troublesome. In addition, manually replacing hardware components involves a laborious process, which may be time-consuming and prone to human error. Overview

[0003] The present invention relates to a configurable power converter for adaptively converting between direct current (DC) power and alternating current (AC) power or between a DC voltage and an AC voltage. In some embodiments, the configurable power converter includes a first set of switches coupled to a first set of ports. In some embodiments, the configurable power converter includes a set of filter components coupled to a second set of ports. In some embodiments, the configurable power converter includes a second set of switches. In some embodiments, each of the second set of switches is coupled to a corresponding one of the filter components in a set of filter components or a corresponding one of the second set of ports. In some embodiments, the configurable power converter includes a controller. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to receive a configuration signal indicating a selected configuration mode of the configurable power converter. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to enable a subgroup of the second set of switches according to the configuration signal. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to apply periodic pulses to the first set of switches according to the configuration signal to generate one or more AC voltages at one or more ports in the second set of ports.

[0004] In one aspect, the controller is configured to disable another subset of the second set of switches based on a configuration signal and apply periodic pulses to the first set of switches while enabling a subset of the second set of switches and disabling another subset of the second set of switches.

[0005] In one aspect, the selected configuration mode is selected from two or more of the following items: a first configuration mode, in which two pairs of switches in the first group of switches are periodically switched to provide a single-phase AC voltage at two ports in the second group of ports, a second configuration mode, in which two pairs of switches in the first group of switches are periodically switched to provide a two-phase AC voltage at three ports in the second group of ports, a third configuration mode, in which three pairs of switches in the first group of switches are periodically switched to provide another two-phase AC voltage at three ports in the second group of ports, and a fourth configuration mode, in which three pairs of switches in the first group of switches are periodically switched to provide a three-phase AC voltage at three ports in the second group of ports.

[0006] In one aspect, the selected configuration mode is selected from two or more of the following items: a first configuration mode, in which the first two pairs of switches and the second two pairs of switches in the first group of switches are periodically switched to provide a single-phase AC voltage at the first two ports in the second group of ports, and provide another single-phase AC voltage at the second two ports in the second group of ports, and a second configuration mode, in which the first two pairs of switches and the second two pairs of switches in the first group of switches are periodically switched to provide a three-phase AC voltage at the first two ports and the second two ports in the second group of ports.

[0007] In one aspect, a configurable power converter includes an input device configured to receive a user selection of a selected configuration mode from one or more permissible configuration modes and generate a configuration signal indicative of the selected configuration mode based on the user selection.

[0008] In one aspect, a configurable power converter includes a communication interface configured to receive a configuration message indicating a selected configuration mode from a remote device and decode the configuration message to generate a configuration signal.

[0009] In one aspect, the first group of switches includes: a first switch coupled between a first input port in the first group of ports and a first node; a second switch coupled between a second input port in the first group of ports and the first node; a third switch coupled between the first input port and the second node; a fourth switch coupled between the second input port and the second node; a fifth switch coupled between the first input port and the third node; and a sixth switch coupled between the second input port and the third node.

[0010] In one aspect, a set of filter components includes: a first inductor, which is coupled between a first node and a first output port in a second set of ports; a second inductor, which is coupled between a second node and a second output port in the second set of ports; and a third inductor, which is coupled between a third node and a third output port in the second set of ports.

[0011] In one aspect, a configurable power converter includes: a first capacitor coupled between a first input port and a fourth node; a second capacitor coupled between a second input port and a fourth node; a third capacitor coupled between a first output port and a third output port; a fourth capacitor coupled between the second output port and the third output port; and a fifth capacitor coupled between the first output port and the second output port.

[0012] In one aspect, the second group of switches includes: a first configuration switch coupled between a third node and a first end of a third inductor; a second configuration switch coupled between a fourth node and a first end of the third inductor; a third configuration switch coupled between a third output port and a second end of the third inductor; and a fourth configuration switch coupled in series with a fifth capacitor between the first output port and the second output port.

[0013] In one aspect, a configurable power converter includes: a first capacitor coupled between a first input port and a fourth node; a second capacitor coupled between a second input port and a fourth node; a third capacitor coupled between a first output port and a fifth node; a fourth capacitor coupled between the second output port and a fifth node; and a fifth capacitor coupled between the third output port and the fifth node.

[0014] In one aspect, the second group of switches includes: a first configuration switch, which is coupled between the third node and the first end of the third inductor; a second configuration switch, which is coupled between the first end of the third inductor and the fourth node; a third configuration switch, which is coupled between the fourth node and the fifth node; a fourth configuration switch, which is coupled in series with the fifth capacitor between the third output port and the fifth node; a fifth configuration switch, which is coupled in series with the fourth capacitor between the second output port and the fifth node; a sixth configuration switch, which is coupled between the third output port and the fifth node; and a seventh configuration switch, which is coupled in series with the third capacitor between the first output port and the fifth node.

[0015] In one aspect, the first group of switches includes: a first switch coupled between a first input port in the first group of ports and a first node; a second switch coupled between a second input port in the first group of ports and the first node; a third switch coupled between the first input port and the second node; a fourth switch coupled between the second input port and the second node; a fifth switch coupled between the first input port and the third node; a sixth switch coupled between the second input port and the third node; a seventh switch coupled between the first input port and the fourth node; and an eighth switch coupled between the second input port and the fourth node.

[0016] In one aspect, a set of filter components includes: a first inductor, which is coupled between a first node and a first output port in a second set of ports; a second inductor, which is coupled between a second node and a second output port in the second set of ports; a third inductor, which is coupled between a third node and a third output port in the second set of ports; and a fourth inductor, which is coupled between a fourth node and a fourth output port in the second set of ports.

[0017] In one aspect, the configurable power converter includes: a first capacitor coupled between a first input port and a second input port; a second capacitor coupled between a first output port and a fifth node; a third capacitor coupled between the second output port and the fifth node; and a fourth capacitor coupled between the third output port and a fourth output port. In one aspect, the second set of switches includes a configuration switch coupled between the fourth output port and the fifth node.

[0018] In one aspect, the configurable power converter is coupled to a DC power source at a first set of ports. In one aspect, the configurable power converter is configured to receive a DC voltage from the DC power source at the first set of ports and provide one or more AC voltages to a load at one or more of the second set of ports.

[0019] In one aspect, the configurable power converter is coupled to the generator set at the second set of ports. In one aspect, the configurable power converter is configured to receive an AC voltage at the second set of ports and provide a DC voltage to the battery at the first set of ports according to a configuration signal.

[0020] In one aspect, the controller is configured to set the frequency of the pulses according to a configuration signal.

[0021] In one aspect, the configurable power converter includes a sensor device configured to monitor a voltage or current at one or more ports in the first group of ports or one or more ports in the second group of ports. In one aspect, the controller is configured to perform calibration, protection, diagnosis, or metering based on the monitored voltage or current.

[0022] Multiple embodiments disclosed herein relate to a method for converting between direct current (DC) power and alternating current (AC) power by a configurable power converter. In some embodiments, the configurable power converter includes a set of switches, a set of contactors, a set of filter components, and a controller. In some embodiments, the method includes receiving a DC voltage through a first set of ports of the configurable power converter coupled to a set of switches. In some embodiments, the method includes receiving a configuration signal indicating a selected configuration mode of the configurable power converter by the controller. In some embodiments, the method includes configuring a set of contactors according to the configuration signal by the controller. Configuring a set of contactors includes enabling a first subgroup in a set of contactors and disabling a second subgroup in a set of contactors. In some embodiments, the method includes switching a set of switches by the controller to generate one or more AC voltages at one or more ports in a second set of ports, while configuring a set of contactors according to the configuration signal.

[0023] In one aspect, a method includes setting, by the controller, a frequency of pulses used to switch the set of switches based on the configuration signal.

[0024] In one aspect, the method includes monitoring, by a sensor device, a voltage or current at one or more ports in the first group of ports or one or more ports in the second group of ports. In one aspect, the method includes performing calibration, protection, diagnosis, or metering, by the controller, based on the monitored voltage or current.

[0025] Multiple embodiments disclosed herein relate to a system for adaptively providing alternating current (AC) power based on direct current (DC) power. In some embodiments, the system includes a generator set configured to generate an AC voltage at one or more ports in a charging mode. In some embodiments, the system includes a power conversion device coupled to the generator set at one or more ports. In some embodiments, the power conversion device is configured to generate one or more AC voltages at one or more ports based on a DC voltage from a DC power source in a DC-AC conversion mode according to a selected configuration mode. In some embodiments, the power conversion device is configured to charge the DC power source based on the AC voltage from the generator set at one or more ports in a charging mode.

