Integrated Multi-Phase Converter Housing for Multiple Machine Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing multi-phase converter systems require multiple individual converters for controlling electrical machines, leading to increased costs and complexity due to multiple power supply units, microcontrollers, and communication interfaces, as well as complex cabling and potential reliability issues.
Innovation Solution
A multi-phase converter design with integrated converter modules in a common housing, featuring separate power modules and a common DC link module, which reduces the number of power supply units and communication interfaces, and simplifies cabling through a shared DC voltage power connection, allowing for the control of multiple electrical machines with reduced housing costs and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple individual converters are used to control multiple electrical machines, then each machine can be controlled independently, but the number of power supply units, microcontrollers, and communication interfaces increases, leading to higher costs and increased complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple converter functions (at least three) into a single converter housing, merging multiple power supply units, microcontrollers, and communication interfaces into one integrated system. This allows independent control of multiple electrical machines while reducing the total number of components compared to using separate converters for each machine.
Solution Approach 2:
The converter is designed with multi-functionality to perform at least three converter functions within a single device. The universal converter housing and integrated electronics can control different types of electrical machines (e.g., induction motors, synchronous motors, DC motors) with varying power classes, replacing the need for multiple specialized converters.
2Ease of operation
If multiple individual converters are installed in a vehicle, then each converter can be supplied with voltage individually, but multiple outlays for the supply of electrical energy are required, increasing cabling complexity and investment costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple voltage supply connections into a single common DC voltage source that feeds the integrated converter. Instead of requiring separate power cables for each converter, the unified converter design accepts one voltage supply, dramatically reducing cabling complexity and the quantity of electrical connections needed in the vehicle.
3Ease of manufacture
If separate converters are used for each electrical machine, then housing costs can be higher, but the design is simpler for each individual converter
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated converter is designed with modular converter functions that can be independently controlled and maintained. Each converter function within the housing can be treated as a separate module, allowing for simplified manufacturing and assembly while achieving cost savings through the consolidation of multiple housings into one.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a converter (1), in particular a multiphase three-phase converter, for controlling electrical machines. It is proposed that the converter (1) has converter modules (UM) integrated in a common converter housing (G), which are configured to perform at least three converter functions for controlling at least three electrical machines.