DC/AC Converter Segmented Control Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical architectures for converting DC to AC and vice versa in vehicles lack robust fault tolerance, potentially compromising safety during component failures, especially when charging or propelling electric vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A DC/AC voltage converter architecture with paired H-bridges and dedicated control blocks, separated by a potential barrier, allows for independent operation of compartments, ensuring continued safe operation even with faults in one compartment, utilizing dual energy sources and communication links for fault detection and control mode adaptation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a centralized control architecture is used for DC/AC voltage conversion, then the system structure is simple, but a fault in one component can affect the entire system and compromise safety
Solution Approach 1:
The control architecture is segmented into multiple independent control blocks, each dedicated to controlling a specific H-bridge. This segmentation isolates faults to individual control blocks, preventing system-wide failures while maintaining overall system functionality. Each control block operates independently, managing its own H-bridge without interference from other control blocks.
Solution Approach 2:
A potential barrier is introduced as an intermediary element between the high-voltage converter environment and the low-voltage remote control unit. This potential barrier isolates the high-voltage side from the low-voltage control side, preventing fault propagation while enabling controlled communication through the barrier.
2Reliability
If control blocks are isolated by a potential barrier for safety, then fault propagation is prevented, but communication between control blocks and remote control unit becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The potential barrier serves as an intermediary that enables controlled communication between the high-voltage control blocks and the low-voltage remote control unit. It provides galvanic isolation while allowing signal transmission through defined interfaces, maintaining safety without completely blocking communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication system implements feedback mechanisms where control blocks report status information to the remote control unit through the potential barrier, and the remote control unit sends control commands back. This feedback loop enables coordinated operation while maintaining isolation.
3Reliability
If dedicated control blocks are used for each H-bridge, then fault isolation is improved, but the number of control components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into dedicated control blocks for each H-bridge, creating modular units that can operate independently. This segmentation improves fault tolerance by containing failures within individual control blocks while maintaining functionality of other bridges.
Solution Approach 2:
Each control block is designed to be a universal module capable of controlling its dedicated H-bridge independently. The control blocks use standardized interfaces and communication protocols, allowing them to perform multiple functions including voltage control, fault detection, and communication, reducing overall system complexity despite the increased number of blocks.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical architecture (1) for converting DC voltage into AC voltage, and vice versa, comprising:—a DC/AC voltage converter (2), comprising a plurality of arms mounted in parallel, each arm comprising two controllable switching cells (12), in series and separated by a mid-point, the arms being paired in H-bridges (11),—for each H-bridge (11), a dedicated control member (13), such that all of the switching cells (12) of said H-bridge (11) can be controlled by this control member (13), each control member (13) being intended to communicate with a same remote control unit (14) through a potential barrier (15).