Modular Converter Module With Dual DC Link Terminals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photovoltaic system converters lack flexibility and scalability in connecting multiple modules for efficient power conversion and stabilization, leading to limitations in handling varying electrical power demands and voltage fluctuations.
Innovation Solution
A converter module design with dual DC link circuit terminals and integrated capacitance, allowing for flexible and modular connection of multiple identical modules in a chain configuration, enabling efficient power conversion and stabilization through a shared DC link circuit, with adaptable capacitance and power handling capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple converter modules are connected in a distributed DC link circuit configuration, then the system achieves improved flexibility and scalability for handling varying electrical power demands, but the device complexity increases due to the need for multiple modules and their interconnections
Solution Approach 1:
The inverter system is divided into multiple identical converter modules, each capable of independent operation. Each module contains its own converter circuit, housing, and DC link circuit terminals, allowing the system to be segmented into modular units that can be independently configured and scaled.
Solution Approach 2:
All converter modules are designed with identical structures and functionalities, featuring universal DC link circuit terminals that can connect to any other module of the same type. This universality allows any module to serve multiple roles in the chain configuration, simplifying the system architecture despite the increased number of components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If converter modules are connected in series to form a chain configuration, then the system achieves improved scalability and modular expansion capabilities, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring system-wide electrical parameters increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chain configuration segments the electrical measurement tasks into individual module-level measurements. Each module independently measures its own electrical parameters at its terminals, avoiding the complexity of system-wide measurements while maintaining scalability through simple modular additions.
3Reliability
If integrated capacitance is included in each converter module, then the system achieves improved voltage stabilization capability for the DC link circuit, but the manufacturing complexity increases due to integration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitance is merged with the converter circuit and housed together in the same module enclosure. This integration combines the voltage stabilization function with the power conversion function in a single manufacturable unit, where the capacitance serves the DC link circuit of its host module while being physically integrated with the converter components.
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 a flexible and scalable inverter system capable of handling varying electrical power demands and voltage fluctuations, enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of photovoltaic system operations by allowing modular expansion and configuration.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitance (20) arranged in the housing and connected to the first DC link circuit terminal (18a) and to the converter circuit and serving for stabilizing a DC voltage present at the first DC link circuit terminal (18a)
Data Source
AI summary
A converter module for converting electrical power by means of a converter circuit having at least one power electronic semiconductor switch driven in a clocked manner is disclosed. The converter module includes a housing, a first DC link circuit terminal, and a capacitance arranged in the housing and connected to the first DC link circuit terminal and to the converter circuit and serving for stabilizing a DC voltage present at the first DC link circuit terminal. The converter module includes a second DC link circuit terminal, which is connected to the capacitance and to the first DC link circuit terminal, wherein the first and second DC link circuit terminals are designed for connection to DC link circuit terminals of further converter modules for converting electrical power. An inverter can be formed by at least two converter modules which are connected to one another via a respective one of their DC link circuit terminals.