Modular Voltage Converter With Magnetically Coupled Transformers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional voltage converters face challenges in scalability, fault tolerance, and maintenance due to their non-modular design, which limits their efficiency and reliability, especially in high-voltage applications.
Innovation Solution
A modular voltage converter design featuring multiple active bridge converter modules with magnetically coupled transformers, allowing for high-frequency energy transmission and easy maintenance, along with a control device for adaptive power management and fault tolerance, enabling scalability and redundancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional non-modular voltage converter design is used, then device complexity is reduced, but scalability and fault tolerance are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage converter is divided into multiple independent converter modules, each capable of operating autonomously. This segmentation enables the system to maintain functionality even when individual modules fail, directly improving fault tolerance while managing complexity through standardized modular units.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic reconfiguration of operational parameters by activating or deactivating specific modules based on system requirements and fault conditions. This enables adaptive scalability and reliability enhancement without requiring complete system redesign.
2Adaptability or versatility
If modular converter modules are used, then scalability and fault tolerance are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The converter system is segmented into identical or similar converter modules that can be easily added, removed, or reconfigured. This standardization simplifies scalability while managing complexity through repetition of proven modular units rather than custom designs.
Solution Approach 2:
Each converter module is designed to perform multiple functions and can be configured in various arrangements (series, parallel, or combinations) to meet different voltage and power requirements. This universality enhances adaptability while reducing overall system complexity through standardized components.
3Volume of stationary object
If high-frequency transmission is used, then transformer size is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system operates at high frequencies to reduce transformer size and weight. While this increases manufacturing precision requirements, the use of standardized modular transformer designs with magnetically coupled cores enables consistent production and maintains feasibility through proven manufacturing processes.
4Loss of energy
If magnetically coupled transformers are used between modules, then energy transfer efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Magnetically coupled transformers are used to combine multiple converter modules into a unified system with improved energy transfer efficiency. The magnetic coupling enables seamless power transfer between modules while the standardized design keeps the added complexity manageable through proven electromagnetic coupling techniques.
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 enhances scalability, fault tolerance, and maintainability, allowing for efficient energy transmission with minimized space and cost, while ensuring continuous operation even with defective modules through adaptive power management and reconfiguration.
Implementation Method 1
the transformers of the converter modules are magnetically coupled to each other
Implementation Method 2
the Multiple Active Bridge uses high-frequency transmission
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a voltage converter for converting a first direct voltage, which is present on a primary side of the voltage converter, into a second direct voltage, which is present on a secondary side of the voltage converter, wherein the voltage converter is modular in design having a plurality converter modules, which are connected to one another on the primary side and are connected to one another on the secondary side, wherein the converter modules are formed as a multiple active bridge, full-resonant topology, current source topology, or impedance source topology with a transformer connected between the primary side and the secondary side of each converter module, wherein the transformers of the converter modules are magnetically coupled to one another. The invention additionally relates to a method for operating a voltage converter of this kind, and to a computer program for carrying out the method on a computer. In the event of a fault in the voltage converter, for example in a converter cell or a converter module, a reconfiguration of the converter modules can be performed, and the voltage converter can continue to be operated in a modified configuration.