Parallel Half-Bridge High-Current Source for Reliable Power Device Testing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-current sources for testing electrical power supply devices are not robust enough for field applications, are difficult to transport, and lack reliability due to potential failure of individual components under mechanical and thermal stress.
Innovation Solution
A high-current source with redundant parallel connections of switchable half-bridges, controlled by a control device to distribute test current, reducing thermal and electrical stress and increasing reliability, and a test system incorporating this source for portable use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a conventional current source is used to test high power electrical power devices, then the device under test can be connected to the test system, but the current source cannot deliver sufficient current magnitude to properly test high power devices while maintaining safe operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The current source is divided into multiple independent current sources connected in parallel. Each current source operates within its own safe current limits, but collectively they deliver the high current magnitude needed for testing high power electrical power devices. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high total current while maintaining safe operating conditions for individual components.
2Power
If the test system is designed to handle high current magnitudes, then high power devices can be tested, but the complexity of the test system increases due to additional safety and control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the current source into multiple independent units, the system achieves high current capability without requiring a single complex high-current component. Each segment is simpler to design and control, and they can be independently managed, reducing overall system complexity despite the high total current capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The test system is designed with a modular architecture where multiple current sources can be connected in parallel to test multiple devices simultaneously or to scale the testing capability. This multi-functionality allows the same basic module to serve different testing needs, reducing the need for specialized complex equipment for each scenario.
3Power
If multiple current sources are connected in parallel to increase current magnitude, then sufficient current for high power device testing is achieved, but ensuring uniform current distribution and safe operating conditions becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors the output current of each parallel-connected current source and adjusts their operation to maintain uniform current distribution. This feedback mechanism ensures that each source operates within safe limits while collectively delivering the required total current, making the system easy to operate despite the complexity of parallel configuration.
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 solution provides a reliable, lightweight, and robust high-current source capable of generating test currents up to 500 A or kA range, ensuring accurate testing of electrical power supply devices with reduced failure rates and easier transport.
Implementation Method 1
a first current source is connected to a first terminal of the electrical power device under test and is configured to source a first current to a first component of the electrical power device under test
Implementation Method 2
a second current source is connected to a second terminal of the electrical power device under test and is configured to source a second current to a second component of the electrical power device under test
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A high current source (200) for a test system for testing an electric power device (30) comprises a first plurality of first switchable half-bridges (212) and a second plurality of second switchable half-bridges (222), which are connected in parallel and by means of which a test current is redundantly distributed. A control device (280) is designed to control the first and second half-bridges (212, 222) on the basis of an input signal in such a way that an output signal for the test current, which corresponds to the input signal, is applied across a bridge branch (230) between the first switchable half-bridges (212) and the second switchable half-bridges (222).