Modular Voltage Transformer for Intermediate Voltage Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voltage transformers face challenges in efficiently configuring modular connections and maintaining stability during MVDC to MVDC conversions, particularly with solid-state transformers, due to the inability to control all intermediate voltage points simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A voltage transformer with a modular design utilizing input series and output parallel (ISOP) and input series and output series (ISOS) modules, incorporating solid-state transformers (SSTs), and a two-layer control approach to balance intermediate voltages, allowing flexible and reconfigurable connections for hybrid series and parallel configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a modular design with ISOP and ISOS connections is used, then adaptability and ease of manufacture are improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple connection configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage transformer is divided into multiple modular units that can be independently manufactured and then connected in different configurations (ISOP or ISOS). Each module contains standardized components including solid-state transformers, capacitors, and control units, allowing the system to be segmented into reusable building blocks that simplify manufacturing while providing design flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design creates universal building blocks that can serve multiple functions depending on how they are connected. The same module type can be used in both ISOP and ISOS configurations, allowing a single standardized module design to provide adaptability across different system requirements without increasing the complexity of individual module components.
2Stability of the object's composition
If balancing control of intermediate voltages is implemented, then system stability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The control means continuously monitor intermediate voltages at balancing points and automatically adjust switching signals to maintain voltage balance. This closed-loop feedback control ensures system stability by detecting voltage deviations and correcting them in real-time, while the control logic is integrated into existing module components rather than requiring separate external control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The balancing control functionality is merged with the existing control means of each module rather than being implemented as separate external control systems. The control units within each module coordinate their switching operations to achieve voltage balancing, combining multiple control functions into integrated module-level control that reduces overall system complexity.
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
Enables stable and flexible MVDC to MVDC conversions, ensuring system stability and ease of module replacement, with the ability to adapt to varying voltage ranges and applications.
Implementation Method 1
solid-state transformers (SSTs)
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~9
AI summary
In at least one embodiment, the voltage transformer (1) comprises: - an input series and output parallel, ISOP, connection (21) of input series and output series, ISOS, modules (32) and/or an ISOS connection (22) of ISOP modules (31), and - control means (4), wherein - at least one of the ISOP modules (31) or the ISOS modules (32) comprises a plurality of solid-state transformers, SSTs (33), and - the control means (4) are configured to perform a balancing control of intermediate voltages between individual ones of the SSTs (33) in the ISOS modules (32) of the ISOP connection (21) and/or between individual ones of the ISOP modules (31) in the ISOS connection (22).