Series Power Converter Bypass Switch Protection Against Overvoltage Faults
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional series converter systems fail to address faults in short-circuiting switches that bypass faulty power converter units, leading to the entire system being stopped.
Innovation Solution
A power conversion system with short-circuiting switches and overvoltage suppressing elements connected in parallel, where the conducting states of these elements are changed by a prescribed voltage, ensuring the system can continue operation even when a power converter unit fails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If short-circuiting switches are provided to bypass faulty power converter units, then the system can continue operation when a power converter unit fails, but the short-circuiting switches themselves may experience faults that stop the entire system
Solution Approach 1:
Overvoltage suppressing elements are introduced as intermediary protective components connected in parallel with the short-circuiting switches. These elements act as mediators that suppress overvoltages generated during switch operation, preventing voltage-induced faults in the short-circuiting switches while maintaining their bypass functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The overvoltage suppressing elements provide beforehand cushioning by being pre-configured to suppress overvoltages before they can cause damage to the short-circuiting switches. This preventive measure cushions the switches against voltage spikes that would otherwise lead to system failure.
2Reliability
If overvoltage suppressing elements are connected in parallel with short-circuiting switches, then switch faults are suppressed, but the system requires additional components that increase complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The overvoltage suppressing elements serve multiple functions: they suppress overvoltages to prevent switch faults, and they can also handle fault currents. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated protective components, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity.
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 system effectively prevents faults in short-circuiting switches, enhancing reliability and redundancy by bypassing faulty units and maintaining power supply.
Implementation Method 1
overvoltage suppressing elements that are connected in parallel with the short-circuiting switches and in which conducting states are changed by an application of a prescribed voltage
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a power conversion system which can suppress a fault in a short-circuiting switch that bypasses a fault unit and enhance the reliability and redundancy of the system. The power conversion system (100) is provided with a plurality of power converter units (10) that are formed by using semiconductor switch elements and are connected in series, and comprises: switch elements (201, 211) that are provided to input terminals and/or output terminals of the power converter units (10) and bypass the power converter units (10); and overvoltage suppressing elements (202, 212) which are connected in parallel with the switch elements (201, 211) and in which conducting states are changed by an application of a prescribed voltage.