Distributed Control Board for Scalable Power Converter Submodules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centralized control systems for power converters face increased complexity and signal processing demands as the number of submodules increases, necessitating faster signal processing and delivery of control commands, which can be challenging.
Innovation Solution
A distributed control system with a control board connected to power modules and controller boards, featuring a processing unit, communication interface, identification, and authentication modules, enabling local control of submodules and reducing complexity by managing power modules independently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a centralized control system is used to control all submodules, then the control system can provide individual control commands to each submodule, but the complexity of the control system increases with the number of submodules
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into distributed control units, each responsible for controlling a specific submodule. This segmentation allows individual control capability to be maintained while reducing overall system complexity, as each control unit operates independently rather than requiring centralized management of all submodules.
Solution Approach 2:
The control architecture transitions from a centralized hierarchical structure to a distributed peer-to-peer structure using wireless communication. This dimensional change in system organization enables control units to communicate directly with submodules without passing through multiple intermediate layers, reducing complexity while maintaining individual control.
2Power
If the number of submodules is increased, then the power converter capacity is improved, but the signal processing speed and control command delivery must be faster
Solution Approach 1:
Each control unit operates autonomously to control its assigned submodule, making local decisions without requiring centralized signal processing. This self-service approach allows the system to scale to higher power capacities without proportionally increasing signal processing demands on a central controller, as processing is distributed across multiple independent units.
Solution Approach 2:
Signal processing tasks are segmented and distributed to individual control units rather than concentrated in a central processor. This segmentation enables the system to handle increased numbers of submodules and higher power capacities while maintaining adequate signal processing speeds through parallel processing across multiple units.
3Productivity
If more submodules are controlled through a centralized system, then the power converter capability is enhanced, but the number of signals received and delivered by the central controller increases
Solution Approach 1:
The signal communication pathway is segmented into localized connections between control units and submodules. Each control unit manages signals for only its assigned submodule, dramatically reducing the total number of signals that must be processed compared to a centralized system where one controller must manage all submodule signals.
Solution Approach 2:
Wireless communication serves as an intermediary medium between control units and submodules, enabling direct peer-to-peer communication. This eliminates the need for control units to communicate through multiple intermediate layers, reducing signal overhead while maintaining enhanced power converter capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A control board (40) for a distributed control system for power converter is proposed. The control board (40) is configured to be connected to a power module (41) and is configured to be connected to a controller board. The control board comprises a processing unit (42) configured to command the power module (41) from references received from the controller board, a set of voltage measurements delivered by the power module (41) and data received from the power module (41), and to deliver data to the controller board.