Cam-Actuated Shorting Structure for Modular Converter Sub-Modules
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing short circuit devices for modular multi-level converters struggle to simultaneously and reliably short circuit multiple sub-modules, leading to inefficiencies in maintenance and potential reliability issues due to unreliable electrical contacts.
Innovation Solution
A short circuit regulating device with a cam member and elastic members that allows for simultaneous short circuiting or opening of multiple sub-modules by adjusting the distance between energization and shorting blocks, ensuring reliable contact through a rotating cam mechanism and elastic restoring force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a sliding contactor structure is used to ground multiple sub-modules simultaneously, then the operation efficiency is improved, but the electrical contact reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the contact system into multiple independent contact pairs, each consisting of a stationary contact and a movable contact on a support plate. This segmentation ensures that each contact point can be independently optimized for reliability while the overall system maintains high operation efficiency through simultaneous grounding of multiple sub-modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The device combines multiple contact operations into a single unified structure where multiple support plates with contacts are integrated onto one movable support plate. This merging allows simultaneous electrical contact with multiple sub-modules while maintaining consistent and reliable contact through the unified elastic member mechanism.
2Reliability
If manual manipulation of each sub-module is performed for maintenance, then the electrical contact reliability is maintained, but the work efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges multiple individual sub-module grounding operations into a single simultaneous operation. By integrating multiple contact pairs on a unified movable support plate that can be manipulated as one unit, the system achieves both high reliability through consistent contact and high efficiency through simultaneous maintenance of multiple sub-modules.
3Reliability
If a complex short circuit device structure is used to improve protection, then the converter protection is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses a modular segmented structure where multiple contact pairs are independently arranged on a unified support plate. This segmentation provides comprehensive protection for multiple sub-modules while keeping the overall device structure organized and manageable, avoiding excessive complexity through systematic arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable support plate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it carries multiple contact pairs for grounding different sub-modules, provides a unified manipulation interface, and enables simultaneous protection of multiple components. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity by consolidating multiple protection functions into a single integrated structure.
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 device improves the reliability and efficiency of short circuiting multiple sub-modules simultaneously, enhancing maintenance efficiency and ensuring consistent electrical contact, thereby improving the overall performance and reliability of modular multi-level converters.
Implementation Method 1
a cam member positioned between the first support plate and the second support plate, and in contact with the first support plate and the second support plate, respectively
Implementation Method 2
an elastic member coupled to the first support plate and the second support plate, respectively
Data Source
AI summary
A short circuit regulating device and a modular multi-level converter comprising the same are disclosed. The short circuit regulating device according to each embodiment of the present disclosure includes an energization block energizably connected to the capacitor assembly and a shorting block contacting or spaced apart from the energization block. Each face of the energization block and the shorting block facing each other is in contact with each other or separated from each other.The shorting block is coupled to the support portion. A cam member is rotatably coupled to the support portion, and an elastic member elastically supports the energization block and the shorting block. Therefore, contact and separation between the energization block and the shorting block can be performed by rotation of the cam member.