Multilevel Power Converter with Segmented Windings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multilevel power converters face challenges in efficiency, size, weight, power density, and reliability, particularly in high voltage applications such as power distribution networks, photovoltaic systems, and computing server racks, due to the limitations of existing circuit topologies and modulation schemes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of advanced multilevel power converter systems that include transformers with multiple secondary windings and switches, along with specific modulation schemes that balance the usage of components and capacitors, reducing thermal stress and enabling the use of lower voltage-rated capacitors, which decreases the size and weight of the converters while increasing power density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional multilevel power converter topologies are used, then power transfer between different voltage levels is achieved, but the converters suffer from large size, high weight, and low power density
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power conversion function across multiple secondary windings with different turns ratios, where each winding handles a specific voltage level conversion task. This segmentation allows the system to achieve multilevel power conversion without requiring a single large, heavy transformer core, thereby increasing power density while reducing weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multiple secondary windings with different turns ratios (different geometric parameters) to enable power transfer at multiple voltage levels. By changing the turns ratio parameter for each winding, the system achieves flexible voltage conversion without requiring oversized components, thus improving power density and reducing weight.
2Reliability
If conventional switching schemes are used, then power conversion is achieved, but thermal stress on components increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple secondary windings with multiple switching schemes that operate in parallel. By merging these pathways, the thermal load is distributed across multiple components rather than concentrating stress on a single switching path, thereby reducing thermal stress on individual components and improving overall system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements switching schemes that periodically alternate between different secondary windings and switching paths. This periodic action distributes the thermal stress over time and across multiple components, preventing any single component from experiencing continuous high thermal stress, thus enhancing reliability.
3Weight of stationary object
If standard capacitor voltage ratings are used, then basic power conversion is achieved, but the converter size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses multiple secondary windings with different turns ratios to generate multiple output voltage levels. This allows the use of lower voltage-rated capacitors for each specific voltage level rather than requiring capacitors rated for the maximum voltage, thereby reducing capacitor size and weight while maintaining the ability to handle wide input and output voltage fluctuations through selective winding activation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If simple transformer topologies are used, then basic power transfer is achieved, but adaptability to different voltage levels is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the transformer into multiple secondary windings, each with a specific turns ratio for a particular voltage level. This segmentation provides adaptability to different voltage levels without requiring a completely complex transformer design, as each winding is a relatively simple component that can be independently optimized.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the transformer with multiple secondary windings that can serve multiple functions: each winding can independently handle power transfer at its designated voltage level, and the combination of windings provides universal capability to handle a wide range of input and output voltage fluctuations, thereby achieving adaptability without proportionally increasing 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
This approach enhances the efficiency, reduces size and weight, and increases reliability by balancing component usage and capacitor charging, leading to improved power density and flexibility in handling wide input and output voltage fluctuations.
Implementation Method 1
a transformer including a first secondary winding, connecting a first tap and a second tap, and a second secondary winding, connecting a third tap and the second tap
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for power conversion are described. For example, a system may include a transformer including a plurality of secondary windings; a first set of switches connecting respective taps of the plurality of secondary windings to a first terminal; a second set of switches connecting the respective taps of the plurality of secondary windings to a second terminal; and an electrical load connected between the first terminal and the second terminal.