Modular Converter Common Communication Bus Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modular multi-stage converters face high costs and complexity due to expensive point-to-point communication connections and the need for suitable electrical insulation in medium and high voltage ranges, particularly in systems where the control system accounts for a significant portion of the total costs.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a common communication connection with multiple insulation paths, each with an insulation capability of up to 5 kV, replacing point-to-point connections and allowing for a simpler, more cost-effective design by using low-insulation elements such as transformers, capacitors, or couplers, and configuring the communication link into sub-areas to manage voltage drops effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If point-to-point fiber optic connections are used between control device and modules, then communication reliability is improved, but construction cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual communication connections into a single common communication bus that serves all submodules. Instead of having separate point-to-point connections from the control device to each submodule, all submodules share a common communication infrastructure, dramatically reducing the number of connections required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary common communication bus that mediates between the control device and multiple submodules. This bus acts as a shared communication medium, allowing the control device to communicate with any submodule through the common bus rather than requiring direct dedicated connections.
2Reliability
If point-to-point connections are implemented in medium and high voltage ranges, then communication capability is improved, but the need for complex electrical insulation increases cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the common communication bus into multiple electrically insulated sections. Each section is isolated from others through insulation paths with specific insulation capabilities (at most 5 kV), allowing the system to handle medium and high voltages while using simpler, lower-insulation components in each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different insulation characteristics to different sections of the communication bus based on local voltage requirements. Each insulation path is designed with insulation capability matched to the specific voltage conditions in its section, rather than requiring uniform high insulation throughout the entire system.
3Device complexity
If a common communication connection is used with multiple insulation paths, then construction cost is reduced, but the system must manage voltage drops across insulation sections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the insulation parameter of the communication bus by dividing it into sections with specific insulation capabilities (at most 5 kV). This parameter change allows the use of simpler, lower-cost insulation components while still accommodating the voltage requirements of the overall high-voltage system through proper sectioning.
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 solution significantly reduces construction costs and space requirements while maintaining reliable communication, even in systems with a large number of submodules, by eliminating the need for complex and expensive point-to-point connections and ensuring redundancy in the communication system.
Implementation Method 1
a common communication connection which is divided into sub-areas which are electrically insulated from one another by means of insulation paths. The design of the division into the sub-areas ensures that the voltage drop across the insulation sections is a maximum of 5 kV.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
Multi-stage converter with at least one branch connected between a positive busbar and a negative busbar, wherein the branch has at least two arms connected in series, each arm comprising a series connection of a plurality of two-pole submodules, which have an energy storage device and a communication link to a control unit of the multi-stage converter, by means of which at least one piece of information about a state of charge of the energy storage device and a switching instruction for a switch of the submodule can be transmitted, characterized in that for at least some of the submodules the communication link is set up as a common communication link and has a plurality of isolation gaps which have an isolation capability of at most 5 kV.