Capacitor Discharger Parallel Resistive Network Fault Tolerance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power conversion systems face issues with capacitor discharge when an abnormality, such as an open fault, occurs in the discharge resistive element, preventing effective discharge of the capacitor.
Innovation Solution
A capacitor discharger with a parallel connection of series resistive elements is implemented between the input terminals of the power conversion circuit, ensuring a discharge path even in the presence of an abnormality, and providing efficient heat dissipation and insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single discharge resistive element is used, then the circuit structure is simple, but the reliability is reduced due to open faults preventing capacitor discharge
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge resistive element is divided into multiple resistive elements connected in series, forming multiple series connections. Each series connection contains multiple resistive elements, and the series connections are connected in parallel between the input terminals. This segmentation ensures that if one resistive element fails open, other paths remain intact for capacitor discharge, thereby improving reliability while managing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a redundant parallel structure of series connections before faults can occur. By pre-configuring multiple series paths in parallel, the system cushions against the impact of open faults in advance, ensuring that capacitor discharge functionality is maintained even when abnormalities occur in individual resistive elements.
2Loss of energy
If multiple resistive elements are connected in series, then heat dissipation efficiency is improved, but the insulation distance requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the discharge path into multiple series connections of resistive elements, the heat generation is distributed across multiple components rather than concentrated in a single element. This segmentation improves heat dissipation efficiency as each resistive element handles a portion of the total power dissipation, reducing thermal stress on individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimensional discharge path to a multi-dimensional parallel structure. By arranging series connections in parallel between the input terminals, the system creates multiple spatial paths for current flow, effectively utilizing dimensional space to distribute heat generation and improve thermal management while maintaining compact form factor.
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 ensures reliable capacitor discharge, enhances the reliability of the discharge circuit, and effectively dissipates heat while maintaining sufficient insulation, even in the event of an open fault in one of the resistive elements.
Implementation Method 1
efficient dissipation of heat generated by a current flowing through each series connection of resistive elements
Data Source
AI summary
A capacitor discharger applied to a power conversion system including a DC voltage source, a power conversion circuit having a pair of input terminals via which the DC voltage source is electrically connected to the power conversion circuit, and a capacitor electrically connected between the pair of input terminals of the power conversion circuit. The capacitor discharger includes a first series connection of resistive elements and a second series connection of resistive elements. In the capacitor discharger, a parallel connection of the first and second series connections of resistive elements is electrically connected between the pair of input terminals of the power conversion circuit. This can ensure a discharge path for discharging the capacitor even in the presence of an abnormality in a portion of the parallel connection of the first and second series connections of resistive elements.