Beamforming Antenna Array for Power Electronics Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication links in power electronics systems, such as HVDC converters, face challenges due to signal distortion and interference from obstacles and limited space, making them unreliable for controlling power electronics modules (PEMs) effectively.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a communication system using dynamic beamforming with multiple antennas and a processor to control the phase and amplitude of signals, optimizing the radiation pattern for reliable communication between a control unit and PEMs, even in environments with obstacles and high voltage systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless communication links are used to control power electronics modules, then installation flexibility and space utilization are improved, but communication reliability deteriorates due to signal distortion from obstacles and interference
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the communication function into multiple antennas working together, where each antenna contributes to the overall communication task. This segmentation allows the system to overcome obstacles and interference by distributing the communication load across multiple signal paths, thereby maintaining reliability while preserving installation flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces signal processing techniques as intermediaries between the transmitted and received signals. These intermediaries include beamforming algorithms and interference cancellation methods that process the distorted wireless signals to recover reliable communication, effectively mediating between the wireless transmission medium and the control system.
2Reliability
If multiple antennas with beamforming are deployed, then communication reliability and anti-interference capability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antennas and their signal processing functions into an integrated beamforming system. By merging the antennas and coordinating their operation through unified control, the system achieves enhanced reliability and anti-interference capability while managing complexity through consolidation rather than independent operation of multiple separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The beamforming system employs dynamic signal processing where antenna weights and phases are adjusted in real-time based on channel conditions and interference patterns. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize communication reliability continuously while managing complexity through algorithmic control rather than static hardware configurations.
3Reliability
If optical fiber communication links are used, then communication reliability is improved, but cost and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs standard wireless communication components and antennas that are commercially available and relatively inexpensive compared to optical fiber infrastructure. The system accepts that wireless signals may require periodic recalibration and adjustment, treating the communication channel as a resource that can be reconfigured rather than replaced, thereby reducing overall system cost while maintaining adequate reliability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances communication reliability and reduces interference, allowing for a large number of PEMs to be controlled using the same frequency band, improving the overall efficiency and scalability of power electronics systems.
Implementation Method 1
The processor is configured to, for each of the plurality of antennas, control the phase and/or amplitude of the at least one signal transmitted and/or received by the antenna using the at least one antenna weight in accordance with at least one beamforming method
Data Source
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AI summary
A communication element (41-43) is disclosed for use in conjunction with a communications system (100) for transmitting at least one control signal to and/or receiving at least one message from at least one power electronics module (11-19). The communication element (41-43) comprises a plurality of antennas (51-53, 54-56, 57-59) capable of wireless communication. The communication element (41-43) is configured to transmit the at least one control signal to and/or receive the at least one message from the at least one power electronics module (11-19) by means of the plurality of antennas (51-53, 54-56, 57-59) in accordance with at least one beamforming method.