Inverter Half-Bridge Integration for DC-DC Energy Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current hybrid and electric vehicles require separate devices for optimal energy and power management of electric storage devices and electric machines, leading to inefficiencies and increased weight, space, and cost due to the need for both an inverter and a direct dc converter.
Innovation Solution
A power-electronics arrangement that integrates an inverter with an additional half-bridge, allowing at least one electric energy storage device to supply the electric machine and charge another, utilizing space vector modulation for efficient energy transfer between storage devices without a separate direct dc converter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate inverter and direct dc converter devices are used for optimal energy and power management, then reliability and functional independence are improved, but device complexity, weight, space, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the inverter and direct dc converter into a single integrated power electronics device. The inverter unit and direct dc converter unit share common structural elements including housing, control units, and electrical connections, allowing both functions to be performed by one device rather than requiring separate independent devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated power electronics device performs multiple functions: it operates as an inverter to supply AC power to the electric machine, and simultaneously functions as a direct dc converter to transfer power between different voltage levels of the electric storage devices. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated devices for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate inverter and direct dc converter devices are used, then functional versatility is improved, but weight and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the inverter and direct dc converter into a single physical device, significantly reducing the total weight compared to having two separate devices. The shared housing, control electronics, and structural components contribute to this weight reduction while maintaining both functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device provides universal power management capabilities by handling both AC power conversion for the electric machine and DC voltage level conversion between storage devices, thereby maintaining functional versatility while reducing overall system weight.
3Ease of operation
If separate inverter and direct dc converter devices are used, then operational independence is improved, but cost and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated design combines multiple power conversion functions into a single manufacturable unit, reducing the number of assembly steps, connection points, and installation procedures required compared to assembling and integrating multiple separate devices.
4Device complexity
If integrated power electronics arrangement is used, then device complexity and weight are reduced, but switching losses may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit dynamically manages the switching operations of both the inverter and direct dc converter functions, optimizing the switching sequences to minimize energy losses. The system can adaptively adjust switching patterns based on operational conditions to reduce overall switching losses despite the integrated architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A power electronics arrangement includes an inverter to which an electric machine can be connected, and at least one half bridge to which at least two electric energy storage devices can be connected. One of the at least two electric energy storage devices at least temporarily supplies the electric machine, and one of the electric energy storage devices at least temporarily charges another energy storage device of the at least two electric energy storage devices by way of the electric machine and one of the half bridges. For this purpose, a control method for the power electronics arrangement operates according to the principle of space vector modulation.