[0026] In one aspect, a power conversion device includes a first set of switches, a second set of switches, and a controller. In one aspect, the controller is configured to enable a subset of the second set of switches. In one aspect, the controller is configured to apply periodic pulses to the first set of switches to charge the DC power source while enabling the subset of the second set of switches.

[0027] A plurality of embodiments disclosed herein relate to a method for converting between a DC voltage and an AC voltage by a configurable power converter. In some embodiments, the configurable power converter comprises a first set of switches, a second set of switches, a set of filter components, and a controller. In some embodiments, the method comprises receiving a DC voltage by a first set of ports coupled to the first set of switches of the configurable power converter. In some embodiments, the method comprises receiving a configuration signal indicating a selected configuration mode of the configurable power converter by a controller. In some embodiments, the method comprises enabling a subgroup of the second set of switches by a controller according to the configuration signal. In some embodiments, each of the second set of switches is coupled to a corresponding one of the filter components in a set of filter components or a corresponding one of the second set of ports of the configurable power converter. In some embodiments, the method comprises applying periodic pulses to the first set of switches by a controller according to the configuration signal to generate one or more AC voltages at one or more ports in the second set of ports.

[0028] In one aspect, a method includes disabling another subset of the second set of switches according to a configuration signal and applying, by a controller, periodic pulses to the first set of switches while enabling a subset of the second set of switches and disabling another subset of the second set of switches.

[0029] In one aspect, the selected configuration mode is selected from two or more of the following: a first configuration mode, in which two pairs of switches in the first group of switches are periodically switched to provide a single-phase AC voltage at two ports in the second group of ports; a second configuration mode, in which two pairs of switches in the first group of switches are periodically switched to provide a two-phase AC voltage at three ports in the second group of ports; a third configuration mode, in which three pairs of switches in the first group of switches are periodically switched to provide another two-phase AC voltage at three ports in the second group of ports; and a fourth configuration mode, in which three pairs of switches in the first group of switches are periodically switched to provide a three-phase AC voltage at three ports in the second group of ports.

[0030] In one aspect, the selected configuration mode is selected from two or more of the following: a first configuration mode, in which the first two pairs of switches and the second two pairs of switches in the first group of switches are periodically switched to provide a single-phase AC voltage at the first two ports in the second group of ports, and to provide another single-phase AC voltage at the second two ports in the second group of ports; and a second configuration mode, in which the first two pairs of switches and the second two pairs of switches in the first group of switches are periodically switched to provide a three-phase AC voltage at the first two ports and the second two ports in the second group of ports.

[0031] In one aspect, a method includes receiving, via a communication interface, a configuration message indicating a selected configuration mode, and decoding, via the communication interface, the configuration message to generate a configuration signal. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the description, drawings, and claims, wherein: Figure 1 is a block diagram of an example system including a power conversion device having a configurable power converter; Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a configurable power converter; Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a generator set; Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a configurable power converter circuit; Figures 5 to 8 shows the operation in different configuration modes Figure 4 Configurable power converter circuit; Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of a configurable power converter circuit; Figures 10 to 13 shows the operation in different configuration modes Fig. 9 Configurable power converter circuit; Fig.14 is a schematic diagram of a configurable power converter circuit; Fig.15 and Fig.16 shows the operation in different configuration modes Fig.14 A configurable power converter circuit; and Fig.17 A method of adaptively converting between DC power and AC power is shown.

[0033] It will be appreciated that some or all of the drawings are schematic representations for illustrative purposes. The drawings are provided for the purpose of illustrating one or more implementations, with the express understanding that they will not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Detailed Description

[0034] Overview The following is a more detailed description of various concepts related to methods and devices for implementing power converters and implementations of these methods and devices. The various concepts introduced above and discussed in more detail below can be implemented in any of a variety of ways, and the concepts described are not limited to any particular implementation. Examples of specific implementations and applications are provided primarily for illustrative purposes.

[0035] The disclosure herein relates to a configurable power converter for converting between a DC voltage and one or more AC voltages. The power converter can operate as a DC-AC power converter, an AC-DC power converter, or both. In one aspect, the configurable power converter includes a first set of switches coupled to a first set of ports, a set of filter components coupled to a second set of ports, and a second set of switches. Examples of filter components include inductors, capacitors, resistors, or any electrical components. In a DC-AC conversion mode, the first set of ports may be input ports, and the second set of ports may be output ports. In an AC-DC conversion mode (or in a charging mode), the second set of ports may be input ports, and the first set of ports may be output ports. The first set of switches may be switches that may be periodically switched to convert a DC voltage into one or more AC voltages or to convert one or more AC voltages into a DC voltage. The second set of switches may be switches that electrically arrange the first set of switches, a set of filter components, and other components of the configurable power converter according to a selected configuration mode. In one aspect, the configurable power converter includes a controller. The controller is configured to receive a configuration signal indicating the selected configuration mode of the configurable power converter. The controller is configured to, in accordance with the configuration signal, enable a subset of the second set of switches and apply periodic pulses to the first set of switches to generate one or more AC voltages based on the received DC voltage, or to generate a DC voltage based on the received one or more AC voltages.

[0036] Advantageously, the configurable power converter can be arranged or operated in different modes in a simple manner according to the configuration signal. In one aspect, the configurable power converter includes an input device that can generate a configuration signal or is coupled to the input device. The input device can be a button, a dial, a touch pad, a touch display device, a set of switches, or any device that can generate an electrical signal according to a user's selection. The input device allows the user to select a configuration mode of the configurable power converter and generates a configuration signal indicating the selected configuration mode. According to the configuration signal, a subgroup of the second group of switches can be enabled and another subgroup of the second group of switches can be disabled to electrically arrange the first group of switches, a group of filter components, and other components of the configurable power converter in the selected configuration mode. By electrically arranging the configurable power converter according to the configuration signal, it is possible to avoid manually identifying and replacing the hardware components of the power converter to change the configuration mode.

[0037] In one aspect, the configurable power converter can be set or controlled by another device. For example, the configurable power converter includes a communication interface that can communicate with a remote server or user equipment. For example, a user equipment (e.g., a smart phone, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a desktop PC, or any computing device) operated by a user can transmit a configuration message to the configurable power converter. The configuration message is a signal indicating a selected configuration mode. Additionally or alternatively, the remote server can generate a configuration message and transmit the configuration message to the configurable power converter. The communication interface can decode the configuration message to generate a configuration signal according to the selected configuration mode indicated by the configuration message. The communication interface can provide a configuration signal to the controller. According to the configuration signal, a subgroup of the second group of switches can be enabled and another subgroup of the second group of switches can be disabled to electrically arrange the first group of switches, a group of filter components, and other components of the configurable power converter in the selected configuration mode. Therefore, by setting or controlling the configuration mode of the configurable power converter via a remote device, the configurable power converter can be adaptively used for different devices or systems.

[0038] Figure 1 1 is a block diagram of an example system 100 that includes a power conversion device 110 having a configurable power converter system 130 (also referred to herein as “configurable power converter 130”), a remote server 170, a user device 180, and a generator set 160 (also referred to as “generator set 160”). Power conversion device 110 may receive a user selection 115 of a configuration mode for configurable power converter 130, and generate one or more AC voltages 135 in accordance with user selection 115. Additionally or alternatively, power conversion device 110 may receive a message or instruction indicating a configuration mode from remote server 170, user device 180, or both remote server 170 and user device 180 over network 150, and generate one or more AC voltages 135 in accordance with the received message or instruction. In some embodiments, system 100 includes more than one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 More, less, or as shown in Figure 1 180, include additional remote servers 170, include additional electronic devices, no remote servers 170, no user devices 180, or any combination of the above. For example, in some embodiments, system 100 does not have remote servers 170, user devices 180, or generator sets 160.

[0039] The network 150 is a communication medium through which the configurable power converter 130, the remote server 170, and the user device 180 can communicate with each other. Examples of the network 150 include a wireless network (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular network, etc.), a wired network (e.g., Ethernet, USB, etc.), or a combination of a wireless network and a wired network.

[0040] In some embodiments, the power conversion device 110 is any electronic device that generates different AC voltages 135A ... 135N for different configuration modes. For example, the power conversion device 110 can be a portable generator. The power conversion device 110 can be connected to any electrical load, AC source, micro grid, utility grid or power grid, and provides AC voltage 135A ... 135N to the electrical load or power grid. In some embodiments, the power conversion device 110 includes a DC power source 120 and a configurable power converter 130. In some embodiments, the DC power source 120 is a battery or any electrical component that can provide a DC voltage 125. The configurable power converter 130 is a component that receives a DC voltage 125 from the DC power source 120 and generates different AC voltages 135 for different configuration modes. Examples of configuration modes include: 2 legs 1 phase 2 wire, 2 legs 2 phase (split phase) 3 wire, 3 legs 2 phase (split phase) 3 wire, 3 legs 3 phase 3 wire 208 VRMS (balanced load), 3 legs 3 phase 3 wire 480 VRMS (balanced load), 2x2 legs 1 phase 2 wire, 4 legs 3 phase 4 wire 208 VRMS (unbalanced load), 4 legs 3 phase 4 wire 480 VRMS (unbalanced load). The configurable power converter 130 can generate one or more AC voltages 135 according to the selected configuration mode as indicated by the user selection 115 or a message or instruction from a remote device. The configurable power converter 130 can provide one or more AC voltages 135 to an external device or an internal component of the power conversion device 110.

