Modular Multi-Channel Power Converter Interleaved Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current AC-DC converters for bi-directional power flow in electric distribution systems face challenges in achieving high efficiency, low distortion, and reduced size and cost, particularly when handling higher current levels and voltage levels.
Innovation Solution
A multi-channel, multi-level, interleaved power converter with a modular architecture, utilizing parallel connected multi-phase bi-directional switching power converter subcircuits and a control circuit that includes a closed-loop zero-sequence component controller and zero-sequence duty cycle generator to manage circulating currents and balance voltages, allowing for interleaved switching of semiconductor devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional AC-DC converters are used for bi-directional power flow, then the system can handle power conversion, but the size and weight of passive components (AC linkage reactors and AC filter) increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The converter is divided into multiple parallel subcircuits (multi-channel configuration), where each subcircuit handles a portion of the total power. This segmentation allows the passive components in each channel to be smaller, reducing overall weight while distributing the power handling capability across multiple smaller units rather than one large component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs interleaved switching where multiple subcircuits operate with phase-shifted switching signals. This periodic action with different phases causes the ripple currents from each subcircuit to cancel each other out, reducing the required size of passive components like AC linkage reactors and AC filters, thereby reducing weight while maintaining energy efficiency.
2Power
If higher current levels are handled by conventional converters, then the power capacity increases, but the size and weight of passive components increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The converter is divided into multiple parallel subcircuits (multi-channel configuration), where each subcircuit handles a portion of the total power. This segmentation allows the passive components in each channel to be smaller, reducing overall weight while distributing the power handling capability across multiple smaller units rather than one large component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs interleaved switching where multiple subcircuits operate with phase-shifted switching signals. This periodic action with different phases causes the ripple currents from each subcircuit to cancel each other out, reducing the required size of passive components like AC linkage reactors and AC filters, thereby reducing weight while maintaining energy efficiency.
3Power
If higher voltage levels are achieved, then the power transmission capability increases, but the complexity of the converter structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The converter is divided into multiple parallel subcircuits (multi-channel configuration), where each subcircuit handles a portion of the total power. This segmentation allows the passive components in each channel to be smaller, reducing overall weight while distributing the power handling capability across multiple smaller units rather than one large component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs interleaved switching where multiple subcircuits operate with phase-shifted switching signals. This periodic action with different phases causes the ripple currents from each subcircuit to cancel each other out, reducing the required size of passive components like AC linkage reactors and AC filters, thereby reducing weight while maintaining energy efficiency.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If DC-bus capacitor current ripple is reduced, then the capacitor lifetime extends, but the converter requires more complex control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs interleaved switching where multiple subcircuits operate with phase-shifted switching signals. This periodic action with different phases causes the ripple currents from each subcircuit to cancel each other out, significantly reducing the current ripple through the DC-bus capacitors and extending their lifetime.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent includes control circuits that monitor and regulate the operation of multiple subcircuits, using feedback mechanisms to maintain proper phase relationships and ensure optimal performance. This feedback control enables the system to achieve reduced capacitor ripple while managing the complexity through automated regulation.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-phase power converter includes two or more multi-phase, bi-directional, multi-level, switching power converter subcircuits, connected in parallel at respective AC and DC sides, so as to provide a multi-channel, bi-directional, multi-level configuration. The AC sides of the switching converter subcircuits are directly coupled to one another and to a multi-phase AC input via series interface reactors, and the DC sides of the switching converter subcircuits are directly connected to one another and to a common split-capacitor bank at each level of the multi-level outputs of the switching converter subcircuits. A control circuit is configured to selectively control one or more switching semiconductor devices in each of the switching converter subcircuits. In some embodiments, the control circuit includes a closed-loop zero-sequence controller and a zero-sequence generator configured to eliminate circulating current among the switching converter subcircuits and to balance voltages across levels of the common split-capacitor bank.