Converter mechanism and method for operating the converter mechanism

Abstract

The present invention provides a converter mechanism and a method for controlling the converter mechanism that avoids overloading the energy supply unit, enables the most even load distribution possible for each converter, and thereby places the lowest possible load, or ideally no load at all, on the energy supply unit from the main power source. [Solution] A converter mechanism comprising at least two converters (7,7') and a control unit (1) connected to the converters (7,7'), wherein the control unit (1) continuously or at discrete time intervals transmits to the converters (7,7') their respective allowable electrical output ranges, in particular the minimum output value Pmin and / or maximum output value Pmax, determines or receives the latest output balance of the individual converters (7,7'), and changes the allowable electrical output range of the converters (7,7') so that the output balance of the entire converter mechanism does not fall outside a predetermined range.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a converter mechanism and to a method of operating a converter mechanism.

Background Art

[0002] Converter mechanisms having a plurality of converters are known for numerous applications in the field of electronics. In particular, the drive units of electric and hybrid vehicles include a converter mechanism having a plurality of converters in order to provide a drive output and to control an electric machine, thereby converting the DC voltage provided by a battery into an appropriate AC voltage or into a DC voltage for the electric machine to be driven and other vehicle consumer devices.

[0003] Test benches operating electrically also typically include a converter mechanism having a plurality of converters, whether it is an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, a conventional vehicle having an internal combustion engine, a component such as a transmission, or the battery storage itself. Tests of the battery storage in particular are often carried out in parallel, with a plurality of battery cells, battery modules, or battery packs being tested simultaneously by converters arranged in parallel.

[0004] From the prior art, electronic control units for converter mechanisms of this kind are known. This is usually manufactured in order to activate the individual converters in a specific order based on the required target quantities, which can also include the simultaneous activation of all converters. For example, in an electric vehicle, maximum acceleration (kick-down) or full braking may be required, which results in the simultaneous activation of a plurality of converters of the vehicle. In a drive train having a plurality of electric machines or a test bench for a multi-cell type battery module, a predetermined test procedure (so-called test drive) requires the simultaneous activation of a plurality of converters of the converter mechanism.

[0005] The problem that arises in this case is that the energy supply to this type of converter mechanism is usually limited, whether it is in the form of a battery installed in an electric vehicle or a main power supply in the form of an AC power supply or a DC voltage intermediate circuit, which is usually provided on a test bench. In particular, it is desirable that the DC voltage intermediate circuit be fabricated on-site using the most compact components possible (so-called power rectifiers), but this also limits the maximum energy flow when performing test runs. Simultaneous operation of multiple converters can lead to an overload of the main power supply not only in the form of excessive power consumption from the energy supply unit (e.g., during kickdown), but also in the case of excessive power discharge to the energy supply unit (e.g., during bull braking). [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a converter mechanism and a method for controlling the converter mechanism that avoids overloading the energy supply unit, enables the most uniform load distribution possible for each converter, and thereby places the lowest possible load, or best of all, no load, on the energy supply unit from the main power source. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] This problem and other problems are solved by the present invention through the transducer mechanism and method for controlling the transducer mechanism described in one of the independent claims.

[0008] The converter mechanism according to the present invention includes at least two converters and a control unit connected to the converters. The control unit may be manufactured as an electronic data processing unit, particularly as a computer, microcontroller, microprocessor, etc., and may include an electronic data processing unit and an electronic storage device unit.

[0009] According to the present invention, the control unit is manufactured to receive measurement data from the converter, particularly current and voltage measurements or output data, continuously or at discrete time intervals, and to transmit control data to the converter. For this purpose, the control unit may be connected to a data bus configured for bidirectional communication with the converter, for example, via an interface unit such as a USB interface.