[0041] In some embodiments, the power conversion device 110 can convert one or more AC voltages 135 into a DC voltage 125. In one configuration, the power conversion device 110 can be connected to a generator set 160. In some embodiments, the power conversion device 110 can be connected to any load, AC source, microgrid, utility grid, or any combination thereof. The power conversion device 110 can receive one or more AC voltages 135 from the generator set 160 and convert one or more AC voltages 135 into a DC voltage 125 to charge the DC power source 120 or a battery. When charging the DC power source 120 or a battery, the configurable power converter 130 can generate a DC voltage 125 based on one or more AC voltages 135 from the generator set 160 according to the selected configuration mode as indicated by the user selection 115 or a message or instruction from a remote device.

[0042] In some embodiments, the user device 180 is a computing device that can be operated by a user. The user device 180 can be a smart phone, a computer, a laptop computer, a tablet PC, or any electronic device for setting the configuration mode of the power conversion device 110. The user device 180 may include one or more processors and a storage medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable medium) storing instructions that cause one or more processors to perform various functions for setting the configuration mode of the power conversion device 110 when executed by one or more processors. The user device 180 may include a communication interface to communicate with the remote server 170, the power conversion device 110, or both the remote server 170 and the power conversion device 110 through the network 150. In one example, the user device 180 presents a list of allowable configuration modes through a graphical user interface, and allows the user to select the selected configuration mode. In response to the user selection, the user device 180 can generate a configuration message. The configuration message is a signal indicating the selected configuration mode. The user device 180 can transmit the configuration message to the power conversion device 110 through the network 150 so that the configurable power converter provides one or more AC voltages 135 according to the configuration message.

[0043] In some embodiments, the user device 180 generates a configuration message in response to the authorization of the remote server 170. In one example, in response to a user selection, the user device 180 generates a request message. The request message is a signal requesting that the configurable power converter 130 be operated in the selected configuration mode. The user device 180 may transmit the request message to the remote server 170. In response to the request message, the remote server 170 may generate an authorization message. The authorization message is a signal indicating that the user can configure or operate the configurable power converter 130 in the selected or requested configuration mode. The remote server 170 may transmit the authorization message to the user device 180 that transmitted the request message. In response to the authorization message, the user device 180 may generate a configuration message indicating the selected configuration mode and transmit the configuration message to the power conversion device 110.

[0044] In some embodiments, the remote server 170 is a computer or any electronic device for managing or authorizing the configuration mode of the power conversion device 110. The server 170 may include one or more processors and a storage medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable medium) storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause one or more processors to perform various functions for managing and / or authorizing the configuration mode of the power conversion device 110. The remote server 170 may store a corresponding list of allowable configuration modes at a database or storage medium for each user or each power conversion device 110. The remote server 170 may receive a request message from a user device 180 and determine whether the user is authorized to operate the power conversion device 110 or the configurable power converter 130 in the requested configuration mode indicated by the request message. For example, the remote server 170 may determine whether the requested configuration mode is in a list of allowable configuration modes or is supported by the configurable power converter 130. For example, the remote server 170 may determine whether the payment for the requested configuration mode is approved. In response to determining or confirming that the user is authorized to operate the configurable power converter 130 in the requested configuration mode, the remote server 170 may generate an authorization message and transmit the authorization message to the user device 180. Additionally or alternatively, in response to determining or confirming that the user is authorized to operate the configurable power converter 130 in the requested configuration mode, the remote server 170 may generate a mode selection signal and transmit the mode selection signal to the power conversion device 110.

[0045] Figure 21 is a block diagram of configurable power converter 130. In some embodiments, configurable power converter 130 includes configurable power converter circuit 230, input device 265, controller 250, and communication interface 260. These components can operate together to convert between DC voltage 125 and one or more AC voltages 135 based on user selection 115 or configuration message 262. In some embodiments, configurable power converter 130 includes a configurable power converter circuit 230, an input device 265, a controller 250, and a communication interface 260. These components can operate together based on user selection 115 or configuration message 262 to convert between DC voltage 125 and one or more AC voltages 135. Figure 2 More, less, or as shown in Figure 2 The different parts are shown in .

[0046] Input device 265 is a device that receives user selection 115 and generates configuration signal 240A according to user selection 115. Configuration signal 240A is an electrical signal that indicates the selected configuration mode of configurable power converter 130. Examples of input device 265 include buttons, dials, touch pads, touch display devices, a set of switches, or any device that can generate electrical signals according to user selection 115. The user can manually touch, press, or configure input device 265 to select the desired configuration mode. Input device 265 can generate configuration signal 240A corresponding to the selected configuration and output or provide configuration signal 240A to controller 250.

[0047] In some embodiments, the input device 265 receives a user selection of an operating mode of the configurable power converter 130 and generates an operating mode signal 245A indicating the selected operating mode. The operating mode of the configurable power converter 130 can be selected from: a DC-AC conversion mode or an AC-DC conversion mode. In the AC-DC conversion mode, the configurable power converter 130 can provide an AC voltage to the power grid or a load device. In the DC-AC conversion mode, the configurable power converter 130 can receive an AC voltage, for example, from a generator set 160, and charge the DC power source 120 or a battery. The input device 265 can generate an operating mode signal 245A corresponding to the selected operating mode and provide the operating mode signal 245A to the controller 250.

[0048] The communication interface 260 is a device that can be connected to the network 150 to communicate with the remote server 170, the user device 180, or other devices. The communication interface 260 can receive a configuration message 262 from the remote server 170 or the user device 180, and generate a configuration signal 240B according to the configuration message 262. The configuration signal 240B is an electrical signal indicating the selected configuration mode of the configurable power converter 130. The communication interface 260 can receive the configuration message 262, and downconvert or decode the configuration message 262 to generate the configuration signal 240B. The communication interface 260 can output or provide the configuration signal 240B to the controller 250.

[0049] In some embodiments, communication interface 260 receives configuration message 262 and generates operating mode signal 245B indicating the selected operating mode according to configuration message 262. In one aspect, configuration message 262 indicates the selected operating mode of configurable power converter 130. Communication interface 260 may receive configuration message 262 via network 150 and down-convert or decode configuration message 262 to generate configuration signal 240B. Communication interface 260 may output or provide configuration signal 240B to controller 250.

[0050] The controller 250 is a device that configures or operates the configurable power converter circuit 230. The controller 250 can be implemented as a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or any logic circuit. In one aspect, the controller 250 receives the configuration signal 240A or the configuration signal 240B, and generates a pulse 255 and a mode control signal 258 according to the configuration signal 240A or the configuration signal 240B. The pulse 255 is a periodic signal for turning on or off one or more switches to convert between the DC voltage 125 and one or more AC voltages 135. The mode control signal 258 is a signal for enabling or disabling one or more switches corresponding to the selected configuration mode to arrange the various components of the configurable power converter circuit 230 in the selected configuration mode. The controller 250 can determine one or more parameters of the pulse 255 (e.g., frequency, pulse width, and the number of pulses 255 to be output, etc.) according to the selected configuration mode as indicated by the configuration signal 240A or the configuration signal 240B, and generate the pulse 255 according to the determined parameters. In addition, the controller 250 may determine which switch(es) of the configurable power converter circuit 230 to enable and which switch(es) of the configurable power converter circuit 230 to disable according to the selected configuration mode as indicated by the configuration signal 240A or the configuration signal 240B. The controller 250 may generate a mode control signal 258 according to the determination of which switches to enable and which switches to disable. The controller 250 may apply the mode control signal 258 to the configurable power converter circuit 230 to electrically arrange the various components of the configurable power converter circuit 230 in the selected configuration mode. When the various components of the configurable power converter circuit 230 are arranged in the selected configuration mode according to the mode control signal 258, the controller 250 may apply pulses 255 to the configurable power converter circuit 230 to convert between the DC voltage and one or more AC voltages 135.

