Electric Drive System Modular Inverter Topology
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric drive systems for vehicles face challenges in meeting high power output requirements without incurring significant implementation effort and cost, often necessitating complex adaptations and increased current carrying capacity, especially when multiple battery modules are connected in parallel, leading to undesired compensation currents.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a configuration of at least two multiphase electric machine winding strands connected to inverters in a series and parallel arrangement, utilizing standardized power modules with a central control device, allowing for modularization and increased performance without complicating the design or increasing costs, and includes a DC voltage source with a series connection of battery modules, providing a balanced voltage level and redundancy through center taps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple battery modules are connected in parallel to increase power output, then the power output requirement is met, but undesired compensation currents occur between the strings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the battery system into multiple strings with series-connected battery modules, where each string is independently managed. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high power output through parallel connection of strings while minimizing compensation currents by maintaining balanced voltage levels through independent control of each string's inverter system.
2Power
If the current carrying capacity of inverter components is increased to meet high power outputs, then the power output requirement is met, but implementation effort and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inverter system is segmented into multiple independent inverters, each handling a portion of the total power output. This allows standardization of individual inverter modules with moderate current carrying capacity, making them easier and more cost-effective to manufacture while achieving high overall system power through parallel configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing the current carrying capacity in one dimension, the patent transitions to a multi-dimensional solution by connecting multiple inverters in parallel, distributing the current load across multiple pathways. This dimensional change allows maintaining standard component specifications while achieving high power output.
3Power
If extensive adaptations and changes are made to the electric drive system to meet increased power output requirements, then the power output requirement is met, but implementation effort and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electric drive system is segmented into modular units (battery strings with associated inverters) that can be independently configured and controlled. This modular segmentation allows the system to scale to high power outputs by simply adding more modules in parallel without requiring extensive adaptations to the fundamental system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal modular architecture where each battery string-inverter unit can function independently or in combination with others. This multi-functionality allows the same basic module design to serve different power requirements, reducing the need for extensive adaptations when scaling the system.
4Productivity
If standardized power modules are used to increase performance, then the performance is improved without complicating the design, but the system requires modularization which may increase implementation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into standardized modular power units that can be independently manufactured, tested, and assembled. This segmentation enables performance improvement through simple addition of modules rather than redesigning the entire system, and the modular structure actually reduces overall complexity by promoting standardization and interchangeability.
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
This configuration enhances the electric drive system's performance by allowing increased power output without increasing the complexity or cost of individual components, while maintaining balanced voltage levels and enabling redundant operation in case of inverter faults, thus reducing implementation effort and costs.
Implementation Method 1
an inverter 102 in the form of a pulse width modulated inverter. To this end, a DC voltage provided by a DC voltage intermediate circuit 103 can be converted into a multiphase AC voltage
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of battery modules 105 or any desired DC voltage sources
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an electric drive system with an n-phase electric machine, n>1, having at least two multiphase winding strands; a first inverter, the output connections of which are connected to the phase connections of a first of the multiphase winding strands of the electric machine; a second inverter, which is connected in parallel to the first inverter and the output connections of which are connected to the phase connections of a second of the multiphase winding strands of the electric machine; and a DC voltage source, which has a plurality of battery modules connected in series and a first output connection of which is connected to a first input connection of the first inverter and second output connection of which is connected to a first input connection of the second inverter. A second input connection of the first inverter and a second input connection of the second inverter are connected to each other such that the first inverter and the second inverter are arranged in a series circuit, and the second input connection of the first inverter and the second input connection of the second inverter are connected to a center tap of the DC voltage source between two sub-groups of the battery modules connected in series.