[0010] Furthermore, the control unit is manufactured to transmit the respective allowable electrical output ranges to the converters of the converter mechanism. This is especially true for the minimum output value P. min and / or maximum output value P max The output range may be formed by the following: The control unit receives measurement data from the converter or other electrical components during operation and supplies each converter of the converter mechanism with an output range that is permissible for that converter. In this case, the present invention is not limited to positive outputs (output consumption, motor operation) but also includes negative outputs (output discharge, generator operation).

[0011] Furthermore, the control unit may be designed to transmit the latest output target value to the converter. This may be, for example, the desired test stand conditions during a test run, or the requirements of the vehicle driver. In this case, the control unit ensures that the output target value is within the allowable output range for each converter.

[0012] According to the present invention, it is intended to determine the latest output balance of a converter or to receive it from the converter via a data bus. Here, the concept of the latest output balance represents the latest output consumption or output emission of the converter. It should be noted that the converter according to the present invention can enable bidirectional operation, that is, it can not only consume output but also emit output. In particular, the converter may be a so-called active front-end converter. In this context, an active front-end converter represents a bidirectional converter that can transmit electrical energy in both directions, such as an actively switchable bridge rectifier or bridge inverter.

[0013] Furthermore, the control unit is configured to calculate the output balance of the entire converter mechanism from the received output balance of each individual converter. This is typically the sum of the output balances of the individual converters. Alternatively, a control unit may be connected to higher-level voltage and current sensors, which are intended to enable the calculation of the output balance of the entire converter mechanism.

[0014] Furthermore, the control unit is configured to change the permissible electrical output range of the converters so that the output balance of the entire converter mechanism does not deviate from a predetermined range. In this case, the output ranges of the converters acting as motors and generators can cancel each other out, so that the entire converter mechanism operates within a narrow output range, even though each individual converter consumes or emits high output.

[0015] To determine the latest output balance of the converter, the control unit may be connected to at least one voltage sensor for measuring the input voltage of the converter and a current sensor for measuring the input current of the converter.

[0016] In particular, the converter may be supplied from a DC voltage intermediate circuit, and the control unit may be intended to be connected to a voltage sensor for measuring the voltage in the DC voltage intermediate circuit. This allows the control unit to easily calculate the latest output consumption or output discharge of each converter at any given time. However, the control unit may also be connected to a voltage sensor for measuring the output voltage of the converter and a current sensor for measuring the output current of the converter in order to determine the latest output balance of the converter. This allows the determination of the output balance of the converter to be performed on the output side. This may be an AC voltage sensor or an AC current sensor.

[0017] However, the converter may be connected to an internal or external voltage sensor for measuring its output voltage and an internal or external current sensor for measuring its output current, and may be configured to transmit the measured values ​​to a control unit. In such cases, the converter itself supplies its latest output balance or its latest current and voltage values ​​to the control unit.

[0018] The control unit may be designed to change the allowable electrical output range of the converter when the input voltage of the converter, in particular the voltage in the DC voltage intermediate circuit supplying the converter, falls below or exceeds a predetermined threshold. In this case, the control unit acts to keep the DC voltage of the DC voltage intermediate circuit within a predetermined range. If the DC voltage exceeds this range, the allowable output range of individual or all converters is reduced; if the DC voltage falls below this range, the allowable output consumption of individual or all converters is reduced. This prevents excessive load on the DC voltage intermediate circuit. Even if this requires changing the output values ​​defined in the test run, it is still preferable to the test run being unpredictably interrupted due to an overload of the intermediate circuit.

[0019] Furthermore, a discharge device connected to a control unit is provided to reduce the voltage in the DC voltage intermediate circuit, and the control unit may be designed to activate the discharge device when the voltage in the DC voltage intermediate circuit exceeds a predetermined threshold. This discharge device may be, for example, a thermal resistor configured to lower the voltage in the DC voltage intermediate circuit. This makes it possible to achieve a particularly rapid reduction in the voltage in the DC voltage intermediate circuit, for example, in the case of emergency braking of a vehicle or when all batteries discharge simultaneously on a battery test stand.