[0051] The configurable power converter circuit 230 is a circuit that converts between a DC voltage 125 and one or more AC voltages 135 according to a pulse 255 and a mode control signal 258. In the DC-AC conversion mode, the configurable power converter circuit 230 can receive the DC voltage 125 and generate one or more AC voltages 135. In the AC-DC conversion mode (or in the charging mode), the configurable power converter circuit 230 can receive one or more AC voltages 135 and generate the DC voltage 125. The configurable power converter circuit 230 includes a first group of ports for receiving the DC voltage 125, and a second group of ports for providing or outputting the AC voltage 135A...135N in the DC-AC conversion mode. In one aspect, the configurable power converter circuit 230 includes a first group of switches coupled to the first group of ports, a group of filter components coupled to the second group of ports, and a second group of switches. Examples of filter components include inductors, capacitors, resistors, or any electrical components. The first group of switches can be switches that can be periodically switched according to the pulse 255 to convert between the DC voltage 125 and one or more AC voltages 135. The second set of switches may be switches used to electrically arrange the first set of switches, a set of filter components, and other components of the configurable power converter circuit 230 according to the mode control signal 258. Figures 4 to 16 A detailed description is provided regarding example configurations of the configurable power converter circuit 230 .

[0052] In some embodiments, the configurable power converter circuit 230 includes or is coupled to a sensor device 280. The sensor device 280 may include one or more voltage sensors, one or more current sensors, or a combination of one or more voltage sensors and one or more current sensors coupled to various components of the configurable power converter circuit 230. For example, the sensor device 280 may sense the current or AC voltage 135 at one or more ports in the first group of ports, at one or more ports in the second group of ports, or at a combination of one or more ports in the first group of ports and one or more ports in the second group of ports. The sensor device 280 may generate a sensor measurement 285 indicating the sensed current or AC voltage 135. The controller 250 may receive the sensor measurement 285 and perform calibration, protection, diagnosis, metering, or a combination thereof based on the sensor measurement. For example, the controller 250 may verify that the characteristics of the delivered power (e.g., the number of branches, the number of phases, the AC output voltage, the pulse width, the frequency, etc.) are consistent with the user selection 115 or the configuration message 262. For example, the controller 250 may compare the current or AC voltage 135 indicated by the sensor measurement 285 with the target value, and adjust one or more parameters of the pulse 255 (e.g., frequency, pulse width, and the number of pulses 255 to be output, etc.) and / or the mode control signal 258 so that the current or AC voltage 135 can be modified to be close to the target value. In one aspect, different calibrations, protections, diagnostics, or metering may be performed for different configuration modes. The controller 250 may determine the selected configuration mode and automatically perform calibration, protection, diagnostics, or metering corresponding to the selected configuration mode.

[0053] Figure 3 1 is a schematic diagram of a generator set 160. The generator set 160 may include an engine 310, a transmission coupling 315, and an alternator 320. These components may operate together to generate a DC voltage 125. In some embodiments, the generator set 160 includes a Figure 3 More, less, or as shown Figure 3 Different parts shown.

[0054] In some embodiments, the engine 310 is a machine or mechanical component that generates mechanical energy or mechanical force. In one configuration, the engine 310 is coupled to the alternator 320 via a transmission coupling 315. In some embodiments, the transmission coupling 315 is a mechanical component or shaft that rotates according to the mechanical force generated by the engine 310. The engine 310 can generate mechanical force based on the combustion of fuel to rotate the transmission coupling 315.

[0055] In some embodiments, the alternator 320 is a component that converts mechanical energy or mechanical force into electrical energy. In one configuration, the alternator 320 is coupled to the engine 310 via the transmission coupling 315. Depending on the rotation speed of the transmission coupling 315, the alternator 320 can generate one or more AC voltages 325A...325N. For example, the phase or frequency of the one or more AC voltages 325 can correspond to the rotation speed of the transmission coupling 315. The one or more AC voltages 325 can be provided to the configurable power converter 130 to charge the DC power source 120 (or battery).

[0056] Figure 4 4 is a schematic diagram of a configurable power converter circuit 400. The configurable power converter circuit 400 may be Figure 2 Configurable power converter circuit 230. In some embodiments, configurable power converter circuit 400 includes a first set of switches SW1 to SW6, a second set of switches CSW1 to CSW5, inductors L1 to L3, and capacitors C1 to C5. In one aspect, inductors L1 to L3 and capacitors C1 to C5 can constitute or be used as filter components. These components can operate together to convert between the DC voltage 125 at ports PortA1 and PortA2 and the AC voltage at two or more of ports PortB1, PortB2, and PortB3. In one method, for DC-AC conversion, configurable power converter circuit 400 can receive DC voltage 125 at ports PortA1 and PortA2 as input ports, and generate AC voltage at two or more of ports PortB1, PortB2, and PortB3 as output ports according to pulses 255 applied to the first set of switches SW1 to SW6 and mode control signals 258 applied to the second set of switches CSW1 to CSW5. In one approach, for AC-DC conversion, the configurable power converter circuit 400 can receive an AC voltage at two or more of the ports PortB1, PortB2, and PortB3 as input ports, and generate a DC voltage 125 at the ports PortA1 and PortA2 as output ports, according to a pulse 255 applied to the first set of switches SW1 to SW6 and a mode control signal 258 applied to the second set of switches CSW1 to CSW5. The first set of switches SW1 to SW6 and the second set of switches CSW1 to CSW5 can be implemented as transistors (e.g., metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors), contactors, or any electrical components that can be electrically coupled or decoupled. In some embodiments, the configurable power converter circuit 400 includes a circuit that is configured to generate a DC voltage 125 at the ports PortA1 and PortA2 as output ports. Figure 4 More, less, or as shown in Figure 4 The different parts are shown in .

[0057] In one configuration, switch SW1 is coupled between port PortA1 and node N1, and switch SW2 is coupled between port PortA2 and node N1. In one configuration, switch SW3 is coupled between port PortA1 and node N2, and switch SW4 is coupled between port PortA2 and node N2. In one configuration, switch SW5 is coupled between port PortA1 and node N3, and switch SW6 is coupled between port PortA2 and node N3.

[0058] In one configuration, capacitor C1 is coupled between port PortA1 and node N4, and capacitor C2 is coupled between port PortA2 and node N4. In one configuration, capacitor C3 is coupled between port PortB1 and port PortB3, and capacitor C4 is coupled between port PortB2 and port PortB3.

[0059] In one configuration, inductor L1 is coupled between node N1 and port PortB1, and inductor L2 is coupled between node N2 and port PortB2. In one configuration, inductor L3 is coupled between switches CSW1, CSW3, wherein switch CSW1 is coupled between node N3 and a first end of inductor L3, and switch CSW3 is coupled between port PortB3 and a second end of inductor L3. In one configuration, switch CSW2 is coupled between node N4 and a first end of inductor L3. In one configuration, capacitor C5 and switches CSW4, CSW5 are coupled in series between port PortB1 and port PortB2.

[0060] In some embodiments, the configurable power converter circuit 400 includes or is coupled to sensors V1, V2, V3, A1, A2, A3. Sensors V1, V2, V3, A1, A2, A3 may be part of the sensor device 280. Sensor V1 is a voltage sensor capable of detecting a voltage at port PortA1 or a voltage between ports PortA1 and PortA2. Sensor V2 is a voltage sensor capable of detecting a voltage at port PortB1. Sensor V3 is a voltage sensor capable of detecting a voltage at port PortB2. Sensor A1 is a current sensor capable of detecting a current through inductor L1 or port PortB1. Sensor A2 is a current sensor capable of detecting a current through inductor L2 or port PortB2. Sensor A3 is a current sensor capable of detecting a current through inductor L3 or port PortB3. Calibration, protection, diagnosis, or metering is performed based on sensor measurements from one or more of sensors V1, V2, V3, A1, A2, A3, according to the selected configuration mode of the configurable power converter circuit 400. For example, depending on the configuration mode of the configurable power converter circuit 400 , the controller 250 may omit or bypass analyzing the voltage and / or current of a node or port coupled to or associated with the disabled switch CSW.

[0061] In one aspect, the configurable power converter circuit 400 can operate in multiple configuration modes according to the mode control signal 258. In a first configuration mode, the switches CSW1 to CSW5 can be disabled according to the mode control signal 258 so that the configurable power converter circuit 400 can be electrically arranged as follows: Figure 5 Equivalent circuit 500 is shown. For DC-AC conversion, in the first configuration mode, switches SW1 to SW4 can be switched according to pulse 255 to generate a single-phase AC voltage at ports PortB1 and PortB2 based on the DC voltage at ports PortA1 and PortA2. For AC-DC conversion (or battery charging), in the first configuration mode, switches SW1 to SW4 can be switched according to pulse 255 to generate a DC voltage at ports PortA1 and PortA2 based on the single-phase AC voltage at ports PortB1 and PortB2.

