Modular Intermediate Circuit for Power Converters
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Power converters used in vehicles, such as rail vehicles, face inefficiencies due to high inductance in long connections to the intermediate circuit, leading to power losses and reduced efficiency, especially at high currents.
Innovation Solution
A modular intermediate circuit design with multiple intermediate circuit capacitor modules connected in parallel and chain configurations, utilizing low-resistance, high-inductance and high-resistance, low-inductance connections in parallel to minimize parasitic inductances and optimize efficiency, with switching devices connected in parallel to each capacitor module for efficient voltage conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If long connections are used to connect power converter units to the intermediate circuit, then the converter can handle higher power, but the inductance increases leading to power loss
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate circuit is segmented into multiple intermediate circuit capacitor modules connected in a chain, with each module serving a local power converter unit. This segmentation reduces the connection length between power converter units and the intermediate circuit, thereby reducing inductance and power loss while maintaining high power handling capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
Intermediate circuit capacitor modules are introduced as intermediary elements between power converter units and the main intermediate circuit. These modules serve as local energy storage and buffering points, reducing the need for long direct connections and minimizing parasitic inductance.
2Power
If long connections are used to connect power converter units to the intermediate circuit, then the converter can handle higher power, but the inductance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate circuit is divided into multiple modular capacitor modules connected in a chain configuration. Each module can be independently connected to power converter units, creating a scalable and organized structure that manages complexity while enabling high power handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular chain structure allows for dynamic configuration and scaling of the intermediate circuit based on power requirements. Additional capacitor modules can be added or removed from the chain to adapt to different power handling needs without redesigning the entire system.
3Device complexity
If standard intermediate circuit design is used, then the structure is simple, but power losses occur due to high inductance
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate circuit is segmented into multiple capacitor modules that can be arranged in a compact chain structure. This maintains relative structural simplicity while reducing connection lengths and parasitic inductance, thereby reducing power losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The design changes the electrical parameters of the intermediate circuit by using multiple capacitor modules with optimized connection topologies. This reduces the effective inductance and resistance of the connections, improving efficiency without significantly complicating the overall structure.
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 modular intermediate circuit design reduces power losses and enhances efficiency by minimizing inductance and optimizing current flow, allowing for high current handling with low self-inductance, thereby improving the overall performance of power converters in vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
the first low-resistance, high-inductance connection and a first high-resistance, low-inductance connection that is connected in parallel thereto, and the second terminals of the intermediate circuit capacitor modules each following immediately one after another in the chain being connected in each case through a second low-resistance, high-inductance connection
Implementation Method 2
utilizing low-resistance, high-inductance and high-resistance, low-inductance connections in parallel to minimize parasitic inductances and optimize efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A modular intermediate circuit for a power converter has at least two or more intermediate circuit capacitor modules connected in parallel and in a chain, each intermediate circuit capacitor module having a first terminal, a second terminal, and at least one first intermediate circuit capacitor, which is electrically connected with the first terminal and the second terminal. First terminals of the intermediate circuit capacitor modules each following immediately one after another in the chain are connected in each case through a first low-resistance, high-inductance connection and a first high-resistance, low-inductance connection that is connected in parallel thereto. Second terminals of the intermediate circuit capacitor modules each following immediately one after another in the chain are connected in each case through a second low-resistance, high-inductance connection and a second high-resistance, low-inductance connection that is connected in parallel thereto. A converter circuit, an energy converter, and a vehicle are also disclosed.