Direct Matrix Converter Voltage Control for Power Ripple Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Direct-type AC power converters with a DC link but without a smoothing capacitor face challenges in suppressing ripple of active power caused by odd-number-order harmonic components in the current flowing to inductive loads, such as motors, leading to inefficiencies and harmonic issues.

Innovation Solution

A power converter control method that adjusts the voltage control rate of a direct-type AC power converter or direct matrix converter by incorporating a DC component and a specific AC component with a frequency six times the fundamental frequency, allowing for effective reduction of fifth- and seventh-order harmonic components in the current, thereby minimizing power ripple.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a direct-type AC power converter is used without a smoothing capacitor, then the converter size is reduced, but active power ripple caused by odd-number-order harmonic components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconverter sizeVSAvoidactive power ripple
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the control parameters of the voltage-source converter by introducing a specific AC component to the voltage control rate. This AC component has a frequency six times the fundamental frequency and is designed to counteract the odd-number-order harmonic components in the load current, thereby reducing active power ripple without requiring a smoothing capacitor

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention combines a DC component and an AC component in the voltage control rate to form a composite control signal. The DC component maintains basic voltage control while the AC component specifically targets harmonic reduction, creating a synergistic effect that reduces power ripple while maintaining converter compactness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-generated harmful factors

If a smoothing capacitor is added to the DC link, then active power ripple is reduced, but the converter size and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactive power rippleVSAvoidconverter size
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the mechanical/passive smoothing capacitor with an active control mechanism. By dynamically adjusting the voltage control rate with a specifically designed AC component, the system achieves ripple reduction through control action rather than passive energy storage, eliminating the need for large capacitors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of energy

If concentrated winding is used in motor armature, then copper loss is reduced, but harmonic components in armature current increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecopper lossVSAvoidharmonic components
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention converts the harmful effect of odd-number-order harmonic components into a controllable parameter. By designing the AC component of the voltage control rate to specifically counteract these harmonics, the system transforms the harmonic problem into a controlled adjustment mechanism, maintaining the efficiency benefits of concentrated winding while eliminating harmonic issues

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentEP2339737B1Power control method for controlling a direct-type ac power converter or a direct matrix converter
Publication Date: 2019.05.01 DAIKIN INDUSTRIES LTD
  • EP2339737B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2339737B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2339737B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Reduced is a ripple in active power caused by odd-number-order harmonic components of a current which flows in an inductive load when an AC voltage is outputted to the load. A voltage control rate (Ks) of an inverter (4) has a DC component (Ks1) and an AC component (-Ks6·cos(6ωLt)). This AC component has a frequency (6ϕ/2πt) which is six times a fundamental frequency (ϕ/2πt) of an AC voltage (Vu, Vv, Vw) outputted by the inverter (4). Even when there are not only a fifth-order harmonic component but also a seventh-order harmonic component of a load current (iu, iv, iw), a ratio between the magnitude (Ks6) of the AC component and the DC component (Ks1) can be appropriately set, so that a ripple in power consumption caused by these harmonic components can be reduced. A redaction in this ripple contributes to suppression of power-source harmonics.