[0062] In the second configuration mode, according to the mode control signal 258, the switches CSW1, CSW4, CSW5 may be disabled and the switches CSW2, CSW3 may be enabled, so that the configurable power converter circuit 400 may be electrically arranged as follows: Figure 6Equivalent circuit 600 is shown. For DC-AC conversion, in the second configuration mode, switches SW1 to SW4 can be switched according to pulses 255 to generate split-phase (or two-phase) AC voltages at ports PortB1, PortB2, and PortB3 based on the DC voltages at ports PortA1 and PortA2. For AC-DC conversion, in the second configuration mode, switches SW1 to SW4 can be switched according to pulses 255 to generate DC voltages at ports PortA1 and PortA2 based on the split-phase (or two-phase) AC voltages at ports PortB1, PortB2, and PortB3.

[0063] In the third configuration mode, according to the mode control signal 258, the switches CSW2, CSW4, CSW5 may be disabled and the switches CSW1, CSW3 may be enabled, so that the configurable power converter circuit 400 may be electrically arranged as follows: Figure 7 Equivalent circuit 700 is shown. For DC-AC conversion, in the third configuration mode, switches SW1 to SW6 can be switched according to pulses 255 to generate split-phase (or two-phase) AC voltages at ports PortB1, PortB2, and PortB3 based on the DC voltages at ports PortA1 and PortA2. For AC-DC conversion, in the third configuration mode, switches SW1 to SW6 can be switched according to pulses 255 to generate DC voltages at ports PortA1 and PortA2 based on the split-phase (or two-phase) AC voltages at ports PortB1, PortB2, and PortB3.

[0064] In the fourth configuration mode, according to the mode control signal 258, the switch CSW2 may be disabled and the switches CSW1, CSW3, CSW4, CSW5 may be enabled, so that the configurable power converter circuit 400 may be electrically arranged as follows: Figure 8 Equivalent circuit 800 is shown. For DC-AC conversion, in the fourth configuration mode, switches SW1 to SW6 can be switched according to pulse 255 to generate a three-phase AC voltage (e.g., 208 VRMS or 480 VRMS) for balanced loads at ports PortB1, PortB2, and PortB3 based on the DC voltage at ports PortA1 and PortA2. For AC-DC conversion, in the fourth configuration mode, switches SW1 to SW6 can be switched according to pulse 255 to generate a DC voltage at ports PortA1 and PortA2 based on the three-phase AC voltage (e.g., 208 VRMS or 480 VRMS) for balanced loads at ports PortB1, PortB2, and PortB3.

[0065] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of a configurable power converter circuit 900. The configurable power converter circuit 900 may be Figure 2 Configurable power converter circuit 230. In some embodiments, configurable power converter circuit 900 includes a first set of switches SW1 to SW6, a second set of switches CSW1 to CSW7, inductors L1 to L3, and capacitors C1 to C5. In one aspect, inductors L1 to L3 and capacitors C1 to C5 can constitute or be used as filter components. These components can operate together to convert between a DC voltage 125 at ports PortA1 and PortA2 and an AC voltage at two or more of ports PortB1, PortB2, and PortB3. In one method, for DC-AC conversion, configurable power converter circuit 900 can receive a DC voltage 125 at ports PortA1 and PortA2 according to a pulse 255 applied to the first set of switches SW1 to SW6 and a mode control signal 258 applied to the second set of switches CSW1 to CSW7, and generate an AC voltage at two or more of ports PortB1, PortB2, and PortB3. In one approach, for AC-DC conversion, the configurable power converter circuit 900 can receive an AC voltage at two or more of ports PortB1, PortB2, and PortB3, and generate a DC voltage 125 at ports PortA1 and PortA2, according to a pulse 255 applied to a first set of switches SW1 to SW6 and a mode control signal 258 applied to a second set of switches CSW1 to CSW7. The first set of switches SW1 to SW6 and the second set of switches CSW1 to CSW7 can be implemented as transistors (e.g., metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors), contactors, or any electrical components that can be electrically coupled or decoupled. In some embodiments, the configurable power converter circuit 900 includes a circuit that is configured to receive an AC voltage at two or more of ports PortB1, PortB2, and PortB3, and generate a DC voltage 125 at ports PortA1 and PortA2. Fig. 9 More, less, or as shown in Fig. 9 The different parts are shown in .

[0066] In one configuration, switch SW1 is coupled between port PortA1 and node N1, and switch SW2 is coupled between port PortA2 and node N1. In one configuration, switch SW3 is coupled between port PortA1 and node N2, and switch SW4 is coupled between port PortA2 and node N2. In one configuration, switch SW5 is coupled between port PortA1 and node N3, and switch SW6 is coupled between port PortA2 and node N3.

[0067] In one configuration, capacitor C1 is coupled between port PortA1 and node N4, and capacitor C2 is coupled between port PortA2 and node N4. In one configuration, capacitor C3 is coupled in series with switch CSW7 between port PortB1 and node N5. In one configuration, capacitor C4 is coupled in series with switch CSW5 between port PortB2 and node N5. In one configuration, capacitor C5 is coupled in series with switch CSW4 between port PortB3 and node N5. In one configuration, switch CSW6 is coupled between port PortB3 and node N5. In one configuration, switch CSW3 is coupled between node N4 and node N5. In one configuration, switch CSW1 is coupled between node N3 and inductor L3. In one configuration, switch CSW2 is coupled between node N4 and inductor L3.

[0068] In one configuration, inductor L1 is coupled between node N1 and port PortB1, and inductor L2 is coupled between node N2 and port PortB2. In one configuration, a first end of inductor L3 is coupled to switches CSW1, CSW2, and a second end of inductor L3 is coupled to port PortB3.

[0069] In some embodiments, the configurable power converter circuit 900 includes or is coupled to sensors V1, V2, V3, V4, A1, A2, A3. Sensors V1, V2, V3, V4, A1, A2, A3 may be part of the sensor device 280. Sensor V1 is a voltage sensor capable of detecting a voltage at port PortA1 or a voltage between ports PortA1 and PortA2. Sensor V2 is a voltage sensor capable of detecting a voltage at port PortB1. Sensor V3 is a voltage sensor capable of detecting a voltage at port PortB2. Sensor V4 is a voltage sensor capable of detecting a voltage at port PortB3. Sensor A1 is a current sensor capable of detecting a current through inductor L1 or port PortB1. Sensor A2 is a current sensor capable of detecting a current through inductor L2 or port PortB2. Sensor A3 is a current sensor capable of detecting a current through inductor L3 or port PortB3. Calibration, protection, diagnosis, or metering is performed based on sensor measurements from one or more of the sensors V1, V2, V3, V4, A1, A2, A3, depending on the selected configuration mode of the configurable power converter circuit 900. For example, depending on the configuration mode of the configurable power converter circuit 900, the controller 250 may omit or bypass analyzing the voltage and / or current of a node or port coupled to or associated with the disabled switch CSW.

[0070] In one aspect, the configurable power converter circuit 900 can operate in multiple configuration modes according to the mode control signal 258. In the first configuration mode, according to the mode control signal 258, the switches CSW1 to CSW4 and CSW6 can be disabled, and the switches CSW5 and CSW7 can be enabled, so that the configurable power converter circuit 900 can be electrically arranged as follows: Fig.10 Equivalent circuit 1000 is shown. In one method, for DC-AC conversion, in a first configuration mode, switches SW1 to SW4 can be switched according to pulses 255 to generate a single-phase AC voltage at ports PortB1 and PortB2 based on the DC voltage at ports PortA1 and PortA2. In one method, for AC-DC conversion, in a first configuration mode, switches SW1 to SW4 can be switched according to pulses 255 to generate a DC voltage at ports PortA1 and PortA2 based on the single-phase AC voltage at ports PortB1 and PortB2.

[0071] In the second configuration mode, according to the mode control signal 258, the switches CSW1, CSW3, CSW4 may be disabled, and the switches CSW2, CSW5, CSW6, CSW7 may be enabled, so that the configurable power converter circuit 900 may be electrically arranged as follows: Fig.11 Equivalent circuit 1100 is shown. For DC-AC conversion, in the second configuration mode, switches SW1 to SW4 can be switched according to pulses 255 to generate split-phase (or two-phase) AC voltages at ports PortB1, PortB2, and PortB3 based on the DC voltages at ports PortA1 and PortA2. For AC-DC conversion, in the second configuration mode, switches SW1 to SW4 can be switched according to pulses 255 to generate DC voltages at ports PortA1 and PortA2 based on the split-phase (or two-phase) AC voltages at ports PortB1, PortB2, and PortB3.

