Photovoltaic Cell for Converter Controller Auxiliary Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular converters face challenges in efficiently and economically supplying auxiliary power to converter cells, especially when cell capacitors are not yet loaded, particularly with normally-on semiconductor switches that can short-circuit if not properly controlled, and require complex and costly solutions like batteries or inductive power transfer.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a photovoltaic cell to provide initial auxiliary power to the controller, along with a DC/DC converter to manage voltage, allowing wireless power transfer and simplifying the system with no additional maintenance or insulation redesign, enabling pre-charging of converter cells and continuous operation during failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If batteries are employed during converter startup, then auxiliary power can be supplied, but maintenance effort and system complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The photovoltaic cell enables the converter cell to generate its own auxiliary power independently without external batteries or complex power supply systems. The PV cell converts light energy directly into electrical energy to power the controller during startup and operation, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating maintenance-intensive battery systems.
2Use of energy by moving object
If inductive power transfer is used, then auxiliary power can be transferred wirelessly, but device complexity and insulation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical and electromagnetic inductive power transfer systems with a simple photovoltaic cell that directly converts light energy to electrical energy. This substitution eliminates the need for primary and secondary coils, mechanical coupling mechanisms, and complex insulation designs, achieving wireless power transfer through a passive optical-to-electrical conversion process.
3Ease of operation
If electrical connections with switches and cabling are used for pre-charging, then converter cells can be powered, but maintenance effort and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power generation function from the main converter circuitry and implements it through a separate photovoltaic cell. This extraction eliminates the need for complex electrical connections, switches, and cabling systems that would otherwise be required for pre-charging, simplifying both installation and maintenance while maintaining full pre-charging capability.
4Device complexity
If normally-on semiconductor switches are used, then device count can be reduced, but control complexity and startup requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The photovoltaic cell provides preliminary power to the controller during the startup phase, enabling the controller to generate the necessary gate signals that turn off the normally-on semiconductor switches. This preliminary action ensures that the switches are properly controlled before main power is applied, eliminating the need for additional switching devices while maintaining simple startup procedures.
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
This solution provides a simple, low-cost, and low-maintenance method to supply auxiliary power to converter cells, ensuring safe startup and operation of modular converters, even with normally-on switches, and allows for continuous monitoring during failures without increasing complexity or insulation requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a photovoltaic cell (28) is provided, which is adapted for providing initial and/or further auxiliary power to the controller (40)
Data Source
AI summary
A converter cell for a modular converter includes at least one power semiconductor switch for switching a cell current through the converter cell; a cell capacitor interconnected with the at least one power semiconductor switch, such that the cell capacitor is loadable by the cell current; a controller for switching the at least one power semiconductor switch, wherein the controller is supplyable with auxiliary power from the cell capacitor; and a photovoltaic cell for providing initial and/or further auxiliary power to the controller.