Inverter Device Reactive Power Control Phase Shift

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional inverter devices struggle to control output current and supply reactive power effectively due to phase shifts between output voltage and current, leading to inefficiencies in power supply to capacitive and inductive loads and inability to detect independent operation in grid-interconnection scenarios.

Innovation Solution

An inverter device with a parallel-connected series circuit of switching elements and diodes in anti-parallel configuration, along with a clamp section using MOSFETs or IGBTs, is controlled to switch on/off at zero-cross points of output voltage, allowing for effective current control and reactive power supply even with phase shifts, and includes an over-current detection system to prevent damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If switching elements QE and QF in the clamp section and switching elements QA/QD and QB/QC in the inverter section are switched on/off at the zero-cross point of output voltage, then the loss due to potential differences in PWM control signals is reduced, but current cannot be controlled when a phase shift is produced between output voltage and current, resulting in inability to supply reactive power

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveloss due to potential differencesVSAvoidability to supply reactive power
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control method dynamically adjusts the switching timing of clamp section elements based on the operational state. When reactive power supply is needed (phase shift condition), the switching timing is shifted from zero-cross point to a different timing, allowing the system to adapt between minimizing loss and enabling reactive power supply

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If conventional inverter device switching control is used, then device structure is simple, but output current control is ineffective and reactive power supply is impossible when phase shift occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching control structureVSAvoidcurrent control effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the control parameter from fixed zero-cross point switching to variable timing switching. By adjusting the switching timing parameter based on whether reactive power supply is required, the system achieves effective current control while maintaining relatively simple device structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Duration of action of stationary object

If switching elements are constantly switched to maintain current flow, then continuous power delivery is achieved, but switching losses and noise increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous power deliveryVSAvoidswitching loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The control method uses periodic PWM switching with variable duty cycles instead of constant switching. By adjusting the duty cycle and timing periodically according to the load requirements and phase shift conditions, continuous power delivery is maintained while optimizing switching losses and reducing noise

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 device successfully controls output current and supplies reactive power with minimal distortion, enabling efficient power delivery to capacitive and inductive loads and accurate independent operation detection, improving efficiency and reducing noise.

Implementation Method 1

the switching elements Q1 to Q4 and the switching elements Q5 and Q6 are switched on/off at zero-cross points of output voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectZero-cross point switching:

Implementation Method 2

a first switching element Q1 where a first diode D1 is connected in anti-parallel and a second switching element Q2 where a second diode D2 is connected in anti-parallel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAnti-parallel diode conduction: Diode

Implementation Method 3

the reactor input voltage (the terminal voltage of the switching element QE) is clamped nearly to 0V, the reactor voltage becomes a reverse bias

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage clamping:

Data Source

PatentEP2980980B1Inverter device
Publication Date: 2021.05.26 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP2980980B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2980980B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~4(b)
  • EP2980980B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

With an inverter device (1), even when a phase shift is produced between output current and output voltage, it is still possible to control the output current and supply reactive power effectively. To do so, the inverter device (1) has an inverter section (2) that is comprised of a bridge circuit. Also, between two connecting wires (S11 and S12), a clamp section (5) that is formed with a series circuit, in which a fifth switching element (Q5) where a fifth diode (D5) is connected in anti-parallel and a sixth switching element (Q6) where a sixth diode (D6) is connected in anti-parallel are connected in series so that the conducting directions of the fifth diode (D5) and the sixth diode (D6) become opposite to each other, is provided. Also, a control section (6) to supply pulse signals for on/off switching to the first switching element (Q1) to the sixth switching element (Q6) is provided.