Power Conversion Device Stacked Conductor Bridge Circuit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power conversion devices require a large number of cell converters to achieve high-voltage and large-current output, leading to increased device size and cost due to the configuration of switching elements in half-bridge and full-bridge circuits.

Innovation Solution

A power conversion device with a configuration of switching elements connected in series and parallel, utilizing a bridge circuit structure with a capacitor and switching elements in a specific arrangement to enhance output voltage and current while minimizing device size and cost, using a stacked conductor configuration to equalize current flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If conventional half-bridge or full-bridge circuit configurations are used with switching elements, then the device can achieve high-voltage and large-current output, but the number of cell converters increases, leading to increased device size and cost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput powerVSAvoidnumber of cell converters
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the power conversion device into multiple conversion circuits, each with a bridge circuit configuration. Within each bridge circuit, switching elements are segmented into series-connected groups (first through fourth groups) that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows each conversion circuit to handle high voltage and current locally, reducing the need for numerous cell converters while maintaining high power output capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a multi-dimensional switching strategy by connecting switching elements in both series and parallel arrangements within the bridge circuit. The first and second switching elements are connected in series, while the third and fourth switching elements are also connected in series, and these series combinations are then connected in parallel. This dimensional arrangement of switching elements enables simultaneous achievement of high voltage (through series connection) and high current (through parallel connection) output with fewer converters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Power

If multiple cell converters are connected to achieve high-voltage and large-current output, then the power output increases, but the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput powerVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple switching element functions into a single bridge circuit configuration. The first and second switching elements in one bridge circuit can be replaced by switching elements in series in another bridge circuit, reducing redundancy. By integrating series and parallel switching element arrangements within unified bridge circuits, the device achieves high power output in a compact form factor without requiring multiple separate cell converters that would increase device area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Power

If multiple cell converters are connected to achieve high-voltage and large-current output, then the power output increases, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput powerVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The bridge circuit configuration with series and parallel switching element groups serves multiple functions simultaneously: it achieves high-voltage output through series connection, high-current output through parallel connection, and provides flexible switching control. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated converters for different power levels, reducing the total number of components required and thereby lowering manufacturing cost while maintaining high power output capability.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3562023B1Power conversion device
Publication Date: 2023.03.29 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP3562023B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3562023B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(b)
  • EP3562023B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(b)

AI summary

In a conversion circuit (10A) having a plurality of switching elements (1) connected in series and parallel and a capacitor (2), the respective parts are connected by an external stacked conductor in which a P conductor (4A) connected to the positive electrode of the capacitor (2), an N conductor (5A) connected to the negative electrode of the capacitor (2), an AC conductor (6A), and an even number of intermediate conductors (7A) connected between the plurality of switching elements (1), are stacked in plural layers. The respective switching elements (1) are arranged such that the mutual positional relationship between the positive terminals and the negative terminals is the same as a direction of main current flowing through the external stacked conductor. The plurality of switching elements (1) are arranged symmetrically with respect to a center line of the external stacked conductor which is in the same direction as the main current. External connection terminals (100) are provided to the AC conductor (6A), so as to be positioned symmetrically with respect to the center line.