Modular Phase Shift Transformer for Inverter Layout and Redundancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional phase shift transformers in multi-level medium voltage inverters have a fixed integrated structure, leading to increased size, weight, and lack of design freedom, as well as vulnerability to system failure if a primary winding fault occurs, limiting layout flexibility and redundancy.
Innovation Solution
The phase shift transformer is modularized, with multiple units having phase-shifted primary and secondary windings, allowing for layout freedom and redundancy, enabling continuous operation even if one module is faulty by distributing power across multiple modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional integrated phase shift transformer is used, then galvanic isolation and harmonic reduction are achieved, but the system occupies large volume and weight
Solution Approach 1:
The phase shift transformer is divided into multiple modular units (first phase shift transformer, second phase shift transformer, etc.), each handling a portion of the power cells. This segmentation reduces the volume and weight of each individual transformer while maintaining the overall galvanic isolation and harmonic reduction functions through distributed architecture.
2Ease of manufacture
If a conventional integrated phase shift transformer is used, then power distribution is achieved, but design freedom and layout flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the transformer into multiple independent modular units, each unit can be independently positioned and configured within the inverter system. This enables flexible layout arrangements and adapts to different manufacturing and installation requirements while maintaining effective power distribution to all power cells.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular architecture allows the transformer system to be arranged in different spatial dimensions and configurations (series, parallel, or hybrid arrangements), providing design freedom and layout flexibility that was not possible with a single integrated transformer structure.
3Productivity
If a conventional integrated phase shift transformer is used, then system operation is maintained, but vulnerability to single point of failure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transformer system is segmented into multiple independent modular units, creating redundancy in the architecture. If one module fails, the other modules can continue to operate and supply power to their respective power cells, ensuring continuous system operation and improving fault tolerance through distributed reliability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If modularized phase shift transformers are used, then layout freedom and redundancy are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
While segmentation into multiple modules increases structural complexity, it enables standardized modular units that can be manufactured and assembled using repeatable processes. The modular design allows for systematic configuration and simplifies maintenance, offsetting the initial complexity increase through improved manufacturability and serviceability.
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 modular design reduces the overall system size and weight, enhances redundancy, and ensures stable operation by allowing continued power delivery even if one module fails, improving system reliability and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a primary winding of a phase shift transformer is composed of a three-phase Y connection, and a secondary winding is composed of a total of 12 windings
Implementation Method 2
the rectifying unit (210) includes two diode rectifiers. An output of the rectifying unit (210) is connected to serially-connected DC link capacitors
Data Source
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AI summary
A phase shift transformer in a multi-level medium voltage inverter is disclosed, wherein structure is modularized to provide layout freedom and to reduce volume and weight of an entire system, and a continuous operation of a motor is enabled, even if one module is faulted.