Modular Multilevel Converter Ducted Cooling for Outdoor Module Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular multilevel converters (MMCs) are costly to install and maintain, require large footprints, and necessitate extensive civil engineering for indoor installations, with components needing complete shutdown for maintenance, and outdoor setups face insulation challenges due to environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A modular multilevel converter design featuring a duct system with manifolds and detachable connectors for air and fluid conveyance, integrated cooling, and a cable arrangement, allowing individual module replacement and maintenance without full shutdown, and maintaining controlled climate and insulation despite outdoor conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If MMCs are installed indoors with air insulation, then insulation performance is improved, but installation cost and footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The converter station is divided into multiple independent converter cell modules, each with its own enclosure and insulation. This segmentation allows outdoor installation while maintaining insulation performance through modular units rather than requiring a large indoor hall with centralized air insulation.
2Area of stationary object
If valve tanks are placed outdoors, then footprint is reduced, but insulation performance deteriorates due to environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple independent converter cell modules with individual enclosures instead of large outdoor valve tanks. Each module maintains its own insulation, allowing outdoor placement with reduced footprint while preserving insulation performance through distributed modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
Each converter cell module is provided with an enclosure that serves as an insulating barrier. These enclosures protect the internal components from environmental conditions while maintaining a compact outdoor footprint, replacing the need for large traditional valve tanks.
3Ease of repair
If complete valve shutdown is performed for maintenance, then repair access is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The converter is divided into independent converter cell modules that can be maintained individually. Each module has its own enclosure with detachable connections, allowing technicians to access and repair specific modules without shutting down the entire converter system, thus maintaining productivity while enabling easy repair access.
Solution Approach 2:
Individual converter cell modules can be extracted from the system for maintenance while the remaining modules continue to operate. The detachable enclosure connections enable quick removal and replacement of modules, providing maintenance access without requiring complete system shutdown.
4Reliability
If traditional indoor converter halls are used, then insulation and control are improved, but installation cost and civil engineering requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses modular converter cell modules with individual enclosures that can be installed outdoors without requiring large indoor converter halls. This eliminates the need for extensive civil engineering while maintaining insulation performance through distributed modular units with detachable connections for easy installation.
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
Facilitates easier installation, maintenance, and reduced footprint by enabling individual module replacement and controlled climate within outdoor setups, enhancing efficiency and reducing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a duct system arranged to convey air from an air-conditioning unit into the enclosures of the plurality of converter cell modules
Implementation Method 2
a heat pipe is installed between each of the submodules and the duct to transfer heat generated in a submodule to the air flowing in the duct using the heat pipe
Data Source
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AI summary
A modular multilevel converter (100) is provided. The modular multilevel converter includes at least one valve comprising a plurality of converter cell modules (110) electrically connected to each other, and a duct system (120). A converter cell module includes at least one converter cell and an enclosure (111) in which the at least one converter cell is arranged. The duct system is arranged to convey air from an air-conditioning unit (130) into the enclosures of the plurality of converter cell modules. The duct system includes a first manifold (121) and at least one second manifold (122) fluidly connected to the first manifold. The first manifold is connected to the air-conditioning unit and a second manifold is dedicated for connecting the first manifold to at least some of the plurality of converter cell modules. The enclosure of a converter cell module is fluidly and detachably connected to a second manifold via a duct connector (140) attached to the enclosure of the converter cell module.