[0020] Thus, the apparatus of the present invention ensures that the DC voltage intermediate circuit receives as little load as possible. In particular, a "back-to-back" mechanism of the converter may be intended, in which the output discharge of the first converter is directly used to supply power to the second converter, thereby providing only the energy to overcome losses. In particular, the control unit may be manufactured to modify a predetermined test run so that the output balance of the converter mechanism does not deviate from a predetermined range at any point during the test run.

[0021] The converter may be configured as an active front-end converter with bidirectional output flow. The converter can be used, in particular, as a mechanical converter for a drive unit test bench or as a DC-DC converter for a battery test bench.

[0022] Yet another converter mechanism according to the invention can be used for power balancing in a hierarchical power structure. According to the invention at this time, at least two of the converters are configured as power converters, in particular as AC-DC converters, and these are preferably intended to supply the main power to separate sub-power supplies in the form of separate DC voltage intermediate circuits. At this time, the control unit may be manufactured to change the allowable electrical output range of the converter so that the output balance of the main power supply does not deviate from a predetermined range. That is, in such a case, the control unit controls the output distribution from the main power supply to the individual sub-power supplies so that the output balance of the main power supply is kept within the defined output range as much as possible.

[0023] According to the invention, in such a type of power structure, at least two different converters may be intended to be arranged in at least one of the sub-power supplies, and the control unit is also manufactured to change the allowable electrical output range of these converters so that the output balance of each sub-power supply does not deviate from a predetermined range. This enables hierarchical power balancing; it is, on the one hand, at the level of the sub-power supply and, on the other hand, at the level of the main power supply.

[0024] Furthermore, the invention relates to a test bench for a plurality of test objects, preferably, including the converter mechanism according to the invention, for components of a drive device or for an electrical energy storage device such as a battery. At this time, in particular, a DC voltage intermediate circuit for energy supply may be provided, and it may be intended that all the converters are connected to the control unit via a bidirectional data bus.

[0025] The invention also relates to a method of operating a converter mechanism having at least two converters and a control unit connected to the converters, including the following steps: In a first step, the allowable electrical output range is, in particular, the minimum output value P min and / or the maximum output value P maxIt is transmitted by the control unit to the converter. In the next step, the latest output balance of each converter is received or calculated by the control unit. In the next step, the output balance of the entire converter mechanism is calculated by the control unit. In the next step, the allowable electrical output range of the converter is adapted by the control unit so that the output balance of the entire converter mechanism does not deviate from a predetermined range.

[0026] The control unit continuously assigns a target value for its electrical output to the converter. This may be, for example, a planned assignment within the framework of a test drive, or it may be an unplanned assignment, for example, as a response to the wishes of the vehicle driver.

[0027] The control unit can receive the input voltage of the converter from at least one voltage sensor and the input current of the converter from a current sensor in order to calculate the latest output balance of the converter. The control unit can receive the voltage of the DC voltage intermediate circuit from a voltage sensor.

[0028] The control unit can receive the output voltage of the converter from a voltage sensor and the output current of the converter from a current sensor. The control unit can change the allowable electrical output range of the converter when the input voltage of the converter, especially the voltage of the DC voltage intermediate circuit supplying the converter, falls below a predetermined threshold or exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0029] When the voltage in the DC voltage intermediate circuit exceeds a predetermined threshold, the control unit can activate a discharge device connected to the control unit to reduce the voltage in the DC voltage intermediate circuit.

[0030] The control unit can change the allowable electrical output range of the converter of the main power supply so that the output balance of the converter of the main power supply does not deviate from a predetermined range, and can also change the electrical output range of the converter of at least one sub - power supply so that the output balance of each sub - power supply does not deviate from a predetermined range.

[0031] Furthermore, the present invention also covers computer-readable storage media that include computer-readable instructions for instructing an electronic control unit, such as a computer, microcontroller, or microprocessor, to perform the method of the present invention.

