Parallel Power Converter Phase Control for Electrolyzer Ripple Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrolysis systems face inefficiencies in controlling the electrolysis process, especially, their electrolysis cells, shall be reduced.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for controlling at least two power converters operating in self-commutation mode, where the DC sides are connected in parallel, with their clock frequencies controlled to have a predetermined phase difference to conform to a predetermined reference value.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If multiple power converters are operated at the same clock frequency, then the control system is simple, but voltage ripple and current ripple increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidvoltage ripple and current ripple
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by deliberately creating an asymmetric phase relationship between the clock frequencies of multiple power converters. Instead of operating all converters at the same frequency (symmetric operation), the control apparatus assigns different phase shifts to each converter's clock frequency, causing their commutation events to occur at different times. This asymmetric timing distribution reduces the superposition of voltage and current ripples while maintaining relatively simple control logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Loss of energy

If power converters operate with high clock frequency, then power conversion efficiency is improved, but electromagnetic interference and switching losses increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower conversion efficiencyVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference and switching losses
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by utilizing the periodic nature of clock frequencies with different phase shifts. Each power converter operates periodically at its assigned clock frequency, and the phase differences cause the commutation events to be distributed periodically over time. This periodic distribution reduces the concentration of switching losses and electromagnetic interference at any single moment, while still maintaining high-frequency operation for efficient power conversion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Ease of operation

If phase difference between clock frequencies is not controlled, then the control apparatus is simple, but the ripple reduction effect is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol apparatus simplicityVSAvoidvoltage ripple and current ripple
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the phase shift parameter of each power converter's clock frequency. The control apparatus adjusts these phase shift parameters to optimize the distribution of commutation events. By changing only the phase parameter (rather than the fundamental frequency), the system achieves ripple reduction while maintaining relatively simple control logic and preserving the high-frequency operation benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 electrolysis device is subjected to an electrolyzing voltage and an electrolyzing current, wherein each of the at least two power converters is configured to operate at a respective clock frequency, wherein commutation of each of the at least two power converters depends on the clock frequency of the respective one of the at least two power converters.

Implementation Method 1

each of the at least two power converters operates in self-commutation and has a DC side and an AC side, wherein the AC sides of the at least two power converters are connected with at least one AC power source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

producing hydrogen and oxygen by electrolyzing of water in an electrolyzing process

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrolysis: Electrolysis

Data Source

PatentEP4675902A1Supplying an electrolyzing device with electric energy by at least two power converters
Publication Date: 2026.01.07 SIEMENS ENERGY GLOBAL GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4675902A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4675902A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4675902A1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a method of controlling at least two power converters (12), wherein each of the power converters operates in self-commutation and has a DC side (18) and an AC side (16), wherein the AC sides (18) of the power converters (12) are connected with an AC power source (20), wherein the DC sides (16) of the at least two power converters (12) are connected in parallel with each other and with an electrolyzing device (14), wherein each of the power converters (12) are operated at a respective clock frequency, wherein commutation of each of the power converters (12) depends on the clock frequency of the respective one of the power converters (12). According to the invention, a value of a phase difference between at least two of the clock frequencies of the at least two power converters (12) is controlled to conform to a predetermined reference value.