[0072] In the third configuration mode, switches CSW2 to CSW4 may be disabled and switches CSW1, CSW5, CSW6, CSW7 may be enabled according to the mode control signal 258, so that the configurable power converter circuit 900 may be electrically arranged as follows: Fig.12Equivalent circuit 1200 is shown. For DC-AC conversion, in the third configuration mode, switches SW1 to SW6 can be switched according to pulses 255 to generate split-phase (or two-phase) AC voltages at ports PortB1, PortB2, and PortB3 based on the DC voltages at ports PortA1 and PortA2. For AC-DC conversion, in the third configuration mode, switches SW1 to SW6 can be switched according to pulses 255 to generate DC voltages at ports PortA1 and PortA2 based on the split-phase (or two-phase) AC voltages at ports PortB1, PortB2, and PortB3.

[0073] In the fourth configuration mode, switches CSW2 and CSW6 may be disabled and switches CSW1, CSW3, CSW4, CSW5, and CSW7 may be enabled according to the mode control signal 258, so that the configurable power converter circuit 900 may be electrically arranged as follows: Fig.13 In the equivalent circuit 1300 shown. For DC-AC conversion, in the fourth configuration mode, the switches SW1 to SW6 can be switched according to the pulse 255 to generate a three-phase AC voltage (e.g., 208 VRMS or 480 VRMS) for balancing the load at the ports PortB1, PortB2, and PortB3 based on the DC voltage at the ports PortA1 and PortA2. For AC-DC conversion, in the fourth configuration mode, the switches SW1 to SW6 can be switched according to the pulse 255 to generate a DC voltage at the ports PortA1 and PortA2 based on the three-phase AC voltage (e.g., 208 VRMS or 480 VRMS) for balancing the load at the ports PortB1, PortB2, and PortB3.

[0074] Fig.14 1 is a schematic diagram of a configurable power converter circuit 1400. The configurable power converter circuit 1400 may be Figure 2Configurable power converter circuit 230. In some embodiments, configurable power converter circuit 1400 includes a first set of switches SW1 to SW8, switch CSW1, inductors L1 to L4, and capacitors C1 to C4. In one aspect, inductors L1 to L4 and capacitors C1 to C4 can constitute or be used as filter components. These components can operate together to convert between the DC voltage 125 at ports PortA1 and PortA2 and the AC voltage at two or more of ports PortB1, PortB2, PortB3, and PortB4. In one method, for DC-AC conversion, configurable power converter circuit 1400 can receive DC voltage 125 at ports PortA1 and PortA2 according to pulses 255 applied to the first set of switches SW1 to SW8 and a mode control signal 258 applied to switch CSW1, and generate AC voltage at two or more of ports PortB1, PortB2, PortB3, and PortB4. In one approach, for AC-DC conversion, the configurable power converter circuit 1400 can receive an AC voltage at two or more of ports PortB1, PortB2, PortB3, PortB4 and generate a DC voltage 125 at ports PortA1, PortA2 according to a pulse 255 applied to the first set of switches SW1 to SW8 and a mode control signal 258 applied to the switch CSW1. The first set of switches SW1 to SW8 and the switch CSW1 can be implemented as transistors (e.g., metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors), contactors, or any electrical components that can be electrically coupled or decoupled. In some embodiments, the configurable power converter circuit 1400 includes a circuit that is more Fig.14 More, less, or as shown in Fig.14 The different parts are shown in .

[0075] In some embodiments, the configurable power converter circuit 1400 includes or is coupled to sensors V1, V2, V3, V4, A1, A2, A3. Sensors V1, V2, V3, V4, A1, A2, A3 may be part of the sensor device 280. Sensor V1 is a voltage sensor capable of detecting a voltage at port PortA1 or a voltage between ports PortA1 and PortA2. Sensor V2 is a voltage sensor capable of detecting a voltage at port PortB1. Sensor V3 is a voltage sensor capable of detecting a voltage at port PortB2. Sensor V4 is a voltage sensor capable of detecting a voltage at port PortB3. Sensor A1 is a current sensor capable of detecting a current through inductor L1 or port PortB1. Sensor A2 is a current sensor capable of detecting a current through inductor L2 or port PortB2. Sensor A3 is a current sensor capable of detecting a current through inductor L3 or port PortB3. Calibration, protection, diagnosis, or metering may be performed based on sensor measurements from one or more of the sensors V1, V2, V3, V4, A1, A2, A3, depending on the selected configuration mode of the configurable power converter circuit 1400. For example, depending on the configuration mode of the configurable power converter circuit 1400, the controller 250 may omit or bypass analyzing the voltage and / or current of a node or port coupled to or associated with the disabled switch CSW.

[0076] In one configuration, switch SW1 is coupled between port PortA1 and node N1, and switch SW2 is coupled between port PortA2 and node N1. In one configuration, switch SW3 is coupled between port PortA1 and node N2, and switch SW4 is coupled between port PortA2 and node N2. In one configuration, switch SW5 is coupled between port PortA1 and node N3, and switch SW6 is coupled between port PortA2 and node N3. In one configuration, switch SW7 is coupled between port PortA1 and node N4, and switch SW8 is coupled between port PortA2 and node N4.

[0077] In one configuration, capacitor C1 is coupled between port PortA1 and port PortA2. In one configuration, capacitor C2 is coupled between port PortB1 and node N5. In one configuration, capacitor C3 is coupled between port PortB2 and node N5. In one configuration, capacitor C4 is coupled between port PortB3 and port PortB4.

[0078] In one configuration, inductor L1 is coupled between node N1 and port PortB1, and inductor L2 is coupled between node N2 and port PortB2. In one configuration, inductor L3 is coupled between node N3 and port PortB3, and inductor L4 is coupled between node N4 and port PortB4.

[0079] In one aspect, the configurable power converter circuit 1400 can operate in multiple configuration modes according to the mode control signal 258. In the first configuration mode, the switch CSW1 can be disabled according to the mode control signal 258 so that the configurable power converter circuit 1400 can be electrically arranged as follows: Fig.15 Equivalent circuit 1500 is shown. For DC-AC conversion, in the first configuration mode, switches SW1 to SW8 can be switched according to pulse 255 to generate a single-phase AC voltage at ports PortB1 and PortB2 based on the DC voltage at ports PortA1 and PortA2, and a single-phase AC voltage at ports PortB3 and PortB4. For AC-DC conversion, in the first configuration mode, switches SW1 to SW8 can be switched according to pulse 255 to generate a DC voltage at ports PortA1 and PortA2 based on the single-phase AC voltage at ports PortB1 and PortB2 and / or the single-phase AC voltage at ports PortB3 and PortB4.

[0080] In the second configuration mode, the switch CSW1 may be enabled according to the mode control signal 258 so that the configurable power converter circuit 1400 may be electrically arranged as follows: Fig.16 Equivalent circuit 1600 is shown. For DC-AC conversion, in the second configuration mode, switches SW1 to SW8 can be switched according to pulse 255 to generate a three-phase AC voltage (e.g., 208 VRMS or 480 VRMS) for an unbalanced load at ports PortB1, PortB2, PortB3, and PortB4 based on the DC voltage at ports PortA1 and PortA2. For AC-DC conversion, in the second configuration mode, switches SW1 to SW8 can be switched according to pulse 255 to generate a DC voltage at ports PortA1 and PortA2 based on the three-phase AC voltage (e.g., 208 VRMS or 480 VRMS) for an unbalanced load at ports PortB1, PortB2, PortB3, and PortB4.

[0081] Fig.17A method 1700 for converting between DC power and AC power is shown. In some embodiments, the method 1700 is performed by a configurable power converter 130. The configurable power converter 130 may be coupled to a generator set or implemented as part of a generator set. In some embodiments, the method 1700 is performed by any electrical component used for DC-AC power conversion or AC-DC power conversion. In some embodiments, the method 1700 includes: Fig.17 More, less, or as shown Fig.17 For example, in some embodiments, method 1700 does not have steps 1720, 1730, 1740, 1750, 1760, 1770. For example, in some embodiments, method 1700 does not have steps 1720, 1735, 1745, 1755, 1765, 1775. For example, in some embodiments, method 1700 does not have steps 1760, 1765.

[0082] In one method, the configurable power converter 130 determines 1720 whether the configurable power converter is operating in a DC-AC conversion mode or in an AC-DC conversion mode. In one configuration, the configurable power converter 130 includes or is coupled to a DC power source 120 at a first set of ports (e.g., PortA). In one configuration, the configurable power converter 130 can be adaptively coupled to a power grid, a load device, or a generator set at a second set of ports (e.g., PortB). The configurable power converter 130 can automatically determine whether the configurable power converter 130 is operating in a DC-AC conversion mode or in an AC-DC conversion mode by detecting which component is connected to the configurable power converter 130. Alternatively or additionally, the configurable power converter 130 can determine whether the configurable power converter 130 is operating in a DC-AC conversion mode or in an AC-DC conversion mode based on a user selection or an external input.

