Modular H-Bridge DC Converter Control for Electrolysis Power Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in directly connecting electrolysis facilities to low-voltage direct current networks for efficient energy supply, particularly in smaller island networks where energy sources like solar cells or wind power are utilized.
Innovation Solution
A procedure involving at least four controllable semiconductor switching elements in an H-bridge arrangement with subsequent suction thrushes, controlled by a predetermined signal sequence, is used to directly convert electrical input tension for supplying electrolysis facilities with electrical operating energy. This setup allows for a modular, self-guided direct current system that can adapt to varying loads by adding or removing DC voltage converter units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If line-commutated rectifiers (thyristors) are used to supply DC to electrolysis plants, then connection to medium-voltage AC power grid is achieved, but direct connection to low-voltage DC networks is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional AC-to-DC conversion system (rectifiers, transformers) with a direct DC-DC converter system using controllable semiconductor switching elements. This substitution enables direct connection to low-voltage DC networks while maintaining the capability to supply electrolysis plants with the required high current and voltage, thus improving connection flexibility without requiring complex AC grid infrastructure.
2Loss of energy
If transformer-based AC to DC conversion is used, then medium-voltage AC power grid connection is achieved, but transformer losses occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the transformer component from the conventional AC-to-DC conversion system. By using a DC-DC converter with controllable semiconductor switching elements, the system achieves voltage conversion and rectification directly in the DC domain, eliminating transformer losses while maintaining the required power conversion functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a DC-DC converter as an intermediary device between the power source and the electrolysis plant. This converter uses controllable semiconductor switching elements to perform direct voltage conversion and current regulation, replacing the traditional transformer-based AC conversion path and eliminating associated energy losses.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed converter units are used, then system structure is simplified, but adaptability to varying loads cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic converter system where the number of controllable semiconductor switching elements can be adjusted based on load requirements. The control unit detects the load condition and dynamically activates or deactivates specific switching elements, enabling the system to adapt to varying loads while maintaining a modular structure that balances complexity and flexibility.
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 enables efficient energy supply to electrolysis facilities by avoiding transformer losses and allowing direct connection to low-voltage networks, while also ensuring energy efficiency and adaptability to different load conditions.
Implementation Method 1
for the direct conversion of an electrical input DC voltage into an electrical output DC voltage
Implementation Method 2
at least four controllable semiconductor switching elements in an H-bridge arrangement with downstream suction chokes
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating a DC-DC converter for supplying an electrolysis device (6) with electrical operating power, in which in a step (S3) at least four controllable semiconductor switching elements (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) in an H-bridge arrangement with interphase transformers (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e, 18f) connected downstream are controlled by a predetermined control signal sequence (ASF) for direct conversion of an electrical input DC voltage into an electrical output DC voltage. At least two DC voltage converter units (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d) are used, each having four controllable semiconductor switching elements (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) in an H-bridge arrangement with interphase transformers (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e, 18f) connected downstream, the following steps being carried out: (S1) detecting a number (n) of the DC voltage converter units (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d), and (S2) adapting the control signal sequence (ASF) to the detected number (n) of DC voltage converter units (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d).