Power Converter Layout Angling Filter Condensers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power converters with matrix-converter configurations have long wiring distances between filter condensers and switching elements, which can lead to increased size and complexity due to the linear arrangement of filter condensers on a substrate.
Innovation Solution
Angling some filter condensers relative to the direction of switching element terminals allows for equalization of distances between filter condensers and switching elements, thereby shortening the wiring distance and optimizing the layout to reduce the overall size of the power converter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If filter condensers are arranged in a linear direction on the substrate, then the layout is simple, but the wiring distance between filter condensers and switching elements becomes long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by arranging filter condensers at different angular positions (e.g., 0 degrees, 60 degrees, 120 degrees) relative to the switching element terminals rather than in a symmetric linear arrangement. This asymmetric angular distribution optimizes the spatial relationship between condensers and switching elements, reducing wiring distance while maintaining layout simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional linear arrangement to a two-dimensional angular arrangement by positioning filter condensers at different angles around the switching element terminals. This dimensional change allows for shorter wiring paths while preserving the simplicity of the overall layout structure.
2Volume of stationary object
If filter condensers are arranged to minimize wiring distance, then the power converter size is reduced, but the synchronization among filter condensers becomes difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning specific angular positions to different filter condensers based on their functional requirements. Each condenser is positioned at an optimized angle (e.g., 0°, 60°, 120°) that simultaneously minimizes its wiring distance to switching elements and maintains proper synchronization characteristics, creating locally optimized positions that satisfy both size and stability requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves equipotentiality by arranging filter condensers at angular positions that equalize the electrical characteristics and synchronization conditions among all condensers. This symmetric angular distribution ensures that all condensers operate under equivalent electrical conditions, maintaining synchronization stability while allowing for compact sizing.
3Weight of stationary object
If the wiring distance is shortened, then the heat sink size can be reduced, but the layout arrangement becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses asymmetric angular positioning of filter condensers to achieve short wiring distances without creating complex layout arrangements. The specific angular positions (0°, 60°, 120°) provide an optimized asymmetric configuration that minimizes wiring length while maintaining a regular, manageable layout pattern that does not significantly increase manufacturing complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a power converter 3 that directly converts polyphase AC power to AC power. A converter circuit has a plurality of first switching elements 311, 313 and 315 and a plurality of second switching elements 312, 314 and 316, both of which are connected to each phase R, S or T of the polyphase AC power to enable switching for turning on current-carrying bidirectionally. Condensers 821 to 826 are provided between phases. Input terminals of the first switching elements and those of the second switching elements are arranged to form respective lines. Some of the plurality of condensers 821 and 822 are arranged to be angled relative to the arrangement direction of the terminals. The wiring distance between the condensers and the switching elements can be shortened.