Multi-Level Converter Module Series Capacitor Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-level energy converters face challenges in reducing circuit complexity and costs, especially when transitioning from high-voltage to low-voltage applications, where existing topologies become overly complicated and expensive.
Innovation Solution
A converter module design with two series-connected converter module capacitors and a switching unit that can switch between individual capacitor voltages and their sum, allowing for simplified control and reduced circuitry, enabling the generation of multiple voltage levels with fewer semiconductor switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional multi-level energy converter topologies are used for low-voltage applications, then voltage conversion functionality is achieved, but circuit complexity and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The converter is divided into multiple modular converter modules connected in series, where each module contains two converter module capacitors and a switching unit. This segmentation allows independent control and optimization of each module, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching unit in each converter module is designed to perform multiple functions: it can switch between individual capacitor voltages and their sum, enabling the module to operate in different configurations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components, thereby lowering circuit complexity and manufacturing costs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more converter modules are used to achieve desired voltage levels, then voltage conversion capability improves, but the number of semiconductor switches and circuit complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The switching unit dynamically selects which capacitor voltages to switch based on the desired output voltage level. By using two converter module capacitors per module with a unified switching unit, the system can adaptively generate multiple voltage levels without proportionally increasing the number of semiconductor switches, as the same switches are used to switch between different capacitor combinations.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a converter module (1) for a multi-level energy converter (10), comprising two converter module connections (11, 12), a switching unit (13) and a control connection to control switch states of the switching unit (13), wherein the switching unit (13) provides the two converter module connections (11, 12) of the converter module (1) and the control connection, wherein the converter module (1) has two converter module capacitors (8, 9) connected in series, which are connected to the switching unit (13), wherein each of the converter module capacitors (8, 9) provides a converter module capacitor voltage, wherein the switching unit (13) is configured to switch the converter module capacitor voltage of one of the converter module capacitors (8, 9) or a summed voltage of the converter module capacitors (8, 9) connected in series to converter module connections (11, 12) according to a respective switch state of the switching unit (13).