Bridge Circuit With Coupled Chokes for Lighter Relay Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large inverter or rectifier outputs require high currents, leading to increased costs and weight due to the need for large, heavy relays to disconnect current flow safely.
Innovation Solution
A bridge circuit with magnetically coupled filter chokes in each connection path, allowing for independent clocking of bridge outputs and reducing current load on relay contacts, enabling the use of lighter and more cost-effective relays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large relays are used to disconnect high current flow from the bridge module, then safety requirements are met, but costs and weight increase considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The single high-current disconnection path is segmented into multiple parallel connection paths (first and second connection paths), each carrying a fraction of the total current. This allows the use of lighter relay contacts in each path while collectively handling the full current load, thereby reducing the weight and cost of the disconnector device while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple connection paths with magnetically coupled filter chokes are merged into a single parallel structure that collectively handles the full current load. The magnetic coupling between filter chokes in different paths enables current distribution while maintaining electromagnetic coordination, allowing the system to achieve both current sharing and unified control.
2Reliability
If large relays are used to disconnect high current flow from the bridge module, then safety requirements are met, but costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The disconnection function is segmented across multiple parallel paths, each handling a portion of the total current. This segmentation allows the use of smaller, less expensive relay contacts in each path compared to a single large relay, thereby reducing the overall cost of the disconnector device while maintaining the required safety level.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a single relay contact rated for the full maximum current, the system uses multiple relay contacts each rated for a fraction of the maximum current. The combined capacity of these partial-action contacts exceeds the required disconnection capability, allowing the use of cheaper components while achieving the same safety function.
3Weight of stationary object
If intermediate potentials are generated within the bridge module, then filter size and weight are reduced, but bridge circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: it generates the required voltage potentials for the load, creates intermediate potentials for filter reduction, and distributes current across multiple paths for safety and efficiency. This multi-functionality allows the bridge circuit to reduce filter weight while managing its own complexity through integrated design.
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
The solution reduces the current load on relay contacts by distributing current evenly between connection paths, allowing for lighter and more cost-effective relay designs, thereby reducing overall weight and cost while maintaining safety standards.
Implementation Method 1
the filter chokes of the first and second connection paths are magnetically coupled to one another
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a bridge circuit for providing an alternating current at a phase terminal, having first and second direct current terminals for connecting to a direct current source or load. The bridge circuit includes an intermediate circuit, and a bridge with bridge switches. The bridge receives potentials at the direct current terminals and outputs potentials at first and second bridge outputs and a second bridge output which are clocked independently of one another based thereon. First and second connection paths extend between the respective bridge outputs and the phase terminal, wherein each of the connection paths comprises a filter choke. A disconnector with a plurality of relay contacts is arranged between the bridge outputs and the phase terminal. The disclosure relates to an energy conversion system with such a bridge circuit.