[0032] Other constituent elements of the present invention will become apparent from the claims, drawings, and the following description. The present invention will now be described with reference to embodiments that do not preclude others. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0033] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a schematic block diagram of the topology of the transducer mechanism of the present invention on a test stand for the drive unit. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a schematic block diagram of the topology of the converter mechanism of the present invention on a test stand for a battery (a so-called battery cycler). [Figure 3a] Figure 3a shows a schematic block diagram of the topology of the converter mechanism of the present invention in a hierarchical power supply structure having two sub-power supplies. [Figure 3b] Figure 3b shows a schematic block diagram of the topology of the converter mechanism of the present invention in a hierarchical power supply structure having two sub-power supplies. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0034] Figure 1 shows a schematic block diagram of the topology of an embodiment of the converter mechanism of the present invention in a test stand for a drive unit. This test stand includes a power converter that converts the main power supply 14 (multiphase AC power supply voltage) available on the test stand into a DC voltage of approximately 820V. This DC voltage is called the intermediate circuit voltage (DC link) and can be used on the test stand to supply power to the test specimen. The power converter is a DC voltage converter (AC-DC converter) in the form of a switchable active front-end bridge rectifier.

[0035] In this embodiment, the test stand is fabricated to test the electrical and mechanical components of a drive unit test specimen 13 having a drive unit 11 such as an electric motor and a transmission 12. The drive unit to be tested may be a drive unit of an automobile, particularly an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. In this embodiment, two electromachines 16, 16' (load machines, so-called dynamometers) are provided connected to the shaft of the drive unit test specimen 13. These electromachines 16, 16' are supplied by two converters 7, 7' (mechanical converters) that convert two intermediate circuit DC voltages VDC to AC voltages. The converters 7, 7' are fabricated as AC voltage converters (DC-AC converters), for example, as switchable active front-end bridge inverters.

[0036] In addition to the mechanical drivetrain of the drive unit 13, in this embodiment, the electrical drive unit 11 of the drive unit test specimen 13 is also tested.

[0037] For this purpose, the test stand includes another bidirectional converter 7'' connected to the intermediate circuit 9, which provides a variable AC voltage to the drive integrator 11. Depending on the operating state, the drive integrator 11 consumes or discharges its output to the intermediate circuit.

[0038] Current sensors 6, 6', 6'' are located on the DC voltage input lines of converters 7, 7', 7'', and a voltage sensor 5 is located on the DC voltage intermediate circuit 9. These sensors continuously supply measured values ​​of the voltage in the intermediate circuit 9 and the input current of converters 7, 7', 7'' to the control unit 1 via the data bus 10. In this embodiment, the converter mechanism includes three converters 7, 7', 7'' but does not include a power converter.

[0039] Similarly, via the data bus 10, the control unit 1 is connected to the converters 7, 7', 7'' and the discharge device 8. These connections control the allowable output range and, if applicable, the output target value P. sollIt also serves to set the converter, or to activate the discharge device 8 in order to reduce the voltage in the intermediate circuit 9.

[0040] In this embodiment, the control unit 1 is fabricated as an electronic microcontroller having a central data processing unit (CPU) 2, such as an ARM microprocessor or ASIC. The data processing unit 2 is connected to the storage unit 3 and the interface unit 4 via a data bus. The storage unit 3 may be any machine-readable data storage device, such as a non-volatile semiconductor memory or a volatile semiconductor memory, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, RAM, SRAM, flash memory, etc.

[0041] Interface unit 4 can comply with industrial standards such as USB, FireWire, Ethernet, USART, and I2S. Wireless network protocols such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth may also be provided. Since preferred embodiments of the control unit are well known to those skilled in the art, it is not necessary to describe each component of control unit 1 in detail.

[0042] During operation, the control unit 1 continuously measures the voltage in the intermediate circuit 9 and the current in the converters 7, 7', and 7'', and provides the converters 7, 7', and 7'' with their respective output target values ​​and allowable output ranges. When the DC voltage measured by the DC voltage sensor 5 falls below a predetermined threshold, or when this DC voltage exceeds a predetermined threshold, the control unit 1 adjusts the allowable output range to counteract the voltage drop or voltage rise.

