Multi-Level Parallel Phase Converter for Noise Filtering Redundancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power systems in electric aircraft face challenges in efficiently converting DC power to poly-phase AC power while effectively filtering electrical noise, particularly when using passive filters, and there is a need for systems that can handle higher switching frequencies and provide redundancy in power conversion.
Innovation Solution
A multi-level parallel phase converter system with multiple converter modules connected in parallel, each with interphase inductors and controlled by a common controller, generates a staircase waveform that is filtered to produce a sinusoidal output, allowing for higher switching frequencies and redundancy through modular design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If two-level power converters are used, then the system structure is simple, but the switching frequency is limited and noise filtering capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The power converter is divided into multiple independent converter modules (first converter module, second converter module, etc.), each operating in parallel. This segmentation allows each module to contribute to noise filtering while maintaining overall system functionality, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and noise filtering capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multi-level power converters composed of different voltage levels (first voltage level, second voltage level, third voltage level) within each converter module. This composite structure combines multiple converter levels to enhance noise filtering capability while maintaining system reliability, addressing the limitation of two-level converters.
2Reliability
If more than two converter modules are added to improve noise filtering, then the noise removal capability increases, but the system complexity increases beyond manageable levels
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into standardized converter modules that can be added in parallel. Each module has a uniform structure with multiple voltage levels, allowing scalable noise filtering without proportionally increasing overall system complexity. The modular design enables incremental improvement of noise filtering capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Each converter module is designed with universal functionality, performing both power conversion and noise filtering operations. The multi-level structure within each module provides multiple voltage levels that simultaneously contribute to power conversion efficiency and noise filtering, reducing the need for separate dedicated filtering components.
3Device complexity
If two-level power converters are used, then the converter structure is simple, but the switching frequency is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-level power converters with multiple voltage levels (first, second, and third voltage levels) within each converter module. This composite structure enables higher switching frequencies by distributing the voltage conversion across multiple levels, reducing the stress on individual switching devices and allowing faster switching operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The power conversion function is segmented across multiple converter modules operating in parallel, each with multi-level structures. This segmentation allows each module to operate at optimized switching frequencies while contributing to the overall system performance, enabling higher effective switching frequencies without excessive 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
The system achieves efficient noise filtration and increased switching frequency, enabling robust power conversion with redundancy, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of power transmission to on-board electrical components.
Implementation Method 1
each of the converter modules has multiple multi-level power converters, a poly-phase interphase inductor
Implementation Method 2
a power converter to convert DC power into a poly-phase format
Implementation Method 3
enabling effective noise filtering and higher switching frequencies through pulse width modulation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 3
AI summary
A multi-level parallel phase power converter has a power source (110), a converter (100), and an electrical node (132). The converter includes multiple converter modules (120,120,120). Each of the converter modules has multiple multi-level power converters, a poly-phase interphase inductor, and a set of poly-phase power summing connections. The summed power of each of the multiple converter modules are connected together to form a single poly-phase power converter.