Power converter

Abstract

A power converter (100, 200, 300) is provided with: a converter valve (20) that can be suspended from a ceiling (C); and at least one first suspension insulator (30). The converter valve can be suspended from the ceiling, by the at least one first suspension insulator, such that the state in which the height direction of the converter valve aligns with the vertical direction is maintained when the ceiling has been inclined.

Description

Power Converter

[0001] The present disclosure relates to power converters.

[0002] The power converter disclosed in JP 2016-537961 A (Patent Document 1) includes a high-voltage valve unit and a plurality of suspended insulators. The high-voltage valve unit has an upper surface. A plurality of connection portions are provided on the upper surface of the high-voltage valve unit. Each of the plurality of suspended insulators has one end and another end. The one end of each of the plurality of suspended insulators is connected to each of the plurality of connection portions provided on the upper surface of the high-voltage valve unit. A plurality of connection portions are provided on the ceiling. The other end of each of the plurality of suspended insulators is connected to each of the plurality of connection portions provided on the ceiling. In this way, the power converter described in Patent Document 1 is suspended from the ceiling.

[0003] Special Publication No. 2016-537961

[0004] However, with the power converter described in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to adapt to a tilted ceiling. The present disclosure provides a pendant-type power converter that can adapt to a tilted ceiling.

[0005] The power converter of the present disclosure includes a converter valve that can be suspended from a ceiling and at least one first suspension insulator, and the converter valve can be suspended from the ceiling by the at least one first suspension insulator so that the height direction of the converter valve is maintained along the vertical direction when the ceiling is tilted.

[0006] When hung from a ceiling, the power converter of the present disclosure can accommodate any tilt of the ceiling.

[0007] 1 is a schematic circuit diagram of a power converter 100. FIG. 2 is a schematic circuit diagram of a submodule 10. FIG. 3 is a front view of a converter valve 20. FIG. 4 is a front view of the power converter 100 suspended from a ceiling C. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a converter station 50 in which the power converter 100 is installed. FIG. 6 is a front view of a power converter 100A. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining the effect of the power converter 100. FIG. 8 is a front view of a power converter 200 suspended from a ceiling C. FIG. 9 is a front view of a power converter 300 suspended from a ceiling C.

[0008] The details of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will not be repeated.

[0009] First Embodiment A power converter according to a first embodiment will be described. The power converter according to the first embodiment is designated as a power converter 100.

[0010] (Configuration of Power Converter 100) The configuration of the power converter 100 will be described below.

[0011] The power converter 100 is, for example, a high voltage DC (HVDC) converter. However, the power converter 100 is not limited to this. The power converter 100 is, for example, a power converter that performs conversion between AC and DC or frequency conversion of AC.

[0012] Fig. 1 is a schematic circuit diagram of a power converter 100. As shown in Fig. 1, the power converter 100 has a plurality of sets of upper arms 110 and lower arms 120. The lower arms 120 are connected in series to the upper arms 110. Each of the plurality of sets of upper arms 110 and lower arms 120 is connected in parallel to each other. In each of the plurality of sets of upper arms 110 and lower arms 120, a transformer 130 is connected between the upper arm 110 and the lower arm 120. Each of the upper arms 110 and the lower arms 120 has a plurality of sub-modules 10 connected in series.

[0013] Fig. 2 is a schematic circuit diagram of the submodule 10. As shown in Fig. 2, the submodule 10 includes, for example, switching elements 11a and 11b, diodes 12a and 12b, a capacitor 13, and connection lines 14a and 14b.

[0014] Each of the switching elements 11a and 11b is, for example, an insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT). However, the switching elements 11a and 11b are not limited to this. The switching element 11b is connected in series to the switching element 11a. More specifically, the collector of the switching element 11b is connected to the emitter of the switching element 11a.

