Power Converter Arc Interruption Using Internal Switching Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar power generation systems face the challenge of arc discharge, which can lead to fires, and require a solution that can promptly extinguish and discriminate the risk of arc discharge without significantly altering the power conditioner's structure.
Innovation Solution
A power supply system with a power conversion device and series/parallel arc detectors that detect arc discharge and execute interruption operations using switching elements and rectifying portions to prevent short circuits, allowing for prompt extinguishing and risk discrimination without the need for additional breakers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a breaker is provided between solar cell module and power conditioner to interrupt arc discharge, then arc discharge can be extinguished promptly, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power conversion device uses its own internal switching elements (first switching element in converter portion and switching elements in inverter portion) to interrupt arc discharge currents without requiring external breakers. The control unit detects arc discharge and autonomously controls these switches to open the circuit, making the system self-protecting.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching elements originally designed for power conversion are made to serve dual functions: normal power conversion operation and arc discharge interruption. The control unit extends the functionality of existing components to handle protective operations, eliminating the need for dedicated protective devices.
2Reliability
If power conditioner structure is significantly changed to cope with arc discharge, then arc discharge can be managed effectively, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The power conversion device uses its own internal switching elements (first switching element in converter portion and switching elements in inverter portion) to interrupt arc discharge currents without requiring external breakers. The control unit detects arc discharge and autonomously controls these switches to open the circuit, making the system self-protecting.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching elements originally designed for power conversion are made to serve dual functions: normal power conversion operation and arc discharge interruption. The control unit extends the functionality of existing components to handle protective operations, eliminating the need for dedicated protective devices.
3Measurement precision
If additional detection and interruption devices are added to discriminate arc discharge risk, then risk discrimination capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors operational parameters (current, voltage) from the power conversion device and uses this feedback to detect arc discharge conditions. Based on the detected state, the control unit dynamically adjusts switching element states to interrupt arc discharge currents, creating a closed-loop protective system.
Solution Approach 2:
The power conversion device uses its own internal switching elements (first switching element in converter portion and switching elements in inverter portion) to interrupt arc discharge currents without requiring external breakers. The control unit detects arc discharge and autonomously controls these switches to open the circuit, making the system self-protecting.
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
The system effectively extinguishes arc discharge and discriminates its risk, preventing fires and maintaining system operation, while avoiding structural changes to the power conditioner.
Implementation Method 1
a series arc detector capable of detecting series arc discharge in a portion closer to the power supply module than to the power conversion device
Implementation Method 2
the converter portion includes a rectifying portion that allows a flow of a current from the converter circuit side to the inverter portion side and interrupts a flow of a current from the inverter portion side to the converter circuit side
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention provides a power supply system capable of promptly extinguishing arc discharge when the arc discharge occurs. The power supply system includes a power supply module; a converter portion that includes a boost circuit in which a reactor portion and a first switching element are connected in series, and a rectifying portion that allows a flow of a current from the converter circuit side to the inverter portion side and interrupts a flow of a current from the inverter portion side to the converter circuit side; an inverter portion that includes an interrupter; a series arc detector; and a connection terminal, in which a transformation operation of boosting or stepping down an input voltage from the power supply module by switching between an ON state and an OFF state of the first switching element and outputting power to the inverter portion can be executed, and when the series arc detector detects series arc discharge, the first switching element is put into the OFF state and then maintained and distribution of power flowing between the converter portion and the connection terminal is interrupted by the interrupter or the rectifying portion.