Bidirectional Energy Storage Converter With Parallel Clamping Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bidirectional energy storage converters experience unbalanced semiconductor temperatures and high junction temperatures of clamping diodes during low modulation ratio operations, necessitating reduced capacity to prevent overheating.
Innovation Solution
The converter replaces traditional clamping diodes with switch assemblies comprising a diode and a switch tube connected in parallel, and incorporates resistor assemblies for voltage balancing, allowing for shunting of currents and heat dissipation, while maintaining balanced voltage across switch assemblies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional clamping diodes are used in bidirectional energy storage converter, then the converter can operate at low modulation ratio, but the junction temperature of clamping diodes becomes excessively high causing unbalanced semiconductor temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping diode is segmented by introducing a parallel switch tube, dividing the current path into two branches. This allows the diode to handle only the commutation current while the switch tube handles the main charging/discharging current, thereby reducing the diode's temperature and enabling operation at low modulation ratios without excessive heating
Solution Approach 2:
The switch tube is dynamically controlled to be turned on during charging and discharging operations, adapting the current distribution in real-time. This dynamic switching allows the system to maintain balanced temperatures across semiconductor devices while operating at low modulation ratios where traditional designs would overheat
2Temperature
If six switch assemblies with parallel diode and switch tube are used, then current shunting and temperature balancing are achieved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Each switch assembly is designed as a universal module containing both a switch tube and a diode in parallel, capable of handling both charging and discharging operations. This multi-functional design allows the same assembly structure to be repeated six times in the bridge circuit, achieving temperature balance while managing complexity through standardization
Solution Approach 2:
All six switch assemblies use identical homogeneous structures with parallel diode and switch tube configurations. This uniformity simplifies manufacturing and maintenance while ensuring consistent thermal and electrical characteristics across all assemblies, achieving temperature balance without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
3Stability of the object's composition
If resistor assembly is added for voltage balancing, then voltage across switch assemblies is balanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Resistor assemblies are introduced as intermediary elements connected between specific switch assemblies to balance voltages. These resistors act as mediators that equalize voltage distribution across the bridge arms during charging and discharging, ensuring stable operation without requiring complex control circuits or additional active components
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 configuration reduces the temperature of switch assemblies, prevents overheating, and maintains efficient operation during high voltage charging and discharging, while simplifying the structure and reducing production costs.
Implementation Method 1
each switch assembly comprises one switch tube and one diode, and the switch tube and the diode of each switch assembly are connected in parallel
Implementation Method 2
a resistor assembly, and a first end of the resistor assembly is connected to the first end of the fifth switch assembly, a second end of the resistor assembly is connected to the second end of the sixth switch assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A bidirectional energy storage converter is provided. The converter includes multiple bridge arms, each including a first switch assembly, a second switch assembly, a third switch assembly and a fourth switch assembly, sequentially connected in series. The first switch assembly is connected to a positive electrode of a direct-current busbar and a third end of a resistor assembly. The fourth switch assembly is connected to a negative electrode of the direct-current busbar and a fourth end of the resistor assembly. One end of a branch formed by connecting a fifth switch assembly and a sixth switch assembly in series is connected to a connection point of the first switch assembly and the second switch assembly, and a first end of the resistor assembly. Another end is connected to a connection point of the third switch assembly and the fourth switch assembly, and a second end of the resistor assembly.