Multi-Level Converter Gate Drive Using Capacitor-Stored Voltage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor driving devices for air conditioners face challenges in efficiently generating gate drive signals for multi-level converters, requiring high voltage supplies and additional SMPS channels, which complicates design and increases manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A motor driving device with a gate drive signal generator that includes a gate drive power source, a gate driver, a gate capacitor, and a gate switching element, allowing for the generation of gate drive signals without the need for high voltage supplies or additional SMPS channels, using a gate drive voltage stored in the capacitor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a multi-level converter is used to output multi-level power, then power quality is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional switching elements and gate drive signal requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the gate drive signal generation function with the existing switching elements in the multi-level converter. The gate drive signal generator utilizes the switching elements already present in the converter structure, merging multiple functions into a unified design that reduces overall system complexity while maintaining power quality benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The switching elements in the multi-level converter are designed to serve multiple purposes: both power conversion and gate drive signal generation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate gate drive circuits, reducing device complexity while preserving the improved power quality characteristics of multi-level conversion
2Reliability
If high voltage supplies and additional SMPS channels are added to generate gate drive signals, then gate drive signal generation capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the gate drive signal generation function with existing converter components, eliminating the need for separate high voltage supplies and SMPS channels. This integration reduces the number of discrete components that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining reliable gate drive signal generation
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-level converter structure is designed to generate its own gate drive signals using its existing switching elements and power structure. This self-service approach eliminates external high voltage supplies and additional SMPS channels, reducing both manufacturing complexity and cost while ensuring reliable gate drive signal generation
3Reliability
If high voltage supplies and additional SMPS channels are added, then gate drive signal capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates gate drive signal generation within the existing converter structure by utilizing available switching elements. This merging approach eliminates the need for separate high voltage supplies and SMPS channels, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable gate drive signal generation capability
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 configuration simplifies the design of the motor driving device, reduces manufacturing costs, and enables effective operation of multi-level converters by generating necessary gate drive signals efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
a gate capacitor connected to both terminals of the gate driver
Data Source
AI summary
A motor driving device and an air conditioner including the same are disclosed. The disclosed motor driving device includes a multi-level converter to receive AC power, thereby outputting multi-level power, the multi-level converter including plural diodes and plural switching elements, plural capacitors for storing the multi-level power from the multi-level converter, and a gate drive signal generator to generate gate drive signals for the switching elements of the multi-level converter. The gate drive signal generator includes a gate drive power source to supply a gate drive voltage, a gate driver to generate the gate drive signals, using the gate drive voltage, a gate capacitor connected to both terminals of the gate driver, and a gate switching element connected between one end of the gate capacitor and one end of one of the plural capacitors. Accordingly, gate drive signals for the multi-level converter can be generated.