Parallel Power Converter Fault Tolerance via Dynamic Frequency

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Solution Overview

Problem

High-power electric energy conversion systems face reduced availability and increased complexity, cost, and space requirements due to the need for multiple conversion units, especially in limited environments like offshore wind turbines, where failures lead to inefficient resource use and energy loss.

Innovation Solution

An electric energy conversion system with control means to adapt the maximum output current and commutation frequency of operative conversion modules, detecting the number of operational units, measuring coolant temperature, and calculating the necessary commutation frequency to compensate for failures without increasing the number of units, thus enhancing availability and reducing space and resource usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the number of conversion units is increased to maintain system power output after failures, then system availability is improved, but device complexity, cost, and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem availabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control of commutation frequency and output current based on the number of operational conversion units. The control means continuously monitors system status and adjusts operating parameters in real-time, allowing the system to adapt its performance characteristics according to available resources rather than requiring static over-provisioning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters (commutation frequency and output current) based on the number of functional conversion units. By varying these parameters dynamically, the system maintains optimal performance across different operational states without requiring additional hardware units

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the number of conversion units is increased to compensate for failures, then system availability is improved, but the space required for installation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem availabilityVSAvoidinstallation space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts its operational capacity based on the number of available conversion units rather than requiring physical expansion. The control means enables the existing units to operate at optimized parameters that maintain system availability within the fixed space constraints of the nacelle

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Each conversion unit is designed to perform multiple functions by dynamically adjusting its output characteristics. The same physical units can operate at different power levels and commutation frequencies depending on system needs, eliminating the need for dedicated reserve units that would occupy additional space

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the number of conversion units is increased to maintain power output after failures, then system availability is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem availabilityVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes parameter changes in commutation frequency and output current to maintain system availability without requiring additional hardware. By optimizing the operational parameters of existing conversion units, the system avoids the capital expenditure and maintenance costs associated with acquiring and deploying additional units

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Power

If the commutation frequency is increased to compensate for unit failures, then output power can be maintained, but energy losses and thermal stress increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutput powerVSAvoidenergy losses

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The control means dynamically adjusts commutation frequency based on the number of operational conversion units and system load requirements. Rather than maintaining a constantly high commutation frequency, the system optimizes the frequency in real-time, increasing it only when necessary to maintain power output and reducing it when full capacity is not required, thereby minimizing energy losses

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs periodic monitoring and adjustment of commutation frequency based on operational conditions. The control means evaluates system status at regular intervals and modifies commutation parameters accordingly, ensuring that high commutation frequency is applied only when necessary to maintain power output, rather than continuously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS10680531B2Electric power converter system with parallel units and fault tolerance

Publication Date: 2020.06.09 INGETEAM POWER TECH

AI summary

The present invention relates to an electric energy conversion method and system with at least two conversion units (14), comprising control means (12) establishing the maximum output current of the operative conversion modules, as well as the commutation frequency of the entire or of a sub-group of the operative conversion modules to thus increase the availability of the conversion system in the event of failures.