Inverter With Insulating Transformer for Compact Renewable Energy Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inverters in renewable energy storage systems lack electrical insulation between input and output ports, leading to bulkiness, complexity, and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an insulating transformer within the DC-DC converting unit, which includes a half-bridge switch, oscillator, and full-bridge diode rectifier, operating with a fixed duty cycle, to provide electrical insulation and simplify the circuit while maintaining a compact and cost-effective design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional insulating methods are used, then electrical insulation between input and output ports is achieved, but the inverter becomes bulky and costly with complicated circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the insulation function with the existing DC-DC conversion function by integrating a transformer into the DC-DC converting unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate insulation components and circuits, achieving electrical insulation between input and output ports while maintaining circuit simplicity and reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The transformer in the DC-DC converting unit serves multiple functions: it provides voltage conversion for DC-DC conversion and simultaneously provides electrical insulation between input and output ports. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated insulation components, simplifying the overall circuit structure
2Reliability
If conventional insulating methods are used, then electrical insulation between input and output ports is achieved, but the inverter becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation function is merged with the DC-DC conversion function through the transformer integration. By combining these functions into a single unit, the patent eliminates the need for additional insulation components that would increase volume, thereby achieving electrical insulation without making the inverter bulky
Solution Approach 2:
The transformer serves dual purposes of voltage conversion and electrical insulation. This multi-functionality reduces the total component count and volume required, as the same component performs both insulation and power conversion tasks, preventing the inverter from becoming bulky
3Reliability
If conventional insulating methods are used, then electrical insulation between input and output ports is achieved, but the inverter becomes costly
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the insulation function with the DC-DC conversion function in a single transformer-based unit, the patent eliminates the need for separate insulation components and their associated assembly processes. This integration reduces manufacturing complexity and material costs, achieving electrical insulation without increasing manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 2:
The transformer's multi-functionality in providing both voltage conversion and electrical insulation reduces the total bill of materials and assembly requirements. This cost-effective approach achieves insulation without requiring additional dedicated insulation components, thereby maintaining low manufacturing costs
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
The solution ensures electrical insulation between input and output ports, reduces conduction and switching losses, minimizes circuit size, and enhances system efficiency by using an unregulated DC-DC bus converter with a fixed duty cycle, resulting in a compact, low-cost, and simplified inverter design.
Implementation Method 1
a transformer that converts the power from the oscillator into power of a different level and outputs the converted power
Implementation Method 2
a full-bridge diode rectifier that rectifies the power output from the transformer into DC power and outputs the rectified power
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an inverter of a renewable energy storage system, which has an input port and an output port electrically insulated, and is compact and low-priced, while having a simplified circuit. The inverter includes a DC-DC converting unit connected to the DC link, and an inverting unit connected between the DC-DC converting unit and the power system, wherein the DC-DC converting unit is an unregulated DC-DC bus converter.