[0043] This ensures that the voltage in the intermediate circuit 9 always remains within a specified fluctuation range, thereby limiting the load on the power converter.

[0044] Ideally, control unit 1 adapts the output flow of converters 7,7',7'' such that the power converters only need to cover the output losses. This can be achieved when at least one of converters 7,7',7'' supplies output to the intermediate circuit 9, and at least one of converters 7,7',7'' takes output from the intermediate circuit 9. Control unit 1 may be manufactured to actively induce this type of "back-back" operation by modifying a predefined test pattern as needed. This allows for a particularly compact design of the power converters.

[0045] Figure 2 shows a schematic block diagram of the topology of another embodiment of the test stand (so-called battery cycler) according to the present invention for batteries. In this embodiment, there are four active front-end converters 7,7',7'',7''' controlled by a control unit 1, each of which is manufactured as a switchable DC / DC converter to charge or discharge batteries 15,15',15'',15''''. This converter mechanism in this embodiment includes four converters 7,7',7'',7''' but does not include a power converter that generates an intermediate circuit voltage.

[0046] The functional configuration of the control unit 1 is similar to that of the embodiment shown in Figure 1. The control unit 1 adapts the allowable output ranges of the converters 7, 7', 7'', 7'''' so that the sum of the outputs of these converters falls below a predetermined threshold.

[0047] If the voltage in the intermediate circuit 9 exceeds a predetermined threshold, the control unit 1 activates a discharge unit 8, such as a thermal resistor, to reduce the load on the intermediate circuit. If the voltage in the intermediate circuit 9 falls below another threshold, the control unit 1 reduces the output range of individual or all of the converters, thereby causing the voltage in the intermediate circuit 9 to rise again.

[0048] Instead of the individual batteries 15, 15', 15'', 15'''', in embodiments not shown, separate battery cells or battery modules (combinations of battery cells) may also be tested.

[0049] Figures 3a-3b show schematic block diagrams of the topology of the converter mechanism of the present invention in a hierarchical power supply structure having two sub-power supplies. In Figure 3a, two sub-power supplies 17 and 17' are provided, which are supplied from the main power supply 14 (three-phase AC power supply) via converters 7 and 7'. In this embodiment, converters 7 and 7' are power converters, that is, rectifiers that supply power to DC voltage intermediate circuits 9 and 9', respectively. Voltage sensors 5 and 5' are located in the DC voltage intermediate circuits 9 and 9', and their respective measured values ​​are supplied to the control unit 1 via the data bus 10. Furthermore, current sensors 6 and 6' are located in the DC current lines of converters 7 and 7', and their respective measured values ​​are also supplied to the control unit 1 via the data bus 10. The DC voltage intermediate circuits 9 and 9' supply power to two converters in the first sub-power supply 17 for testing the battery 15, and supply power to one converter in the second sub-power supply 17' for the operation of the electromechanical unit 16 for testing the drive unit test specimen 13. However, these converters are not connected to control unit 1.

[0050] The control unit 1 acts for balanced balancing between the two sub-power supplies 17,17' by continuously transmitting the allowable output range to the converters 7,7' via the data bus 10. If necessary, the control unit 1 activates one of the two discharge devices 8,8' to reduce the voltage in the intermediate circuits 9,9'. However, in this embodiment, there is no active influence on the output of the sub-power supply converters.

[0051] Figure 3b shows a direct development of the embodiment shown in Figure 3a. In this embodiment, both converters 7'',7'''' of the sub-power supply 17 that tests the battery 15 are also connected to the control unit 1 via the data bus 10. In this way, the control unit 1 not only balances the output of the sub-power supplies 17,17' with respect to the main power supply 14, but also supplies an allowable output range to both converters 7'',7'''' within the sub-power supply 17 so that the output balance in the sub-power supply 17 is kept within a predetermined range. This type of embodiment is particularly preferable for practical use because it enables the operation of a wide variety of test systems with a single common main power supply 14.

