Multilevel Power Converter Using Switch Circuit Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multilevel inverters require diodes with varying breakdown voltages, increasing complexity and manufacturing difficulty, especially when increasing the number of output voltage levels.
Innovation Solution
A power converter configuration where switch circuits select outputs from nodes between diodes and charge storage elements, concentrating high-voltage elements in switch circuits, simplifying the design and manufacturing process regardless of the number of voltage levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If diodes with varying breakdown voltages are used in conventional multilevel inverters to achieve multiple voltage levels, then the number of output voltage levels increases, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the configuration parameter of the circuit from using diodes with different breakdown voltages to using uniform voltage sources (capacitors) combined with switch circuits. This parameter change allows the system to achieve multiple voltage levels through switching combinations rather than through components with varying electrical characteristics, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability for multiple output levels
2Adaptability or versatility
If diodes with varying breakdown voltages are used in conventional multilevel inverters, then multiple voltage levels can be achieved, but manufacturing ease deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the manufacturing parameter by replacing diodes with varying breakdown voltages (which require precise manufacturing tolerances and component sorting) with uniform capacitors and solid-state switch circuits. This parameter change simplifies the manufacturing process as uniform components can be produced with standard tolerances and assembled through conventional PCB techniques, significantly improving ease of manufacture while maintaining the capability to generate multiple voltage levels
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the voltage generation function into modular switch circuits, each controlling a specific capacitor connection. This segmentation allows independent fabrication and testing of modular units that can be assembled into larger systems, improving manufacturing ease through modular assembly while maintaining the ability to produce multiple voltage levels through different switch combinations
Data Source
AI summary
A power converter includes 2n charge storage elements connected in series in this order, n being a natural number of 2 or more, a first switch element and a first diode connected in series in this order between terminals of a first charge storage element, a second diode and a second switch element connected in series in this order between terminals of a 2nth charge storage element, a third diode and a fourth diode connected in series in this order between terminals of each of the second charge storage element to a 2n−1th charge storage element, 2n leads each connected to a node between the first switch element and the first diode, a node between the third diode and the fourth diode, and a node between the second diode and the second switch element, and 2n−1 switch circuits for selecting one of outputs output to the 2n leads.