Inverter module for driving a plurality of compressors and method for controlling the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inverter modules require multiple intelligent power modules (IPMs) to drive multiple compressors, which is inefficient and costly, especially in applications requiring multiple refrigeration cycles or load variations, such as refrigerators with separate refrigerating and freezing chambers.
Innovation Solution
An inverter module with three upper arm elements and three lower arm elements that can drive two linear compressors in half-bridge and full-bridge configurations, with a controller managing the switching operations to optimize frequency control based on compressor efficiency and load requirements, allowing for independent or interlocked operation modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple intelligent power modules (IPMs) are used to drive multiple compressors, then each compressor can be controlled independently, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single intelligent power module is designed to perform multiple functions by controlling different numbers of compressors based on operational modes. The IPM can operate in first operation mode (controlling one compressor) or second operation mode (controlling two compressors), making the system multi-functional and adaptable to various refrigeration needs without requiring separate IPMs for each compressor
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different operational modes depending on the refrigeration load and requirements. The controller adjusts the operating state of the IPM between first operation mode (single compressor) and second operation mode (dual compressors), allowing the system to adapt flexibly to changing conditions while using the same hardware configuration
2Device complexity
If a single inverter module drives two compressors, then cost and device complexity are reduced, but the ability to independently control each compressor's frequency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The inverter module dynamically configures its internal circuitry between different bridge configurations (first bridge configuration and second bridge configuration) based on operational requirements. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to provide independent frequency control when needed while maintaining the simplicity of a single inverter module structure
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the electrical configuration parameters of the inverter module by switching between different bridge configurations. This parameter change enables the same hardware to provide different control capabilities - independent frequency control in one configuration and simplified single-control mode in another configuration - resolving the contradiction between simplicity and adaptability
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an inverter module capable of driving two linear compressors through three upper arm elements and three lower arm elements. To this end, an inverter module according to an embodiment may include an inverter module including a first inverter unit including a first upper arm and a first lower arm; a second inverter unit including a second upper arm, a second lower arm, a third upper arm and a third lower arm; and a controller configured to control the switching operation of the first upper arm and the first lower arm to allow the first inverter unit to drive a first compressor in a half-bridge configuration, and control the switching operation of the second upper arm, the second lower arm, the third upper arm and the third lower arm to allow the second inverter unit to drive a second compressor in a full-bridge configuration during a first operation mode, and control the switching operation of the first upper arm, the first lower arm, the second upper arm, the second lower arm, the third upper arm and the third lower arm to allow the first inverter unit and the second inverter unit to drive the first compressor and the second compressor in a full-bridge configuration during a second operation mode.