[0015] The diode 12a is connected in parallel to the switching element 11a so as to be reverse-biased. More specifically, the anode and cathode of the diode 12a are connected to the emitter and collector of the switching element 11a, respectively. The diode 12b is connected in parallel to the switching element 11b so as to be reverse-biased. More specifically, the anode and cathode of the diode 12b are connected to the emitter and collector of the switching element 11b, respectively.

[0016] The capacitor 13 is connected in parallel to the series-connected switching elements 11a and 11b. More specifically, one terminal of the capacitor 13 is connected to the collector of the switching element 11a and the other terminal of the capacitor 13 is connected to the emitter of the switching element 11b, respectively.

[0017] The connection line 14a is connected to the emitter of the switching element 11a and the collector of the switching element 11b. The connection line 14b is connected to the emitter of the switching element 11b. The connection line 14a of one submodule 10 is connected to the connection line 14b of another submodule 10 adjacent to that one submodule 10. In this way, the submodules 10 constitute a half-bridge type converter cell. However, the submodules 10 may also constitute a full-bridge type converter cell.

[0018] The power converter 100 includes a converter valve 20. Fig. 3 is a front view of the converter valve 20. As shown in Fig. 3, the converter valve 20 includes a plurality of sub-modules 10 and a mount 21. The mount 21 includes, for example, a plurality of insulating plates 22 and a plurality of support posts 23.

[0019] The insulating plates 22 are made of an electrically insulating material. The insulating plates 22 are arranged in a stacked manner along the height direction of the converter valve 20, with gaps between them. The support posts 23 are made of an electrically insulating material. The support posts 23 are, for example, insulators. The support posts 23 are arranged between two adjacent insulating plates 22, thereby maintaining a gap between the adjacent insulating plates 22. The converter valve 20 has an upper surface 20a in the height direction. The upper surface 20a is formed by the insulating plate 22 that is located highest. Each of the multiple sub-modules 10 is arranged on an insulating plate 22. However, no sub-module 10 is arranged on the insulating plate 22 that is located highest.

[0020] FIG. 4 is a front view of the power converter 100 suspended from a ceiling C. As shown in FIG. 4, the power converter 100 further includes a suspension insulator 30. The suspension insulator 30 has an end 30a and an end 30b in its extension direction. The end 30b is located on the opposite side of the end 30a. The suspension insulator 30 is formed of an electrically insulating material. The suspension insulator 30 is, for example, a polymer insulator having a columnar member formed of glass fiber reinforced FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastic) and a shed portion made of a resin material formed on the outer circumferential surface of the columnar member. However, the suspension insulator 30 is not limited to this. The suspension insulator 30 may also be formed by stacking multiple porcelain insulators.

[0021] The end 30a is connected to the upper surface 20a. More specifically, a connection portion 20b is provided on the upper surface 20a. The connection portion 20b is, for example, a ring-shaped member. A hook is provided on the end 30a, and the hook is hooked onto the connection portion 20b. Note that the end 30a does not have to be rotatable with respect to the upper surface 20a. The end 30b is rotatably connected to the ceiling C. More specifically, a connection portion C1 is provided on the ceiling C. The connection portion C1 is, for example, a ring-shaped member. A hook is provided on the end 30b, and the hook is hooked onto the connection portion C1. In this way, the end 30b is rotatably connected to the ceiling C.

[0022] The power converter 100 has a refrigerant pipe 40, a signal wiring 41, and a conductor 42. A refrigerant that cools the converter valve 20 (sub-module 10) flows through the refrigerant pipe 40. This refrigerant is, for example, water. A control signal to the converter valve 20 (sub-module 10) is transmitted through the signal wiring 41. The signal wiring 41 is, for example, an optical fiber. An input / output current of the converter valve 20 flows through the conductor 42. The refrigerant pipe 40, the signal wiring 41, and the conductor 42 are arranged between the ceiling C and the converter valve 20 so as to run along the suspension insulator 30. However, all of the refrigerant pipe 40, the signal wiring 41, and the conductor 42 do not have to run along the suspension insulator 30. It is sufficient that at least one of the refrigerant pipe 40, the signal wiring 41, and the conductor 42 runs along the suspension insulator 30. The refrigerant pipe 40 , the signal wiring 41 and the conductor 42 between the ceiling C and the converter valve 20 may be longer than the hanging insulator 30 .

