Indirect Matrix Converter Current Detection Accuracy

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current indirect matrix converters face challenges in accurately detecting currents due to noise and regenerative currents, which affect the precision of current measurement and can lead to voltage rises and noise generation.

Innovation Solution

The proposed indirect matrix converter includes a snubber circuit with a capacitor and diode connected between the power lines, and an inverter-side current detection unit that detects currents between the snubber circuit and the inverter, while a converter-side current detection unit detects currents through the clamp circuit, effectively isolating noise and regenerative currents to improve accuracy and reduce wiring inductance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If current detection is performed in a conventional indirect matrix converter, then current measurement is obtained, but noise and regenerative currents contaminate the measurement accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent detection accuracyVSAvoidnoise and regenerative current interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the current detection function into two separate detection units: one for detecting currents through the converter and another for detecting currents through the inverter. This segmentation allows each unit to focus on specific current paths, isolating the measurement from regenerative currents and noise that would otherwise contaminate a single unified detection system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary detection mechanism by placing detection units at strategic locations in the circuit - specifically between the converter and snubber circuit, and between the inverter and snubber circuit. These intermediary detection points allow the system to measure currents before they are contaminated by regenerative currents flowing through the snubber circuit, thereby preserving measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If regenerative currents are absorbed by the clamp circuit, then voltage rises are suppressed, but detection of these currents becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage stabilityVSAvoidregenerative current detection
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary detection by placing detection units upstream of the snubber circuit - specifically between the converter/inverter and the snubber circuit. This allows the system to detect regenerative currents before they are absorbed by the clamp circuit, enabling measurement while the currents are still present and detectable, rather than after they have been dissipated.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Object-affected harmful factors

If wiring inductance is reduced, then voltage rises during switching are suppressed, but circuit configuration becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage rise during switchingVSAvoidcircuit configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the detection function from the main power path and places it in parallel branches with the snubber circuit. This extraction allows the detection units to be positioned optimally for minimizing inductance in the detection paths without interfering with the main power flow, thereby suppressing voltage rises during switching while maintaining manageable circuit complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 configuration allows for high-accuracy detection of currents flowing through the converter and inverter, suppressing voltage rises and noise generation, and enabling the detection of overcurrents and regenerative currents, thereby enhancing the control and operation of the converter.

Implementation Method 1

a snubber circuit having a capacitor provided between a first power line on a positive electrode side and a second power line on a negative electrode side

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

a diode connected in series with the capacitor between the first power line and the second power line

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiode rectification: Diode

Data Source

PatentEP2822173B1Indirect matrix converter
Publication Date: 2019.03.06 DAIKIN INDUSTRIES LTD
  • EP2822173B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2822173B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2822173B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention is an indirect matrix converter capable of improving the accuracy of current detection. A converter (1) receives input of an AC voltage, converts the AC voltage into a DC voltage, and applies the DC voltage between a power line (LH) on a positive electrode side and a power line (LL) on a negative electrode side. A snubber circuit (2) has a capacitor (C1) provided between the power lines (LH, LL), and a diode (D1) connected in series with the capacitor (C1) between the power lines (LH, LL), and including an anode on a side close to the power line (LH) on the positive electrode side in a series path with the capacitor (C1). An inverter (3) converts the DC voltage into an AC voltage, and applies the AC voltage to an inductive load (8). An inverter-side current detection unit (4) detects a current that flows through the power line (LH) on the positive electrode side or the power line (LL) on the negative electrode side between the inverter (3) and the snubber circuit (2).