Capacitor Module Reducing Inductance in Matrix Convertors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing matrix convertors face limitations in increasing capacity due to high surge voltage and wiring inductance, which restricts the ability to enhance current flow and efficiency, especially when trying to expand the system's power handling capabilities.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a matrix convertor with bidirectional switches and capacitor modules arranged in a configuration that reduces wiring inductance by closely arranging switches and capacitors, and using modularized capacitor modules with terminals that support the components, allowing for increased capacity without increasing surge voltage, and includes a parallel connection of switches to manage current flow effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the matrix convertor capacity is increased by adding more switches and capacitors, then the power handling capability is improved, but the wiring inductance and surge voltage increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower handling capabilityVSAvoidsurge voltage
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The capacitor module is divided into multiple independent capacitor units (first AC capacitor, second AC capacitor, third AC capacitor) that can be independently arranged and connected. This segmentation allows for optimized electrical pathways that reduce inductance while maintaining the required total capacitance for increased power handling capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple capacitor units are combined within a single module housing, with their terminals electrically connected to form a unified capacitor assembly. This merging approach reduces the overall wiring length and connection points, thereby reducing wiring inductance and surge voltage while achieving the required capacitance for higher power applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Power

If the matrix convertor capacity is increased by adding more switches and capacitors, then the power handling capability is improved, but the wiring inductance increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower handling capabilityVSAvoidwiring inductance
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple capacitor units are nested within a single module housing, with each capacitor unit containing its own terminals that are internally connected. This nested arrangement minimizes external wiring requirements and reduces the overall wiring inductance, enabling increased power handling without proportionally increasing inductance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The capacitor terminals are arranged in multiple spatial dimensions within the module, with terminals extending from different sides and directions. This multi-dimensional arrangement optimizes the electrical connection pathways, reducing the loop area and thereby reducing wiring inductance while supporting higher power capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If traditional capacitor modules are used, then the structure is simple, but the current flow and efficiency are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent flowVSAvoidmodule structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The capacitor module employs bidirectional switches that can dynamically change their conduction direction based on the instantaneous voltage polarity. This dynamic switching capability, combined with the multi-terminal capacitor configuration, enables efficient current flow in both directions, significantly improving productivity and current handling capability compared to traditional fixed-configuration modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the electrical parameters of the capacitor module by providing multiple terminals with different connection configurations. This allows the module to operate with optimized capacitance values and connection topologies for different operating conditions, enhancing current flow and efficiency while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through standardization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9985551B2Capacitor module and matrix convertor
Publication Date: 2018.05.29 YASKAWA DENKI KK
  • US9985551B2 patent drawing
  • US9985551B2 patent drawing
  • US9985551B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A capacitor module applicable in a matrix convertor includes a module cover and a plurality of terminals. The module cover houses a plurality of AC capacitors. The plurality of terminals are disposed at least on a first side and a second side of the module cover in a widthwise direction of the module cover, and protrude from a bottom surface of the module cover.