Multiport Transformer Architecture for Scalable Grid Power Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power conversion systems face challenges in scalability and spatial efficiency, requiring new infrastructure when adding or removing components, which can lead to grid downtime and inefficiencies, especially with the integration of distributed energy sources like electric vehicles and solar panels.
Innovation Solution
A modular multiport power conversion system with a central transformer and galvanically isolated ports, equipped with sensors and controllers to manage voltage and current characteristics, allowing for selective isolation and power management across multiple ports, enabling efficient power transfer and scalability without disrupting the entire grid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If new infrastructure is added or removed from existing power conversion systems, then system capacity can be adjusted, but grid downtime and inefficiencies occur
Solution Approach 1:
The power conversion system is divided into multiple independent ports that can be selectively activated or deactivated. Each port operates as an independent module connected to a common transformer, allowing individual ports to be maintained or upgraded without affecting other ports. This segmentation enables hot-swapping capabilities where ports can be added or removed without taking the entire system offline.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic port isolation capabilities through controllers that can selectively disconnect individual ports from the transformer in real-time. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt its operational configuration based on maintenance needs, load requirements, or fault conditions, enabling capacity adjustment without grid downtime.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple distributed energy sources are integrated into the power conversion system, then system versatility improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power conversion system employs a universal multiport transformer design that can accommodate multiple types of energy sources and loads through standardized port interfaces. Each port is equipped with controllers that can handle different energy source characteristics (AC, DC, renewable, non-renewable) using the same hardware infrastructure, thereby integrating diverse energy sources without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The central transformer acts as an intermediary device that simplifies the integration of multiple distributed energy sources. Rather than requiring direct complex interconnections between all energy sources and loads, the transformer provides a common coupling point that mediates power exchange, reducing the overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.
3Reliability
If faulty components are isolated in traditional power conversion systems, then system reliability improves, but extensive infrastructure changes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the power conversion functionality into independent ports, each with its own isolation capability. When a fault is detected in a specific port, only that port needs to be disconnected from the transformer, rather than requiring isolation of the entire system. This segmented approach improves reliability through targeted fault isolation while minimizing the infrastructure changes required.
Solution Approach 2:
The faulty port is extracted or removed from the active system configuration through selective disconnection at the transformer coupling point. This extraction isolates the fault without requiring changes to the rest of the infrastructure, as the remaining ports continue to operate normally through the same transformer connection.
4Adaptability or versatility
If modular port configuration is implemented, then scalability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into standardized modular ports that can be independently configured and connected to the common transformer. This segmentation enables scalable system design where ports can be added or removed in discrete units without redesigning the entire system, improving scalability while keeping the complexity of each individual module manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple independent port modules are merged through a common transformer interface, allowing scalability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity. The transformer serves as a consolidation point that combines multiple modular units into a unified system, enabling easy expansion by simply adding more port modules to the existing transformer connection.
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 allows for seamless addition or removal of ports, maintaining grid stability and efficiency by isolating faulty components and optimizing power distribution across multiple energy sources and sinks, reducing the need for extensive infrastructure changes and minimizing downtime.
Implementation Method 1
a central transformer, a plurality of galvanically isolated ports inductively coupled to the central transformer via windings
Data Source
AI summary
A modular, multiport power conversion system includes a central transformer with a plurality of windings inductively connected to the central transformer. The plurality of windings are connected to ports able to connect to both AC and DC-devices, including both power sources and power consuming nodes. Each port is able to be selectively galvanically isolated, such that a controller is able to determine from which ports power is drawn and/or to which ports power is transferred. The system is operable to use zero voltage switching (ZVS) and/or zero current switching (ZCS) for each port to reduce power loss and increase efficiency, especially for high frequency embodiments.