Modular Multilevel Power Converter Tower Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modular multilevel power converters for high voltages require larger, taller structures for insulation, leading to increased costs and vulnerability to earthquake stresses, along with potential insulation issues like partial discharges and spark gap shortening.
Innovation Solution
A power converter path with a tower structure comprising two sequential groups of modules arranged in a two-level design, with electric connecting conductors between the groups to form a compact and mechanically stable series circuit, allowing for efficient insulation and reduced height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If the terminal voltage of a modular multilevel power converter is increased to achieve high voltage operation, then the insulation distances between points at different potentials must be increased, but this requires taller and larger structures that increase costs and vulnerability to earthquake stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a vertical tower structure to a horizontal planar structure. The power converter path is arranged in a plane with modules distributed across multiple levels (first level, second level, third level) that are connected through horizontal and diagonal conductors rather than vertical stacking. This dimensional change allows adequate insulation distances to be achieved through horizontal separation and diagonal routing rather than increasing vertical height.
Solution Approach 2:
The power converter path is divided into multiple sequential groups of modules (first group, second group, third group, fourth group) arranged in a specific planar configuration. Each group is positioned at different locations in the plane and connected through designated conductors, allowing the system to achieve high voltage through distributed modular arrangement rather than compact vertical stacking.
2Stress or pressure
If taller tower structures are used to achieve required insulation distances, then the mechanical structure becomes more vulnerable to earthquake stresses and requires elaborate stretching and tensioning insulators, but this can cause additional insulation problems such as stronger partial discharges
Solution Approach 1:
By arranging modules in a horizontal plane rather than vertical stacking, the structure's center of gravity remains low and the mechanical framework becomes more resistant to earthquake stresses. The planar configuration with distributed modules connected by conductors creates a more rigid and stable mechanical structure compared to tall vertical towers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs different types of insulators at different locations based on local requirements: support insulators for mechanical support and insulation, and stretching insulators where needed. The insulator selection and placement are optimized for each specific position in the planar structure, allowing adequate insulation without requiring excessive mechanical reinforcement throughout the entire structure.
3Stress or pressure
If taller and larger structures are used to achieve required insulation distances, then the operating losses and costs of air-conditioning the hall increase
Solution Approach 1:
The planar arrangement of modules in horizontal levels with adequate spacing allows the power converter to be housed in a shorter and more compact hall structure. This reduces the volume of the enclosure, thereby decreasing the energy required for air-conditioning and reducing overall operating losses compared to tall vertical structures.
4Length of stationary object
If the number of module groups in the tower structure is reduced to four groups arranged in two levels, then the structural height is reduced to a manageable level, but the insulation distances must be carefully maintained through specific arrangement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a planar multi-level arrangement where four module groups are distributed across three horizontal levels rather than stacked vertically. This spatial distribution in a plane allows short structural height while maintaining adequate insulation distances through horizontal and diagonal separation. The specific arrangement with designated conductors (first electric connecting conductor, second electric connecting conductor) provides a systematic approach to managing the complexity of connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The power converter path is segmented into four sequential groups arranged in a specific planar pattern across three levels. Each group is positioned at optimized locations and connected through designated conductors, creating a modular configuration that simplifies the management of insulation distances and electrical connections compared to a monolithic vertical structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A power converter path of a modular multilevel power converter includes a multiplicity of modules forming an electrical series circuit. The series circuit includes four groups of modules, of which two successive or sequential groups are disposed one above the other in a tower structure. A modular multilevel power converter with a power converter path is also provided.