Modular Power Converter with Inter-Phase Transformers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power converting devices have complex constructive designs, which hinder efficient adaptation and matching of variable voltage and frequency from power generation to fixed grid characteristics, and lack modular scalability.
Innovation Solution
A power converting device comprising multiple voltage converting units and inter-phase transforming units, where each unit is magnetically coupled and arranged in a modular configuration to achieve phase shifting and higher effective switching frequencies, allowing for easy scaling and reduced manufacturing costs through standardized inter-phase transforming units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional power converting devices use multiple inter-phase transforming units with common nodes to combine transformed voltage signals, then the device can adapt variable voltage and frequency to fixed grid characteristics, but the constructive design becomes very complex
Solution Approach 1:
The power converting device is divided into multiple modular voltage converting units (first, second, third units) that can be independently configured and combined. Each unit handles specific phase conversions, allowing the system to be scaled and adapted to different power requirements without redesigning the entire system, thus reducing constructive design complexity while maintaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical structure with voltage converting units operating at different levels (phase-to-DC conversion, inter-phase transformation, and signal combination). This multi-dimensional arrangement allows complex power adaptation functions to be distributed across different structural layers, simplifying the overall constructive design while preserving versatility
2Productivity
If the power converting device uses multiple voltage converting units and inter-phase transforming units to achieve higher effective switching frequencies, then the performance is enhanced, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses identical or substantially similar inter-phase transforming units (with primary and secondary coils) that can be mass-produced as standardized components. By copying the same design across multiple units rather than creating unique components for each position, manufacturing costs are reduced while still achieving the desired high effective switching frequencies through parallel operation
Solution Approach 2:
The inter-phase transforming units are designed with universal applicability, where each unit can function in multiple positions and configurations within the power converting device. This universality allows for standardized manufacturing processes and component interchangeability, reducing overall manufacturing costs while maintaining high switching frequency performance
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 design simplifies the construction and scalability of power converting devices, reduces manufacturing costs, and enhances performance by achieving higher effective switching frequencies and reduced harmonic components at the output node.
Implementation Method 1
each comprising a primary coil and a secondary coil which are magnetically coupled
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A power converting unit comprises a plurality of voltage converting units each comprising a plurality of outputs each adapted to output voltage signals and each coupled to a first connection of a primary coil of an inter-bridge transformer magnetically coupled to the secondary coil of the same inter- bridge transformer wherein the output of the first coil is connected to the second connection of the successive inter- bridge transformer wherein the first connection of the second coil is connected to the final output node wherein the successive inter-bridge transformer is the first inter-bridge transformer for the last inter-bridge transformer wherein the assembly of a plurality of inter-bridge transformers relating to each voltage converting unit is combined into one manufacturable unit.