[0023] (Effects of Power Converter 100) The effects of the power converter 100 will be described below in comparison with a comparative example. The power converter according to the comparative example is referred to as a power converter 100A.

[0024] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a converter station 50 in which a power converter 100 is installed. Converter valves 20 are arranged three-dimensionally in the converter station 50. As shown in FIG. 5 , the converter station 50 has multiple spaces 51 therein. In the example shown in FIG. 5 , the converter station 50 has two spaces 51a, two spaces 51b, a space 51c, and a space 51d. The converter valves 20 are suspended from the ceiling of the space 51a by suspension insulators 30. In other words, the ceiling of the space 51a forms ceiling C. The space 51b is located below the space 51a. The space 51b is connected to the space 51a. In other words, there is no need to mechanically separate the space 51a and the space 51b (i.e., the space in which the converter valves 20 are arranged and the space below it) with a floor. However, the space 51a and the space 51b may be separated by a floor. This floor does not need to have a load-bearing capacity that can support the weight of the power converter 100. In the space 51b, for example, reactors, transformers, switches, etc. are installed.

[0025] The space 51d is located below the space 51c. The space 51c and the space 51d are separated by a floor 51e. For example, a switch and a transformer are installed in the space 51c and the space 51d, respectively. The converter station 50 is installed, for example, offshore. That is, the converter station 50 is a floating type. Therefore, the ceiling of the space 51a may tilt due to the influence of waves, etc. In this case, the power converter 100 is a power converter used, for example, in an offshore wind power facility.

[0026] Fig. 6 is a front view of the power converter 100A. As shown in Fig. 6, in the power converter 100A, the converter valve 20 is supported on the floor FL by disposing a plurality of support insulators 60 between the lowermost insulating plate 22 and the floor FL. In this respect, the configuration of the power converter 100A differs from the configuration of the power converter 100.

[0027] In the power converter 100A, as the voltage class increases (as the number of submodules 10 included in the converter valve 20 increases), the support insulators 60 must be lengthened to ensure a sufficient distance between the floor FL and the converter valve 20 in order to ensure an insulation distance between the floor FL and the converter valve 20. As a result, the weight of the power converter 100A increases and the center of gravity of the power converter 100A becomes higher. Therefore, in order to ensure earthquake resistance, it becomes necessary to thicken the support insulators 60, increase the number of support insulators 60, or use a vibration damping device. Thus, the power converter 100A requires significant structural design changes for each voltage class. Furthermore, because the required earthquake resistance may differ depending on the country or region, different earthquake-resistant structures are required depending on the country or region where the power converter is installed, even for the same voltage class, which complicates the structural design.

[0028] 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the effect of the power converter 100. As shown in FIG. 7, in the power converter 100, the end 30b is rotatably connected to the ceiling C. Therefore, even if the ceiling C tilts, the converter valve 20 rotates about the end 30b, and the height direction of the converter valve 20 is maintained in a vertical direction. In this way, the power converter 100 can accommodate the tilt of the ceiling C without complicating the structural design. Furthermore, even if the voltage class of the power converter 100 increases, it is only necessary to lengthen the suspension insulator 30 to ensure the insulation distance from the ceiling C. Therefore, the structural design of the power converter 100 does not become more complicated as the voltage class increases.

[0029] Furthermore, because the power converter 100 is suspended from the ceiling C, a floor for supporting the power converter 100 is not required within the space in which the power converter 100 is installed, simplifying the structure of the converter station 50. If the converter station 50 is a floating type that floats on the ocean, the ceiling C will tilt due to the influence of waves. Therefore, the power converter 100 can be effectively applied when installed within a floating converter station 50. Furthermore, in the power converter 100, the suspension insulator 30 can also be used as a member to align the refrigerant piping 40, signal wiring 41, and conductors 42 when arranging them between the ceiling C and the converter valve 20.

