Leaky Waveguide Communication for Insulated High-Voltage Power Cells
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
High voltage installations face challenges in reliable and secure communication between power electronic cells operating at different electrical potentials due to interference and the high installation costs of optical fiber networks, while conventional wireless communication systems are unsuitable and vulnerable to external disturbances.
Innovation Solution
A high voltage installation using a leaky waveguide that carries and shields high-frequency communication signals, allowing physical separation of power electronic cells and insulation from the waveguide, enabling secure and efficient communication through directional antennas and multiple redundant channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical fiber networks are used for communication between power electronic cells, then communication reliability is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical fiber installation system with an electromagnetic field-based waveguide system. Instead of physically installing optical fibers between cells at different potentials, the invention uses a waveguide that creates electromagnetic fields to transmit communication signals, thereby eliminating the complex physical installation while maintaining communication reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide acts as an intermediary structure that enables communication between power electronic cells at different electrical potentials without direct electrical connection. The waveguide carries electromagnetic signals that can couple to cells through capacitive coupling or inductive coupling, serving as a mediator that solves both the reliability and installation complexity issues
2Ease of operation
If conventional wireless communication systems are used, then installation ease is improved, but vulnerability to external interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide provides localized electromagnetic field confinement, creating a controlled communication environment around each power electronic cell. The electromagnetic fields are contained within the waveguide structure and only couple to intended targets through specific coupling mechanisms, providing local communication quality while rejecting external interference
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide structure pre-establishes a controlled electromagnetic environment that inherently resists external interference before communication occurs. The confined electromagnetic fields and controlled coupling mechanisms create a protective barrier against jamming and external disturbances, implementing anti-interference measures in advance
3Device complexity
If power electronic cells are electrically connected for communication, then communication simplicity is improved, but electrical insulation requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide serves as an intermediary that enables communication between cells at different potentials without direct electrical connection. Electromagnetic signals propagate through the waveguide and couple to cells through non-contact mechanisms (capacitive or inductive coupling), eliminating the need for direct electrical connections while maintaining communication functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct electrical connections with electromagnetic field-based communication. Instead of using wired electrical connections that would require insulation, the system uses electromagnetic waves guided by the waveguide structure, substituting a mechanical/electrical connection system with an electromagnetic field system
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 provides secure, low-attenuation communication channels with high bandwidth, reducing installation complexity and vulnerability to external interference, while enabling reliable communication with reduced latency and increased redundancy.
Implementation Method 1
a waveguide configured to carry and shield HF communication signals of the plurality of power electronic cells
Implementation Method 2
The waveguide has a plurality of sections configured to leak HF communication signals present in the waveguide into a corresponding plurality of adjoining areas and vice versa
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5(a)~5(d)
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a high voltage, HV, installation (100, 200, 300, 400), comprising a plurality of power electronic cells (110), in particular power electronic switching cells, configured to operate at different electrical potentials, each power electronic cell (110) comprising a cell-side transceiver (112) with an antenna (114) for receiving and/or transmitting high frequency, HF, communication signals (124), and a waveguide (120) configured to carry and shield HF communication signals (124) of the plurality of power electronic cells (110). The waveguide (120) has a plurality of sections (122) configured to leak HF communication signals (124) present in the waveguide (120) into a corresponding plurality of adjoining areas (126) and vice versa. Each power electronic cell (110) of the plurality of power electronic cells (110) is arranged physically separated and in proximity to the waveguide (120), such that the respective power electronic cell (110) is electrically insulated from the waveguide (120) and the antenna (114) of the respective cell-side transceivers (112) is arranged in the respective adjoining area (126).