[0052] In yet another embodiment (not shown), each transducer itself, rather than a control unit, is connected to an internal or external voltage sensor for measuring its respective output voltage and an internal or external current sensor for measuring its respective output current. The transducer transmits these current and voltage measurements to the control unit, or calculates its latest output balance itself and transmits it to the control unit. Naturally, embodiments are also intended in which some of the controlled transducers determine their own output balance, while others do not, and the control unit is responsible for determining the output balance of these transducers. In this regard, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0053] However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown herein, but includes all converter mechanisms and methods for operating converter mechanisms within the scope of the following claims.

[0054] The concepts used herein, such as converters, power converters, and mechanical converters, should not be interpreted too narrowly. A converter according to the present invention can be understood as any controlled electrical and / or electronic circuit, whether mechanical or power converter, that converts a DC voltage to another DC voltage or AC voltage, or an AC voltage to another AC voltage or DC voltage. Such circuits may, exemplarily but without exclusion, be direct converters, matrix converters, AC voltage converters, DC voltage converters, switchable bridge inverters, switchable bridge rectifiers, and the like. The specific circuit engineering implementation of the converter is not important. A converter intended under the present invention may also be intended for internal electrical disconnection and may be intended for high electrical output, for example, for output in the range of 100kW under a DC voltage of 850V or an AC current output of 300kVA. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0055] 1 Control Unit 2 Data Processing Units 3. Storage Unit 4 Interface Units 5.5' Voltage Sensor 6,6',6'',6'''' Current sensor 7,7',7'',7''' Converter 8,8' discharge device 9,9' DC voltage intermediate circuit 10 Data bus 11. Drive integration device 12 Transmission device 13. Drive unit test specimen 14 Main power supply 15,15',15'',15'''' Battery 16,16' Electrical machinery 17,17' Sub-power supply

Claims

1. A converter mechanism comprising at least two converters (7, 7') and a control unit (1) connected to the converters (7, 7'), The control unit (1) operates continuously or at discrete time intervals. The respective allowable electrical output ranges for the converters (7, 7') are specified, particularly the minimum output value P ｍｉｎ and / or maximum output value P ｍａｘ to transmit, Determine or receive the latest output balance of each of the aforementioned converters (7, 7'), The output balance of the entire converter mechanism is calculated, A converter mechanism characterized by being manufactured in such a way that the allowable electrical output range of the converter (7, 7') is changed so that the output balance of the entire converter mechanism does not fall outside a predetermined range.

2. The converter mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit (1) is connected to at least one voltage sensor for measuring the input voltage of the converter (7, 7') and a current sensor (6, 6') for measuring the input current of the converter (7, 7') in order to determine the latest output balance of the converter (7, 7').

3. The transformer (7, 7') receives power from the DC voltage intermediate circuit (9), and the control unit receives the voltage V in the DC voltage intermediate circuit (9). ＤＣ The converter mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is connected to a voltage sensor (5) for measuring a voltage.

4. The converter mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the control unit (1) is connected to a voltage sensor for measuring the output voltage of the transformer (7, 7') and a current sensor for measuring the output current of the transformer (7, 7') in order to determine the latest output balance of the converter (7, 7').

5. The converter mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the transformer (7, 7') is connected to a voltage sensor for measuring its output voltage and a current sensor for measuring its output current, and is configured to transmit the measured values ​​to the control unit (1).

6. The control unit (1) controls the input voltage of the converter (7, 7') in particular the voltage V of the DC voltage intermediate circuit (9) supplied to the converter (7, 7'). ＤＣ The converter mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that when the value falls below a predetermined threshold or exceeds a predetermined threshold, the allowable electrical output range of the converter (7, 7') is changed.