[0030] Second Embodiment A power converter 100 according to a second embodiment will be described. The power converter according to the second embodiment is referred to as a power converter 200. Here, differences from the power converter 100 will be mainly described, and overlapping descriptions will not be repeated.

[0031] (Configuration of Power Converter 200) The configuration of the power converter 200 will be described below.

[0032] Fig. 8 is a front view of the power converter 200 suspended from a ceiling C. As shown in Fig. 8, the power converter 200 has a converter valve 20 and a suspension insulator 30. In this respect, the configuration of the power converter 200 is common to the configuration of the power converter 100.

[0033] The power converter 200 includes a plurality of suspension insulators 30. In the example shown in FIG. 8 , the number of suspension insulators 30 is three. In the power converter 200, the end 30a of each of the plurality of suspension insulators 30 is rotatably connected to one connection portion 20b. When the power converter 200 is installed, a plurality of connection portions C1 are provided on the ceiling C. The end 30b of each of the plurality of suspension insulators 30 is connected to each of the plurality of connection portions C1. Note that in the power converter 200, the end 30b may be rotatable relative to the ceiling C, or the end 30b may not be rotatable relative to the ceiling C. In these respects, the configuration of the power converter 200 differs from the configuration of the power converter 100.

[0034] (Effects of Power Converter 200) The effects of the power converter 200 will be described below.

[0035] In the power converter 200, the end 30a is rotatably connected to one connection part 20b, so even if the ceiling C is tilted, the converter valve 20 rotates about the end 30a, and the height direction of the converter valve 20 is maintained in a vertical direction. In this way, the power converter 200 can also accommodate the tilt of the ceiling C without complicating the structural design. Furthermore, in the power converter 200, the weight of the converter valve 20 can be supported by multiple hanging insulators 30, so it is possible to accommodate heavier converter valves 20 (with higher voltage classes).

[0036] Third Embodiment A power converter 100 according to a third embodiment will be described. The power converter according to the third embodiment is referred to as a power converter 300. Here, differences from the power converter 100 will be mainly described, and overlapping descriptions will not be repeated.

[0037] (Configuration of Power Converter 300) The configuration of the power converter 300 will be described below.

[0038] Fig. 9 is a front view of the power converter 300 suspended from a ceiling C. As shown in Fig. 9, the power converter 300 has a converter valve 20 and a suspension insulator 30. In this respect, the configuration of the power converter 300 is common to the configuration of the power converter 100.

[0039] The power converter 300 further includes a plurality of suspension insulators 70. In the example shown in FIG. 9, there are three suspension insulators 70. The suspension insulator 70 is, for example, a polymer insulator having a columnar member made of glass fiber reinforced FRP and a resin shed portion formed on the outer circumferential surface of the columnar member. The suspension insulator 70 may be formed by stacking a plurality of porcelain insulators. The suspension insulator 70 has an end 70a and an end 70b in its extension direction. The end 70b is located on the opposite side of the end 70a. The power converter 300 includes a plurality of suspension insulators 30. In the example shown in FIG. 9, there are three suspension insulators 30.

[0040] In the power converter 300, a plurality of connection portions 20b are provided on the top surface 20a, and the end portions 30a of the plurality of hanging insulators 30 are connected to the plurality of connection portions 20b, respectively. The end portions 30a may be rotatable relative to the top surface 20a, or may not be rotatable relative to the top surface 20a. The power converter 300 further includes an intermediate connection member 80. The end portions 30b of the plurality of hanging insulators 30 are rotatably connected to the intermediate connection member 80. The intermediate connection member 80 is, for example, a ring-shaped member, and a hook provided on the end portions 30b is hooked onto the intermediate connection member 80, thereby allowing the end portions 30b to rotate relative to the intermediate connection member 80.