[0083] In one approach, the configurable power converter 130 may automatically determine whether the configurable power converter is operating in a DC-AC conversion mode or in an AC-DC conversion mode. The configurable power converter 130 may include one or more sensors (e.g., sensor device 280) that may determine whether the generator set 160 is coupled to a second set of ports of the configurable power converter 130. In response to detecting that the second set of ports is disconnected from the generator set 160 and one or more of the second set of ports is connected to a power grid or a load device, the controller 250 of the configurable power converter 130 may automatically determine that the configurable power converter 130 is operating in a DC-AC conversion mode to provide an AC voltage at one or more of the second set of ports. In response to detecting that one or more of the second set of ports is connected to the generator set 160, the controller 250 of the configurable power converter 130 may automatically determine that the configurable power converter 130 is operating in an AC-DC conversion mode (or a charging mode).

[0084] In one approach, the configurable power converter 130 may determine whether the configurable power converter is operating in a DC-AC conversion mode or in an AC-DC conversion mode based on an operation mode signal 245 indicating an operation mode (e.g., a DC-AC conversion mode or an AC-DC conversion mode). In one embodiment, the configurable power converter 130 includes or is coupled to an input device 265 and receives an operation mode signal 245A from the input device 265. Alternatively or additionally, the configurable power converter 130 includes or is coupled to a communication interface 260 and receives an operation mode signal 245B from the communication interface 260.

[0085] The input device 265 may be a device that receives the user selection 115 and generates an operating mode signal 245A according to the user selection 115. Examples of the input device 265 include a button, a dial, a touch pad, a touch display device, a set of switches, or any device that can generate an electrical signal according to the user selection 115. The user may manually touch, press, or configure the input device 265 to select the desired operating mode. The input device 265 may generate an operating mode signal 245A corresponding to the selected operating mode and provide the operating mode signal 245A to the controller 250.

[0086] The communication interface 260 is a device that can be connected to the network 150 to communicate with the remote server 170, the user device 180, or other devices. The communication interface 260 can receive an operation mode message or a configuration message from the remote server 170 or the user device 180, and generate an operation mode signal 245B according to the operation mode message. The communication interface 260 can receive the operation mode message, and down-convert or decode the operation mode message to generate the operation mode signal 245B. The communication interface 260 can output or provide the operation mode signal 245B to the controller 250.

[0087] In one approach, configurable power converter 130 receives 1730 DC voltage 125 . In response to determining that configurable power converter 130 is operating in the DC-AC conversion mode, configurable power converter 130 may receive DC voltage 125 from DC power source 120 .

[0088] In one approach, the configurable power converter 130 determines 1740 a selected configuration mode from a set of configuration modes of the configurable power converter 130. The selected configuration mode may be indicated by a configuration signal 240. The configurable power converter 130 may receive or obtain the configuration signal 240 through an input device 265 or a communication interface 260, and determine the selected configuration mode indicated by the configuration signal 240. For example, a user may manually touch, press, or configure the input device 265 to select a desired configuration mode. The input device 265 may generate a configuration signal 240A corresponding to the selected configuration, and output or provide the configuration signal 240A to the controller 250. For example, the communication interface 260 may receive a configuration message 262 from a remote server 170 or a user device 180, and generate a configuration signal 240B according to the configuration message 262. The communication interface 260 may receive the configuration message 262, and down-convert or decode the configuration message 262 to generate the configuration signal 240B. The communication interface 260 may output or provide the configuration signal 240B to the controller 250 .

[0089] In one approach, the configurable power converter 130 enables 1750 a subset of a set of configuration switches according to a configuration signal. In one aspect, the controller 250 receives the configuration signal 240A or the configuration signal 240B and generates a mode control signal 258 according to the configuration signal 240A or the configuration signal 240B. The controller 250 may determine which switch(es) of the configurable power converter circuit 230 (e.g., CSW) to enable and which switch(es) of the configurable power converter circuit 230 (e.g., CSW) to disable according to the selected configuration mode as indicated by the configuration signal 240A or the configuration signal 240B. The controller 250 may generate the mode control signal 258 according to the determination of which switches to enable and which switches to disable. The controller 250 may apply the mode control signal 258 to the configurable power converter circuit 230 to electrically arrange the various components of the configurable power converter circuit 230 in the selected configuration mode.

[0090] In one approach, the configurable power converter 130 confirms 1760 the configuration. The configurable power converter 130 may monitor the voltage or current at one or more of the first group of ports (e.g., PortA) or one or more of the second group of ports (e.g., PortB) via one or more sensor devices. Based on the monitored voltage or current, the configurable power converter 130 may perform calibration, protection, diagnostics, or metering to ensure that the configurable power converter 130 is correctly set in the selected configuration mode.

[0091] In one approach, the configurable power converter 130 applies 1770 periodic pulses 255 to the first set of switches to generate one or more AC voltages at one or more ports in the second set of ports (e.g., PortB). In one aspect, the controller 250 receives the configuration signal 240A or the configuration signal 240B, and generates the pulses 255 according to the configuration signal 240A or the configuration signal 240B. The controller 250 may determine one or more parameters of the pulses 255 (e.g., frequency, pulse width, and the number of pulses 255 to be output, etc.) according to the selected configuration mode as indicated by the configuration signal 240A or the configuration signal 240B, and generate the pulses 255 according to the determined parameters. When the various components of the configurable power converter circuit 230 are arranged in the selected configuration mode according to the mode control signal 258, the controller 250 may apply the pulses 255 to the configurable power converter circuit 230 to generate one or more AC voltages 135 based on the DC voltage 125.

[0092] In one approach, configurable power converter 130 receives 1735 one or more AC voltages. In response to determining that configurable power converter 130 is operating in the AC-DC conversion mode, configurable power converter 130 may receive one or more AC voltages, for example, from genset 160 .

[0093] In one approach, configurable power converter 130 determines 1745 a selected configuration mode from a set of configuration modes of configurable power converter 130. The selected configuration mode may be indicated by configuration signal 240 via input device 265 or communication interface 260.

[0094] In one approach, the configurable power converter 130 enables 1755 a subset of a set of configuration switches according to a configuration signal. In one aspect, the controller 250 receives the configuration signal 240A or the configuration signal 240B and generates a mode control signal 258 according to the configuration signal 240A or the configuration signal 240B. The controller 250 may determine which switch(es) of the configurable power converter circuit 230 (e.g., CSW) to enable and which switch(es) of the configurable power converter circuit 230 (e.g., CSW) to disable according to the selected configuration mode as indicated by the configuration signal 240A or the configuration signal 240B. The controller 250 may generate the mode control signal 258 according to the determination of which switches to enable and which switches to disable. The controller 250 may apply the mode control signal 258 to the configurable power converter circuit 230 to electrically arrange the various components of the configurable power converter circuit 230 in the selected configuration mode.

[0095] In one approach, the configurable power converter 130 confirms 1765 the configuration. The configurable power converter 130 may monitor the voltage or current at one or more of the first group of ports (e.g., PortA) or one or more of the second group of ports (e.g., PortB) via one or more sensor devices. Based on the monitored voltage or current, the configurable power converter 130 may perform calibration, protection, diagnostics, or metering to ensure that the configurable power converter 130 is correctly set in the selected configuration mode.

[0096] In one approach, the configurable power converter 130 applies 1775 periodic pulses 255 to the first set of switches to generate the DC voltage 125 at the first set of ports (e.g., PortA). In one aspect, the controller 250 receives the configuration signal 240A or the configuration signal 240B, and generates the pulses 255 according to the configuration signal 240A or the configuration signal 240B. The controller 250 may determine one or more parameters of the pulses 255 (e.g., frequency, pulse width, and the number of pulses 255 to be output, etc.) according to the selected configuration mode as indicated by the configuration signal 240A or the configuration signal 240B, and generate the pulses 255 according to the determined parameters. When the various components of the configurable power converter circuit 230 are arranged in the selected configuration mode according to the mode control signal 258, the controller 250 may apply the pulses 255 to the configurable power converter circuit 230 to generate the DC voltage 125 based on one or more AC voltages 135 from the generator set 160.

[0097] Explanation of Example Embodiments Although this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be interpreted as limitations on the scope of what can be claimed, but rather should be interpreted as descriptions of features specific to a particular implementation. Certain features described in this specification in the context of separate implementations may also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single implementation may also be implemented individually or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple implementations. In addition, although features may be described as working in certain combinations or even initially claimed as such, one or more features from the claimed combination may be deleted from the combination in some cases, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or a variation of the sub-combination.

