mm-Wave Wireless Communication in Power Converter Cabinets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication solutions for power converter cabinets, such as optical fibers, are prone to performance deterioration over time, require extensive installation efforts, and often suffer from interference and capacity issues, failing to provide reliable and low-latency communication within densely packed and electrically isolated environments.
Innovation Solution
A communication network utilizing mm-wave frequency bands with antennas having opening angles between 20 and 180 degrees to establish multiple propagation paths, enabling non-line-of-sight wireless communication between control units, power switches, sensors, and actuators within a power converter cabinet, leveraging high bandwidth and high attenuation for interference reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical fibres are used for communication, then electrical isolation and data transmission are achieved, but installation complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical optical fiber cable system with a wireless electromagnetic field-based communication system. The mechanical connection and physical cable routing are substituted by radio wave propagation through the cabinet space, eliminating the need for physical cable installation while maintaining communication functionality between control units and power modules
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless electromagnetic waves as an intermediary medium to transfer communication signals between control units and power modules. Instead of direct physical connection through optical fibers, the electromagnetic waves act as a mediator that carries information through the cabinet environment, enabling communication without direct contact
2Reliability
If optical fibres are used for communication, then electrical isolation is provided, but performance deteriorates over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the degradable optical fiber material with wireless electromagnetic field transmission. The physical optical fiber that deteriorates over time is substituted by energy waves that propagate through air or vacuum, eliminating material degradation issues while maintaining electrical isolation through the natural insulating properties of the cabinet structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the communication medium from a physical material (optical fiber) with limited lifespan to electromagnetic waves that do not suffer from material fatigue or degradation. This parameter change from material-based to field-based transmission fundamentally improves the duration and reliability of the communication link
3Ease of operation
If wireless communication is used, then installation effort is reduced, but interference and reliability issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cabinet into distinct communication zones with dedicated wireless access points or antennas positioned strategically. By dividing the communication space and using multiple localized transmission points rather than a single omnidirectional source, the system reduces interference between different communication channels while maintaining ease of wireless installation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the cabinet structure itself as an intermediary to manage wireless communication. The metallic cabinet walls and internal structures serve as reflection surfaces and signal guides, channeling electromagnetic waves along predetermined paths to reduce interference while maintaining the simplicity of wireless deployment
4Productivity
If mm-wave frequency band is used, then bandwidth and data rate are increased, but signal attenuation and interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from line-of-sight direct path communication to three-dimensional multipath propagation utilizing the cabinet's internal volume. By encouraging signals to reflect off cabinet walls and components, the system creates multiple propagation dimensions, effectively increasing signal strength through constructive interference of multiple paths while maintaining high data rates
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of mm-wave attenuation into a beneficial feature by using the cabinet's metallic structure as a waveguide and reflection surface. The very features that cause signal loss (metallic components and enclosed space) are utilized to redirect and concentrate mm-wave signals, transforming attenuation problems into signal enhancement opportunities through controlled reflections
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
This solution provides reliable, high-capacity, low-latency wireless communication with electrical isolation, flexible installation, and reduced interference, facilitating efficient data exchange between components in power converter cabinets, even in environments with obstructing metallic objects.
Implementation Method 1
a first antenna configured to wirelessly transmit/receive in the mm-wave frequency band
Implementation Method 2
wireless mm-wave signals are reflected on its cabinet walls
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a communication network in a power converter cabinet (1). The power converter cabinet (1) comprises at least a control unit (5; 7a, 7b) and at least a power switch (6a-d), a sensor (8-10) or an actuator, and wherein the first communication point (2) is connected to the at least a control unit (5; 7a, 7b) inside the power converter cabinet (1), and the second communication point (3a-d) is connected to the at least a power switch (6a-d), a sensor (8-10) or an actuator inside the power converter cabinet (1). The communication network comprises: a first communication point (2), provided with a first antenna configured to wirelessly transmit/receive in the mm-wave frequency band, with an opening angle of between 20 and 180 degrees; and a second communication point (3a-d), provided with a second antenna configured to receive/transmit wirelessly in the mm-wave frequency band, with an opening angle of between 20 and 180 degrees; wherein the first and second communication points are configured to set up a communication link with multiple propagation paths, to send data between different active devices and/or components inside the power converter cabinet (1). The present invention also relates to a power converter cabinet and a method for communication within a power converter cabinet.