7. A converter mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a discharge device (8) connected to the control unit (1) is provided to reduce the voltage in the DC voltage intermediate circuit (9), and the control unit (1) is manufactured to activate the discharge device when the voltage in the DC voltage intermediate circuit (9) exceeds a predetermined threshold.

8. The converter mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the converter (7, 7') is manufactured as an active front-end converter having bidirectional output flow.

9. The converter mechanism according to claim 8, characterized in that the converter (7, 7') is used as a mechanical converter on a drive unit test stand or as a DC-DC converter on a battery test stand.

10. The converter mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that at least two of the converters (7, 7') are configured as power converters that supply power from the main power supply (14) to mutually separated sub-power supplies (17, 17') in the form of separated DC voltage intermediate circuits (9, 9'), and more particularly as AC-DC converters, and the control unit (1) is manufactured to change the allowable electrical output range of the converters (7, 7') so that the output balance of the main power supply (14) to the converters (7, 7') does not fall outside a predetermined range.

11. The converter mechanism according to claim 10, characterized in that at least two other converters (7'', 7'''') are provided in at least one of the sub-power supplies (17, 17'), and the control unit (1) is manufactured to change the allowable electrical output range of the converters (7'', 7'''') so that the output balance of the converters (7'', 7'''') in each of the sub-power supplies (17, 17') does not fall outside a predetermined range.

12. A method for operating a converter mechanism including at least two converters (7, 7') and a control unit (1) connected to the converters (7, 7'), comprising the following steps: a. The permissible electrical output range is particularly limited by the minimum output value P. ｍｉｎ and / or maximum output value P ｍａｘ However, the control unit (1) transmits this to the converter (7, 7'), b. The latest output balance of each of the converters (7, 7') is received by the control unit (1), c. The output balance of the entire converter mechanism is calculated by the control unit (1), d. A method in which the allowable electrical output range of the converter (7, 7') is adapted by the control unit (1) so that the output balance of the entire converter mechanism does not fall outside a predetermined range.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that the control unit (1) receives the input voltage of the converter (7, 7') from at least one voltage sensor and the input current of the converter (7, 7') from a current sensor (6, 6') in order to calculate the latest output balance of the converter (7, 7').

14. The control unit (1) controls the voltage V of the DC voltage intermediate circuit (9). ＤＣ The method according to any one of claims 12 or 13, characterized in that it receives from a voltage sensor (5).

15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the control unit (1) receives the output voltage of the converter (7, 7') from a voltage sensor and the output current of the converter (7, 7') from a current sensor.

16. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that the converter (7, 7') is connected to a voltage sensor for measuring its output voltage and a current sensor for measuring its output current, and transmits the measured values ​​to the control unit (1).

17. The control unit (1) controls the input voltage of the converter (7, 7') in particular the voltage V of the DC voltage circuit (9) that supplies the converter (7, 7') ＤＣ The method according to any one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that the allowable electrical output range of the converter (7, 7') is changed when it falls below a predetermined threshold or exceeds a predetermined threshold.

18. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 17, characterized in that the control unit (1) activates a discharge device (8) connected to the control unit (1) in order to reduce the voltage in the DC voltage intermediate circuit (9) when the voltage in the DC voltage intermediate circuit (9) exceeds a predetermined threshold.

19. The control unit (1) is The permissible electrical output range of the converters (7, 7') of the main power supply (14) is changed so that the output balance of the converters (7, 7') of the main power supply (14) does not fall outside a predetermined range. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 18, characterized in that the allowable electrical output range of the converter (7'', 7'''') of at least one sub-power supply (17, 17') is changed so that the output balance of the converter (7'', 7'''') of each of the sub-power supplies (17, 17') does not fall outside a predetermined range.

20. A computer-readable storage medium comprising, for example, computer-readable instructions for instructing an electronic control unit (1), such as a computer, microcontroller, or microprocessor, to perform the method according to any one of claims 12 to 19.

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