Parallel Capacitor Bus Structure With Segmented Current Collectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and high cost of integrating multiple capacitors in inverter systems, due to the need for a confluence copper plate with uniform current-carrying capacity, result in inefficient use of materials and increased processing difficulties.
Innovation Solution
A capacitor structure comprising a parallel cell combination with multiple cells connected in parallel, where each cell has a first and second pole, and same poles of adjacent cells are connected through current collectors with reduced current-carrying specifications as the distance from the confluence point increases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a whole confluence copper plate is used to connect same poles of all capacitors, then the current-carrying capacity requirement is met, but the material is wasted and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the confluence copper plate into multiple independent current collectors, each responsible for connecting specific capacitors. This segmentation allows each current collector to be sized according to the actual current requirements of its connected capacitors, eliminating the need for a single oversized copper plate and reducing material waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements varying current-carrying capacities at different locations by designing current collectors with different specifications based on their position and current requirements. Capacitors farther from the output point use current collectors with smaller cross-sectional areas, matching the lower current demands at those locations, thus optimizing material usage.
2Reliability
If a whole confluence copper plate is used to ensure uniform current-carrying capacity, then reliability is improved, but the structure becomes complicated and processing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the unified confluence copper plate structure into multiple independent current collectors. Each current collector is a separate component that can be independently designed and processed, simplifying the manufacturing process compared to creating a single complex copper plate with varying thickness or area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple current collectors with different current-carrying capacities to achieve the overall current distribution function. This modular approach allows each component to be simpler in design while the collective system achieves the required current distribution, reducing individual processing difficulties.
3Loss of substance
If current-carrying area is reduced at positions farther from output point, then material cost is reduced, but a whole copper plate cannot easily accommodate different current-carrying areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the copper structure into multiple separate current collectors, each with uniform cross-sectional area designed for its specific current requirement. This eliminates the manufacturing complexity of creating a single copper plate with varying areas, as each segment can be fabricated independently with constant dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different current collector specifications to different local positions based on current requirements. Each current collector is optimized for its specific location's needs, with appropriate cross-sectional area, while maintaining uniform dimensions within each individual collector for ease of manufacturing.
Data Source
AI summary
A capacitor structure and a power converter are provided. The capacitor structure includes a parallel cell combination, and the parallel cell combination includes a plurality of cells and a plurality of current collectors. In the parallel cell combination: the cells are connected in parallel, and the poles connected in parallel are respectively connected with other devices through corresponding confluence points. Same poles of two adjacent cells are connected through a corresponding current collector, and the current-carrying specifications of each current collector is lower than the current-carrying requirements of a confluence point of a corresponding pole. That is to say, a conductor that implements the parallel connection of the cells is no longer a whole copper plate, but the individual current collectors, thus realizing the reduction of the cost of the conductor material.