[0098] As used herein, the terms "substantially," "approximately," and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning consistent with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of the present disclosure belongs. Those skilled in the art who review the present disclosure should understand that these terms are intended to allow description of certain features described and claimed without limiting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Therefore, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations to the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the invention set forth in the appended claims.

[0099] As used herein, the term "coupled" and variations thereof refer to the coupling of two components directly or indirectly to one another. Such coupling may be fixed (e.g., permanent) or movable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such coupling may be achieved by the two components or the two components and any additional intermediate components being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another, the two components being attached to one another, or the two components and any additional intermediate components being attached to one another.

[0100] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the systems shown in the various example embodiments are illustrative only and not restrictive. All changes and modifications that fall within the spirit and / or scope of the described embodiments are intended to be protected. It should be understood that some features may not be required, and implementations lacking multiple features may be conceived to be within the scope of the present application, which scope is defined by the appended claims. When the language "a portion" is used, the item may include a portion of the item and / or the entire item unless otherwise expressly stated.

Claims

1. A configurable power converter for adaptively converting between a direct current (DC) voltage and an alternating current (AC) voltage, the configurable power converter comprising: a first set of switches coupled to a first set of ports; a set of filter components coupled to the second set of ports; a second set of switches, each of the second set of switches being coupled to a corresponding one of the set of filter components or a corresponding one of the second set of ports; and A controller, the controller being configured to: receiving a configuration signal indicative of a selected configuration mode of the configurable power converter, enabling a subset of the second set of switches based on the configuration signal, and Based on the configuration signal, periodic pulses are applied to the first set of switches to generate one or more AC voltages at one or more ports of the second set of ports.

2. The configurable power converter according to claim 1, wherein: The controller is configured to: disabling another subset of the second set of switches based on the configuration signal, and The periodic pulses are applied to the first set of switches while enabling the subset of the second set of switches and disabling the other subset of the second set of switches.

3. The configurable power converter of claim 1 , wherein: The selected configuration mode is selected from two or more of the following: a first configuration mode in which two pairs of switches in the first set of switches are periodically switched to provide a single-phase AC voltage at two ports in the second set of ports, a second configuration mode in which the two pairs of switches in the first set of switches are periodically switched to provide a two-phase AC voltage at three ports in the second set of ports, a third configuration mode in which three pairs of switches in the first set of switches are periodically switched to provide another two-phase AC voltage at the three ports in the second set of ports, and A fourth configuration mode, in which the three pairs of switches in the first set of switches are periodically switched to provide a three-phase AC voltage at the three ports in the second set of ports.

4. The configurable power converter of claim 1 , wherein: The selected configuration mode is selected from two or more of the following: a first configuration mode in which first two pairs of switches and second two pairs of switches in the first set of switches are periodically switched to provide a single-phase AC voltage at first two ports in the second set of ports and another single-phase AC voltage at second two ports in the second set of ports, and A second configuration mode, in which the first two pairs of switches and the second two pairs of switches in the first set of switches are periodically switched to provide a three-phase AC voltage at the first two ports and the second two ports of the second set of ports.

5. The configurable power converter of claim 1 , further comprising: An input device, the input device being configured to: receiving a user selection of the selected configuration mode from one or more permissible configuration modes, and Based on the user selection, the configuration signal is generated indicating the selected configuration mode.

6. The configurable power converter of claim 1 , further comprising: A communication interface, the communication interface being configured to: receiving a configuration message from a remote device indicating the selected configuration mode, and The configuration message is decoded to generate the configuration signal.

7. The configurable power converter of claim 1, wherein: The first set of switches includes: a first switch coupled between a first input port in the first group of ports and a first node, a second switch coupled between a second input port in the first group of ports and the first node, a third switch coupled between the first input port and a second node, a fourth switch coupled between the second input port and the second node, a fifth switch coupled between the first input port and a third node, and A sixth switch is coupled between the second input port and the third node.

8. The configurable power converter according to claim 7, wherein: The set of filter components comprises: a first inductor coupled between the first node and a first output port of the second set of ports, a second inductor coupled between the second node and a second output port of the second set of ports, and A third inductor is coupled between the third node and a third output port of the second set of ports.

9. The configurable power converter of claim 8, further comprising: a first capacitor coupled between the first input port and a fourth node; a second capacitor coupled between the second input port and the fourth node; a third capacitor coupled between the first output port and the third output port; a fourth capacitor coupled between the second output port and the third output port; and A fifth capacitor is coupled between the first output port and the second output port.

10. The configurable power converter of claim 9, wherein: The second set of switches includes: a first configuration switch coupled between the third node and a first end of the third inductor, a second configuration switch coupled between the fourth node and the first end of the third inductor, a third configuration switch coupled between the third output port and a second end of the third inductor, and A fourth configuration switch is coupled in series with the fifth capacitor between the first output port and the second output port.

11. The configurable power converter of claim 8, further comprising: a first capacitor coupled between the first input port and a fourth node; a second capacitor coupled between the second input port and the fourth node; a third capacitor coupled between the first output port and a fifth node; a fourth capacitor coupled between the second output port and the fifth node; and A fifth capacitor is coupled between the third output port and the fifth node.

12. The configurable power converter of claim 11, wherein: The second set of switches includes: a first configuration switch coupled between the third node and a first end of the third inductor, a second configuration switch coupled between the first end of the third inductor and the fourth node, a third configuration switch, the third configuration switch being coupled between the fourth node and the fifth node, a fourth configuration switch coupled in series with the fifth capacitor between the third output port and the fifth node, a fifth configuration switch coupled in series with the fourth capacitor between the second output port and the fifth node, a sixth configuration switch coupled between the third output port and the fifth node, and A seventh configuration switch is coupled in series with the third capacitor between the first output port and the fifth node.

13. The configurable power converter of claim 1, wherein: The first set of switches includes: a first switch coupled between a first input port in the first group of ports and a first node, a second switch coupled between a second input port in the first group of ports and the first node, a third switch coupled between the first input port and a second node, a fourth switch coupled between the second input port and the second node, a fifth switch coupled between the first input port and a third node, a sixth switch coupled between the second input port and the third node, a seventh switch coupled between the first input port and a fourth node, and An eighth switch is coupled between the second input port and the fourth node.

14. The configurable power converter of claim 13, wherein: The set of filter components comprises: a first inductor coupled between the first node and a first output port of the second set of ports, a second inductor coupled between the second node and a second output port of the second set of ports, a third inductor coupled between the third node and a third output port of the second set of ports, and A fourth inductor is coupled between the fourth node and a fourth output port of the second group of ports.

15. The configurable power converter of claim 14, further comprising: a first capacitor coupled between the first input port and the second input port; a second capacitor coupled between the first output port and a fifth node; a third capacitor coupled between the second output port and the fifth node; and a fourth capacitor coupled between the third output port and the fourth output port, The second set of switches includes a configuration switch coupled between the fourth output port and the fifth node.

16. A method of converting between direct current (DC) power and alternating current (AC) power by a configurable power converter, the configurable power converter comprising a set of switches, a set of contactors, a set of filter components and a controller, the method comprising: receiving a DC voltage through a first set of ports of the configurable power converter coupled to the set of switches; receiving, by the controller, a configuration signal indicative of a selected configuration mode of the configurable power converter; configuring, by the controller, the group of contactors according to the configuration signal, the configuring the group of contactors comprising enabling a first subset of the group of contactors and disabling a second subset of the group of contactors; and The set of switches is switched, by the controller, to generate one or more AC voltages at one or more ports of the second set of ports while configuring the set of contactors according to the configuration signal.

17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising: The frequency of the pulses for switching the set of switches is set by the controller according to the configuration signal.

18. The method according to claim 16, further comprising: monitoring, by a sensor device, a voltage or a current at one or more of the first set of ports or one or more of the second set of ports; and The controller performs calibration, protection, diagnosis or metering according to the monitored voltage or current.

19. A system for adaptively providing alternating current (AC) power based on direct current (DC) power, the system comprising: a generator set configured to generate an AC voltage at one or more ports in a charging mode; and a power conversion device coupled to the generator set at the one or more ports, the power conversion device being configured to: generating one or more AC voltages at the one or more ports based on a DC voltage from a DC power source in a DC-AC conversion mode according to a selected configuration mode, and In a charging mode, the DC power source is charged based on the AC voltage from the generator set at the one or more ports.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein: The power conversion device comprises: The first set of switches, A set of filter components, The second set of switches, and A controller, the controller being configured to: enabling a subset of the second set of switches, and Periodic pulses are applied to the first set of switches to charge the DC power source while the subset of the second set of switches is enabled.

Images