Hybrid Active Power Link Module for DC Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing DC power conversion systems face challenges with high power-rated converters, oversized energy storage devices, heat management issues, limited switching frequencies, dynamic responsiveness, fault isolation, and increased complexity and cost, particularly in applications requiring partial control for moderate transient support.
Innovation Solution
The integration of modular multi-level converter (MMC)-like power electronics into energy storage devices such as ultracapacitors, enabling a modular, scalable, and redundant system with simplified control schemes, reduced component bulk, and improved specific power density, along with effective fault tolerance and lower operational costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If full power-rated converters with high voltage ESDs are used, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the power conversion function into two independent modules: a high-voltage ESD module and a low-voltage full-bridge converter module. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability. The high-voltage ESD is isolated from the complex switching circuitry, and the converter only handles low-voltage operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the high-voltage functionality into a separate ESD module, removing it from the complex converter circuit. This extraction eliminates the need for the converter to handle high-voltage stress, simplifying its design and reducing component ratings required, thereby lowering complexity and cost.
2Reliability
If over-sized ESDs are used for heat management, then reliability is improved, but weight and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the energy storage function (ESD) from the power conversion function (converter). This allows the ESD to be sized precisely for its energy storage requirement without needing to be oversized for heat dissipation, which is now handled by the dedicated converter module with its own thermal management path.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal management burden is extracted from the ESD and transferred to the converter module. The converter handles the high-current, low-voltage operations that generate heat, while the ESD operates at lower current levels, reducing its weight and volume requirements.
3Device complexity
If non-modular topologies are used, then device complexity is reduced, but fault isolation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses modular architecture where the ESD and converter are distinct, replaceable modules. This segmentation enables independent fault isolation - if one module fails, it can be identified and replaced without affecting the other module, improving ease of repair while maintaining manageable complexity through standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
The converter module is designed as a universal, standardized unit that can be applied across different high-voltage ESD configurations. This universality simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining fault isolation capabilities through modular replacement rather than complex reconfiguration.
4Power
If high power-rated converters are used, then transient support capability is improved, but specific power density decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the power delivery function between the high-voltage ESD (providing transient power bursts) and the low-voltage converter (providing continuous power). This segmentation allows the converter to be sized for continuous power rather than peak transient power, significantly improving specific power density while maintaining transient support capability through the ESD's high-voltage energy storage.
Data Source
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AI summary
A hybrid active power link device includes a plurality of active power link modules (APLMs). Each APLM of the plurality of APLMs includes a plurality of switching devices including a first switching device and a second switching device coupled in series. Each APLM of the plurality of APLMs also includes at least one first-type energy storage device (ESD) coupled in parallel with both of the first switching device and the second switching device. The hybrid active power link device also includes at least one second-type ESD coupled in series with at least one APLM of the plurality of APLMs.