Modular Multilevel Power Converter for Lightweight High-Voltage Loads
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power converter topologies for aircraft and other high-voltage applications are bulky, heavy, and inefficient due to the need for complex designs and large capacitors, which increases weight and reduces power density, especially with the increasing number of electric loads in 'more electric' aircraft.
Innovation Solution
A modular power converter system using Modular Multilevel Converter (MMC) cells with a multi-winding generator and integrated ac-dc converters, allowing for redundant and reconfigurable designs that reduce weight by distributing dc voltage across smaller capacitors and enabling efficient operation with both AC and DC loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional power converter topologies are used, then power conversion functionality is provided, but weight and complexity increase due to large capacitors and complex designs
Solution Approach 1:
The power converter is divided into multiple independent converter modules, each handling a portion of the total power. This segmentation allows each module to use smaller capacitors and simpler designs, reducing individual module weight while maintaining total system functionality. The modular structure enables parallel operation to achieve high power conversion capability without requiring a single large, heavy converter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional two-level converter topology to multilevel converter topology, adding voltage levels as a new dimension. This dimensional change in the voltage structure allows for reduced current ripple, smaller filter components, and lower weight while maintaining the same power conversion capability. The multilevel structure distributes voltage stress across multiple devices, enabling lighter component design.
2Weight of moving object
If voltage is increased to reduce cable weight, then cable weight decreases, but converter complexity increases due to high voltage constraints
Solution Approach 1:
High voltage is achieved by series-connecting multiple converter modules, each operating at lower voltage. This segmentation of voltage levels allows the system to reach high output voltages (reducing cable current and weight) while each individual module remains relatively simple. The modular series configuration distributes voltage stress across multiple identical, manageable units rather than requiring a single complex high-voltage converter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameter distribution by using multilevel converter topology, which creates intermediate voltage levels between input and output. This parameter transformation allows progressive voltage building through multiple stages, reducing the complexity of direct high-voltage conversion while enabling high output voltage for lightweight cabling.
3Adaptability or versatility
If number of electric loads increases, then power management capability improves, but system weight and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power converter system is segmented into multiple independent modules, each capable of serving different load requirements. This modular architecture enables flexible power distribution to multiple AC and DC loads without requiring a single large, heavy converter. Each module can be independently controlled and configured, providing adaptability to various load demands while keeping individual component weights low.
Solution Approach 2:
The converter modules are designed with universal functionality to handle both AC and DC load requirements. By making each module multi-functional, the system can serve diverse power management needs without adding dedicated converters for each load type, thereby reducing overall system weight and bulk while maintaining high adaptability to different load configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular electric power converter includes a plurality of power converter modules, each module comprising a cell of a Modular Multilevel Converter, MMC, to provide a controlled ac output.