Isolated Switched Source Inverter Topology
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power inverter topologies face issues such as low efficiency, low power density, high cost, inability to support unbalanced loads, and lack of isolation, which affect their performance in generating single or split-phase AC power for grid connectivity or off-grid applications.
Innovation Solution
A transformer-less, bi-directional power inverter topology that uses a source switching multiplexer to selectively transfer power to multiple power converters, allowing independent voltage and phase control, and employs software controllable switches to generate peak AC voltage or current without increasing input voltages or using transformers, while incorporating a front-end isolator and snubber circuit for efficient power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a transformer is used to generate higher output voltage, then the output voltage can be increased, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the transformer from the inverter topology, extracting this component entirely. Instead of using a transformer to step up voltage, the system uses multiple power converter modules whose outputs are combined through software-controllable switches to achieve the desired output voltage without requiring magnetic coupling or isolation components.
Solution Approach 2:
The power converter modules can operate in multiple configurations to produce different output voltages and phases. By combining outputs from multiple modules through software-controlled switching, the system achieves universal output capability (single-phase, split-phase, three-phase) without requiring different hardware configurations or transformers for each mode.
2Power
If multiple power converters are combined to generate higher output voltage, then the peak output AC voltage can exceed input source voltage, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines outputs from multiple power converter modules through software-controllable switches. By merging the outputs of independent converter modules with independent voltage and phase control, the system achieves peak output voltages that exceed the input source voltage without requiring each individual module to operate at high voltage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic, software-controlled switching to combine power converter outputs. The switching configuration can be changed programmatically to achieve different output voltage levels and phases, providing dynamic adaptability without requiring complex hardwired switching networks or additional hardware for each configuration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional inverter topology is used, then the structure is simpler, but the ability to support unbalanced loads and split/single phase loads is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The inverter topology provides universal output capability, supporting single-phase, split-phase, and three-phase configurations from the same hardware platform. Multiple power converter modules with independent control enable the system to adapt to various load types and configurations without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic, software-controlled switching to reconfigure the output connections of multiple power converter modules. This enables real-time adaptation to different load requirements (balanced/unbalanced, single/split/three-phase) without physical reconfiguration or additional hardware, providing versatile load support through programmable control.
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for generating single/split or three phase AC voltages from a DC source with 1 to 2 times gain in output voltage without using any DC/DC boost or an output transformer. An isolation/multiplexer/mixer circuit successively charges multiple power modules, allowing each power module to generate output voltage(s) with desired magnitudes and phases, and allows independent outputs of each power converter modules to be reconnected to obtain up to two times the conventional possible output voltage. An isolation block eliminates the common mode noise problem. The gain in output voltage and isolation between the output converters eliminates the need of the front end DC/DC converter or an output transformer for most of the DC voltage sources, which improves cost, power density, efficiency and reliability of the inverter.