Inverter Switching Frequency Adaptation for Grid Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Inverter systems face challenges in minimizing component costs and maximizing efficiency due to the need to balance filter complexity and switching frequency, which is affected by varying network parameters and interference voltage limits.

Innovation Solution

An automated method for adjusting the switching frequency of an inverter system based on real-time measurements at the grid connection point, using a feedback branch with data acquisition, evaluation, and adaptation units to ensure compliance with interference limits while minimizing switching losses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If the inductance values in the filter are increased to reduce switching frequency voltage disturbances, then the filter effect is improved, but the filter size and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching frequency voltage disturbancesVSAvoidfilter size
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automatic adjustment of the switching frequency based on real-time network conditions. The control device monitors the grid impedance and dynamically adapts the switching frequency to maintain compliance with emission standards while optimizing filter performance and minimizing filter size requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the switching frequency parameter dynamically according to network conditions. By adjusting this parameter, the system can achieve compliance with voltage disturbance limits without requiring oversized filters, thus resolving the contradiction between filter effect and filter size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the switching frequency is increased to reduce voltage disturbances at the PCC, then the filter effect is improved, but the switching losses increase and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage disturbances at PCCVSAvoidswitching losses
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The control device continuously monitors voltage disturbances at the PCC and uses this feedback to automatically adjust the switching frequency. This closed-loop control ensures compliance with emission standards while minimizing switching losses by selecting the lowest effective switching frequency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The switching frequency is made dynamic rather than fixed. The system adapts the switching frequency in real-time based on actual network conditions, allowing operation at lower frequencies when possible to reduce losses while maintaining compliance when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Loss of energy

If the switching frequency is decreased to reduce switching losses and improve efficiency, then energy efficiency is improved, but the filter effect decreases and voltage disturbances increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching lossesVSAvoidvoltage disturbances at PCC
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback from voltage disturbance measurements at the PCC to determine when increasing the switching frequency is necessary. This allows the system to operate at low switching frequencies for efficiency while automatically compensating when voltage disturbances exceed limits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The switching frequency parameter is dynamically adjusted based on the balance between efficiency requirements and emission compliance. The control device modifies this parameter in real-time to achieve optimal operation under varying network conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If the filter is designed for worst-case network conditions, then compliance with emission standards is ensured, but component costs and filter complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompliance with emission standardsVSAvoidfilter complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of designing for static worst-case conditions, the system dynamically adapts to actual network conditions. The control device monitors grid impedance and adjusts switching frequency accordingly, allowing simpler filter design while maintaining compliance through active control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses its own control capabilities to compensate for network variations rather than relying on oversized passive components. The automatic switching frequency adjustment serves as an active compensation mechanism that reduces the need for complex, oversized filters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3433922B1Method for operating an inverter system and inverter system operating according to the method
Publication Date: 2021.03.31 SIEMENS AG
  • EP3433922B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3433922B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3433922B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for operating an inverter system (12) and to a corresponding inverter system (12), comprising an inverter (10), a network filter (20) and a return path (30) from the network filter (20) to the inverter (10). Values are determined using the data unit (22), a value spectra of the determined measurement values being determined using an evaluation unit (24), the value spectra being compared to a predetermined or predefinable limit spectrum using an assessment unit (26), and a switching frequency of the inverter (10) can be adapted and is adapted when in operation in accordance with the result of the comparison using an adapter unit (28) downstream of the data unit (22), the evaluation unit (24) and the assessment unit (26) in the return path (30).