Modular Converter Tower Layout for Reduced Footprint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing converter arrangements are inefficient in terms of space utilization and cost, particularly when a fraction of the maximum number of switching modules are used, leading to unnecessary large footprints and land requirements.
Innovation Solution
The converter arrangement employs a support structure with tower discs that interconnect switching modules vertically and rearwardly, allowing for a U-shaped or Z-shaped current path, reducing insulation distances and material usage, and enabling modular expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If converter towers are designed to accommodate maximum switching modules with full footprint allocation, then the structure can support maximum transmission power and voltage, but the footprint and land area required become unnecessarily large when fewer switching modules are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The converter tower is segmented into multiple tower discs, each capable of holding a specific number of switching modules. This segmentation allows the system to be configured with only the necessary number of tower discs based on the required transmission capacity, avoiding the need to allocate space for a full-sized tower when fewer modules are needed. Each tower disc functions as an independent modular unit that can be vertically stacked or horizontally arranged according to the specific application requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a traditional horizontal expansion approach to a vertical stacking approach by arranging tower discs in the vertical dimension. Instead of requiring additional horizontal land area to accommodate more switching modules, the system utilizes the vertical dimension by stacking tower discs one on top of another, thereby reducing the footprint while maintaining the capability to scale up to maximum transmission power when needed.
2Length of stationary object
If converter towers are designed with maximum height to accommodate all switching modules, then the system can achieve maximum transmission voltage, but the tower height and structural complexity increase unnecessarily when maximum capacity is not required
Solution Approach 1:
The tower structure becomes dynamic and adaptable through the modular tower disc design. Rather than being a fixed-height structure, the system can be configured with varying numbers of tower discs to achieve different heights corresponding to different transmission voltage levels. This dynamic configurability allows the same modular components to serve multiple transmission capacity requirements without requiring redesign or additional land area.
3Reliability
If electrically insulating air gaps are increased to ensure proper insulation between converter towers, then electrical safety is improved, but the space requirement and footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple tower discs into a single integrated converter tower structure, eliminating the need for large air gaps between separate towers. By combining the insulation requirements into the internal design of the integrated tower with proper spacing and insulation materials between tower discs, the system maintains electrical safety while significantly reducing the overall footprint and land area required compared to multiple separate towers.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a converter arrangement (20) with switching modules (SM) connected in series, each switching module comprising several semiconductor switches, an energy storage device, and a first and a second switching module connection for connecting to two further switching modules, the switching modules being arranged in a support structure (TS). The invention is characterized in that the support structure comprises tower discs (T15-T38) arranged side by side, such that each switching module is associated with at least one horizontally adjacent switching module, at least one vertically adjacent switching module, and exactly one rearwardly adjacent switching module, each tower disc having two connection switching modules, so that all switching modules, with the exception of the connection switching modules, are connected by means of their switching module connections exclusively to switching modules adjacent to them vertically or rearwardly.