Drive control system and drive control method for power converter for railway vehicle

The drive control system for railway vehicle power converters addresses the challenge of reducing power consumption and preventing semiconductor element damage by calculating and adjusting control parameters based on operational data, ensuring efficient and safe operation within predetermined limits.

WO2024262124A1PCT designated stage expired Publication Date: 2024-12-26HITACHI LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/JP2024/013238
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-06-20
Filing Date
2024-03-29
Publication Date
2024-12-26

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing drive control systems for power converters in railway vehicles face challenges in reducing power consumption while preventing overheating and damage to semiconductor elements, especially when operating conditions differ from design assumptions, leading to increased carrier frequency and harmonic loss.

Method used

A drive control system that calculates the current and future temperature and damage levels of semiconductor elements based on operational history, adjusts control parameters like carrier frequency to optimize power conversion within safe thresholds, and outputs commands to maintain efficient operation without exceeding temperature or damage limits.

Benefits of technology

This approach allows for reduced power consumption in railway vehicles by optimizing control parameters according to actual operating conditions, preventing semiconductor element damage and overheating, and minimizing power consumption even under unforeseen operating conditions.

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Abstract

In order to optimally drive and control a power converter in accordance with an actual operation condition within a range in which the temperature excess and damage of a semiconductor element constituting the power converter are not generated and to reduce the power consumption of a railway vehicle, this drive control system for the power converter for supplying power to a motor mounted on the railway vehicle is provided with an arithmetic device for outputting a command for driving and controlling the power converter constituted by a plurality of semiconductor elements. The arithmetic device calculates the current damage degree of the semiconductor element on the basis of the temperature history of the semiconductor element in the actual operation, calculates a future temperature history prediction value of the semiconductor element and a future damage degree prediction value of the semiconductor element on the basis of the operation history of the railway vehicle in the actual operation, selects a control parameter on the basis of the future temperature history prediction value of the semiconductor element, the current damage degree of the semiconductor element, and the future damage degree prediction value of the semiconductor element, and uses the control parameter to output the command.
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Citation Information

Patent Citations

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    JP2018026946A

  • Power converter, electric motor control system, and diagnostic method of power converter

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