Parallel Power Module Protection via Shared Signal Line
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for protecting parallel-connected topology units in power electronic converter systems are costly and inefficient, as they require multiple fuses or communication lines, leading to increased system costs and potential delays in fault protection due to low signal transmission efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize signal synchronization lines for real-time monitoring and control of power modules, where carrier synchronization signals are transmitted when units are operational and power module fault signals trigger shutdown modes, allowing for rapid fault protection without the need for additional hardware or costly communication infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fuses are connected in series in each topology unit for fault protection, then fault protection is achieved, but system cost increases and maintenance difficulty increases due to multiple fuses required
Solution Approach 1:
The signal synchronization line is designed to serve multiple functions: it transmits carrier synchronization signals for normal operation and fault signals for protection. This multi-functional use of a single existing line eliminates the need for separate protection circuits or additional fuses in each topology unit, thereby reducing system cost while maintaining fault protection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own existing signal synchronization infrastructure to provide fault protection functionality. By repurposing the synchronization line for dual purposes (normal synchronization and fault detection), the system achieves self-protection without requiring external protection components or increasing hardware complexity
2Reliability
If communication lines are established between topology units for fault protection, then fault information transmission is achieved, but system cost increases and signal transmission efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The signal synchronization line is designed to serve multiple functions: it transmits carrier synchronization signals for normal operation and fault signals for protection. This multi-functional use of a single existing line eliminates the need for separate protection circuits or additional fuses in each topology unit, thereby reducing system cost while maintaining fault protection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The fault protection function is merged with the existing carrier synchronization signal transmission function. By combining these two functions into a single signal line, the patent eliminates the need for separate communication lines, thereby maintaining high signal transmission efficiency while achieving fault protection
3Reliability
If communication lines are used for fault signal transmission, then fault information is transmitted, but protection response time increases due to low signal transmission efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The fault protection function is merged with the existing carrier synchronization signal transmission function. By combining these two functions into a single signal line, the patent eliminates the need for separate communication lines, thereby maintaining high signal transmission efficiency while achieving fault protection
Solution Approach 2:
The signal synchronization line is pre-established between controllers for normal carrier synchronization purposes. This preliminary infrastructure is then utilized for fault signal transmission, eliminating the need for separate fault communication channels and ensuring that protection signals are transmitted with the same high efficiency as synchronization signals
Data Source
AI summary
A method, a device, and a system for protecting parallel-connected topology units are provided. A target signal transmitted via the signal synchronization line is obtained, and the target signal is sent to other controllers based on a type of the target signal. If the target signal is a carrier synchronization signal, the current power module is controlled to perform carrier synchronization and to be in a working mode. If the target signal is a power module fault signal, the current power module is controlled to be in a shutdown mode. The signal synchronization lines between the parallel-connected topology units are shared in a time-sharing manner, where the carrier synchronization signal is transmitted if the power module works normally, and the power module fault signal is transmitted if the power module is faulty. The topology units monitor the transmitted target signal in real time for fast synchronous protection.