Power Conversion Device Dedicated Signal Module

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power conversion devices face challenges in efficiently replacing existing systems, particularly in air-conditioning apparatuses, due to difficulties in integrating new commutation circuits and generating separate control signals, which increases processing load and heat generation in controllers.

Innovation Solution

A power conversion device configuration that includes a dedicated module for generating and transmitting drive signals for voltage changing devices, reducing the processing load on controllers and minimizing heat generation by handling high-speed signal processing and reducing the number of input/output terminals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a dedicated module for generating drive signals is installed in existing power conversion devices, then ease of replacement and integration is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of replacementVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power conversion device is divided into functional modules: an existing voltage changing device and a newly added dedicated module for generating drive signals. This segmentation allows the new functionality to be integrated without redesigning the entire system, facilitating easy replacement and adoption in existing devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dedicated module for generating drive signals is designed to be universally applicable to existing power conversion devices. By creating a standalone module that can be integrated into various device configurations, the solution enables easy replacement while maintaining compatibility across different systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If separate control signals are generated for commutation, then productivity is improved, but processing load on controller increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoidprocessing load
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The function of generating commutation control signals is extracted from the main controller and placed in a dedicated module. This extraction reduces the processing load on the controller while maintaining high productivity, as the dedicated module handles signal generation independently without burdening the central control unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Productivity

If high-speed signal processing is handled by controller, then productivity is improved, but heat generation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoidheat generation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

High-speed signal processing functionality is extracted from the controller and relocated to a dedicated module. This separation allows the controller to maintain productivity without bearing the thermal burden of intensive signal processing operations, thereby reducing heat generation in the control system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Adaptability or versatility

If number of input/output terminals is increased, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dedicated module is designed with universal input/output interfaces that can adapt to various existing power conversion devices without requiring numerous specialized terminals. This multi-functional design approach enhances adaptability while keeping the terminal count and overall device complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3018809B1Power conversion device, and cooling air conditioning device
Publication Date: 2023.04.05 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP3018809B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3018809B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3A
  • EP3018809B1 patent drawingFigure 3B

AI summary

Provided is a power conversion device configured to convert electric power from a power source 1 to a load 9, including: a boosting device 2 including a boost rectification unit 23 configured to prevent backflow of a current from the load 9 side to the power source 1 side, the boosting device 2 being configured to change a voltage of power from the power source 1 to a predetermined voltage based on a drive signal; a commutation device 4 configured to perform commutation operation in which a current flowing through the boosting device 2 is caused to flow into an other path based on a commutation signal; and a signal generating module device 200 configured as a module to generate and send an output signal based on an input signal that is input thereto. The input signal has an on-pulse width greater than a length of time where the output signal generated by the signal generating module device 200 is turned on.