[0041] An end 70a of each of the plurality of suspension insulators 70 is connected to an intermediate connection member 80. The end 70a may be rotatable relative to the intermediate connection member 80, or may not be rotatable relative to the intermediate connection member 80. When installing the power converter 300, a plurality of connection portions C1 are provided on the ceiling C. An end 70b of each of the plurality of suspension insulators 70 is connected to each of the plurality of connection portions C1. Note that in the power converter 300, the end 70b may be rotatable relative to the ceiling C, or may not be rotatable relative to the ceiling C. In these respects, the configuration of the power converter 300 differs from the configuration of the power converter 100.

[0042] (Effects of Power Converter 300) The effects of the power converter 300 will be described below.

[0043] In the power converter 300, because the end 30b is rotatably connected to the intermediate connection member 80, even if the ceiling C is tilted, the converter valve 20 rotates about the end 30b (intermediate connection member 80), and the height direction of the converter valve 20 is maintained in a vertical direction. In this way, the power converter 300 can also accommodate the tilt of the ceiling C without complicating the structural design. Furthermore, in the power converter 300, the weight of the converter valve 20 can be supported by the multiple suspension insulators 30 and the multiple suspension insulators 70, so it is possible to accommodate heavier converter valves 20 (higher voltage classes).

[0044] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of this application is defined by the claims, not the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0045] 100 Power converter, 10 Submodule, 11a, 11b Switching element, 12a, 12b Diode, 13 Capacitor, 14a, 14b Connecting line, 20 Converter valve, 20a Upper surface, 20b Connection portion, 21 Frame, 22 Insulating plate, 23 Support, 30 Hanging insulator, 30a, 30b End, 40 Refrigerant piping, 41 Signal wiring, 42 Conductor, 50 Converter station, 51, 51a, 51b, 51c, 51d Space, 51e Floor, 60 Support insulator, 70 Hanging insulator, 70a, 70b End, 80 Intermediate connection member, 100A, 200, 300 Power converter, 110 Upper arm, 120 Arm, 130 Transformer, C Ceiling, C1 Connection portion, FL Floor.

Claims

1. A power converter comprising: a converter valve that can be suspended from a ceiling; and at least one first suspension insulator, wherein the converter valve can be suspended from the ceiling by the at least one first suspension insulator so that the height direction of the converter valve is maintained along the vertical direction when the ceiling is tilted.

2. The power converter according to claim 1, wherein the converter valve has an upper surface, the at least one first suspension insulator is one first suspension insulator, and the one first suspension insulator has a first end connected to the upper surface and a second end located opposite the first end and rotatably connected to the ceiling.

3. The power converter according to claim 1, wherein the converter valve has an upper surface, the upper surface is provided with one connection part, the at least one first hanging insulator is a plurality of first hanging insulators, each of the plurality of first hanging insulators has a first end and a second end located opposite the first end and connected to the ceiling, and the first end of each of the plurality of first hanging insulators is rotatably connected to the one connection part.

4. The power converter of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of second hanging insulators and an intermediate connecting member, wherein the converter valve has an upper surface, the at least one first hanging insulator is a plurality of first hanging insulators, each of the plurality of first hanging insulators has a first end connected to the upper surface and a second end located opposite the first end and rotatably connected to the intermediate connecting member, and each of the plurality of second hanging insulators has a third end connected to the intermediate connecting member and a fourth end located opposite the second end and connected to the ceiling.

5. A power converter according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising at least one of a refrigerant pipe through which a refrigerant for cooling the converter valve flows, a signal wiring for transmitting a control signal to the converter valve, and a conductor through which an input / output current of the converter valve flows, and at least one of the refrigerant pipe, the signal wiring, and the conductor is arranged along the at least one first hanging insulator.

6. A power converter according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the converter valve has a plurality of sub-modules forming an HVDC converter.

7. The power converter of any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a converter station having the ceiling.

8. The power converter according to claim 7, wherein the converter station has a first space including the ceiling, and a second space located below the first space and communicating with the first space.

9. The power converter according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the converter station is located offshore.

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