High-Frequency DC Boost Converter for MVDC and HVDC Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional DC to DC boost converters are unsuitable for boosting input DC voltages to levels suitable for transmission over medium voltage (MV) and high voltage (HV) DC transmission lines due to limitations in semiconductor switch performance, particularly with IGBTs and MOSFETs, which result in restricted operating frequency and increased energy losses, making them impractical for commercial power transmission applications.
Innovation Solution
A DC to DC boost converter design featuring a bridge converter with high-speed semiconductor switches, a high-frequency transformer, and a rectifier, capable of generating alternating current (AC) output that is then stepped up to medium or high voltage DC, utilizing discrete power transistors with low switching losses and silicon carbide MOSFETs, and an output filter to stabilize the voltage, allowing for efficient power transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional IGBTs or MOSFETs are used in DC to DC boost converters, then the converter can operate at lower frequencies with simpler semiconductor devices, but the operating frequency is restricted below 20 kHz and energy losses increase making them impractical for commercial power transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the semiconductor switches from conventional silicon-based IGBTs/MOSFETs to wide bandgap materials (such as silicon carbide or gallium nitride), which fundamentally alters the switching characteristics and enables higher operating frequencies with reduced energy losses
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs composite material structures in the semiconductor devices, combining wide bandgap semiconductor materials with advanced packaging and cooling solutions to achieve both high-frequency operation and low energy loss characteristics required for commercial power transmission
2Power
If larger heatsinks and increased semiconductor counts are used to handle higher power levels, then the converter can transmit more power, but the device complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the semiconductor material to wide bandgap devices, the patent reduces switching losses and improves power density, allowing higher power transmission with fewer semiconductor devices and smaller heatsinks, thereby reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical/thermal management approach (large heatsinks) with advanced semiconductor material properties that inherently dissipate heat more efficiently, reducing the need for bulky thermal management components
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
Enables efficient boosting of low-voltage DC input to medium or high voltage levels suitable for MVDC or HVDC transmission lines, reducing energy losses and costs associated with larger heatsinks and increased semiconductor counts, while maintaining stability and efficiency across a wide range of frequencies.
Implementation Method 1
a transformer configured to receive and step up the AC output of the bridge converter
Implementation Method 2
a rectifier configured to convert the stepped up AC output to a pulsating DC output
Data Source
AI summary
A DC to DC boost converter for boosting low voltage power to levels for MVDC and HVDC transmission. The DC to DC boost converter comprises a bridge converter configured to receive a direct current (DC) input and to generate a resultant alternating current (AC) output, the bridge converter comprising a high-speed semiconductor switch bridge; a transformer configured to receive and step up the AC output of the bridge converter; and a rectifier configured to convert the stepped up AC output to pulsating DC output.