Master-Controlled Power Conversion with Synchronized Start Commands

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power conversion systems face challenges in achieving both device configuration flexibility and control reliability, particularly in ensuring simultaneous reception of control commands by multiple power conversion devices.

Innovation Solution

A power conversion system utilizing a master controller that communicates with multiple power conversion devices through a serial communication system, transmitting the same control command and enabling simultaneous start of power conversion by using a separate start command system after ensuring all devices have received the command.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single communication system is used to transmit control commands to multiple power conversion devices, then device configuration flexibility is improved, but control reliability deteriorates due to inability to ensure simultaneous reception by all devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice configuration flexibilityVSAvoidcontrol reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The communication system is segmented into two independent parts: a serial communication system for transmitting control commands and a start command system for transmitting start commands. This segmentation allows each system to perform its specific function reliably, with the serial communication system ensuring all devices receive the control command before the start command system triggers simultaneous execution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control command is transmitted in advance through the serial communication system before the start command is issued. The master controller waits to receive acknowledgment from all slave controllers that they have received the control command, ensuring preliminary preparation is complete before simultaneous execution is triggered.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If control commands are transmitted to multiple power conversion devices simultaneously, then productivity is improved, but control reliability worsens due to potential reception timing differences

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower conversion efficiencyVSAvoidsynchronization reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control command is transmitted in advance through the serial communication system before the start command is issued. The master controller waits to receive acknowledgment from all slave controllers that they have received the control command, ensuring preliminary preparation is complete before simultaneous execution is triggered.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Slave controllers provide feedback to the master controller through the serial communication system to confirm receipt of the control command. The master controller uses this feedback to determine when all slave controllers are ready, ensuring synchronized execution while maintaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If a complex communication protocol is used to ensure simultaneous command reception, then control reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol reliabilityVSAvoidcommunication system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication system is segmented into two independent parts: a serial communication system for transmitting control commands and a start command system for transmitting start commands. This segmentation allows each system to perform its specific function reliably without requiring a complex integrated protocol.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The serial communication system serves multiple functions: transmitting control commands from the master controller to slave controllers, and transmitting acknowledgment signals from slave controllers back to the master controller. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate communication channels and simplifies the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12597846B2Power conversion system including power conversion devices and a master controller for performing power conversion based on a same control command

Publication Date: 2026.04.07 YASKAWA DENKI KK

AI summary

A power conversion system comprises: a plurality of power conversion devices; and a master controller capable of communicating with the plurality of power conversion devices by a serial communication channel. The master controller transmits the same control command to the plurality of power conversion devices by serial communication via the serial communication channel, and the plurality of power conversion devices each perform power conversion from the primary side to the secondary side on the basis of the same control command.