HFAC Zonal Power Distribution With CLCL Resonant Inverters
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Solution Overview
Problem
High frequency AC power distribution systems in electric vehicles face significant conductor and distribution losses due to skin and proximity effects, as well as increased reactive power from high AC impedance, leading to poor transmission efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A high frequency alternating-current (HFAC) distribution network is implemented within electric vehicles, comprising multiple HFAC zones coupled to a direct-current (DC) power source, each with a HFAC resonant inverter including a CLCL resonant tank circuit and a push-pull circuit, and an HFAC bus to distribute power to loads, minimizing transmission line length and optimizing frequency to reduce losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If high frequency AC power distribution is used in electric vehicles, then power transmission capability and component size are improved, but conductor and distribution losses increase due to skin and proximity effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the vehicle into multiple HFAC zones (e.g., front zone, rear zone, side zones), each with its own HFAC resonant inverter and HFAC bus. This segmentation allows power to be converted to HFAC locally in each zone, reducing the transmission distance and minimizing skin and proximity effects in the transmission lines, thereby reducing conductor and distribution losses while maintaining high power transmission capability.
2Power
If high frequency AC power distribution is used, then reactive power increases due to high AC impedance, but transmission efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs CLCL resonant tank circuits that operate at resonant frequency, where the inductive and capacitive reactances cancel each other out, resulting in a purely resistive impedance. This parameter change (operating at resonance) eliminates reactive power circulation and minimizes AC impedance effects, thereby maintaining high power transmission capability while maximizing transmission efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple HFAC zones are distributed within the vehicle, then power distribution flexibility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power distribution system into multiple independent HFAC zones, each with its own resonant inverter and bus. This modular segmentation provides flexibility to distribute power to different loads in different zones independently, while the use of standardized HFAC interfaces and resonant circuit topologies across all zones prevents excessive complexity increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs universal HFAC resonant inverter modules with CLCL tank circuits that can serve multiple functions: converting DC to HFAC, providing local power conversion, and enabling flexible distribution to various AC loads across different zones. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized components for each zone, thereby maintaining system flexibility while controlling complexity.
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
The solution enhances power transmission efficiency by minimizing AC transmission line length, reducing power losses, and maintaining reliable operation across varying loads, while allowing for higher-frequency AC power distribution with improved component size and safety.
Implementation Method 1
each HFAC zone comprises a HFAC resonant inverter to convert DC power to HFAC power, the HFAC resonant inverter including a CLCL resonant tank circuit
Implementation Method 2
a push-pull circuit coupled to the CLCL resonant tank circuit, the push-pull circuit including a pair of switches, and a transformer coupled to the CLCL resonant tank circuit, wherein the HFAC inverter is to convert DC power to HFAC power
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatuses and systems provide technology for a high frequency alternating-current (HFAC) distribution network for a vehicle that includes a plurality of HFAC zones coupled to a direct-current (DC) power source, the plurality of HFAC zones disbursed within the vehicle, where each HFAC zone includes a HFAC resonant inverter to convert DC power to HFAC power and a HFAC bus coupled to the HFAC resonant inverter, the HFAC bus to distribute the HFAC power to one or more loads. The technology includes a CLCL resonant tank circuit having two capacitors and two inductors, a push-pull circuit coupled to the CLCL resonant tank circuit, the push-pull circuit including a pair of switches, and a transformer to couple the inverter to the HFAC bus.