Power Converter Short-Circuit Detection with One Rogowski Coil
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power converters require multiple Rogowski coils and detection circuits for load and arm short circuit detection, leading to increased size and complexity, and are not optimized for high-speed semiconductor switches.
Innovation Solution
A power converter design that uses a single Rogowski coil and detection circuit for both arms, inserted into common current paths with the load, to detect short circuits by analyzing the induced voltage proportional to the time gradient of the current, thereby reducing size and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a Rogowski coil and detection circuit are provided for each arm, then short circuit detection accuracy is improved, but device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the detection functions for both arms into a single Rogowski coil and detection circuit. The coil is positioned to detect currents from both arms simultaneously, and the detection circuit processes these combined signals to identify short circuit conditions in either arm, thereby reducing component count while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The single Rogowski coil is designed to serve multiple functions: detecting currents from the first arm, detecting currents from the second arm, and identifying short circuit conditions in both arms and the load. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate detection systems for each arm
2Measurement precision
If separate detectors are provided for load short circuit and arm short circuit, then detection precision is improved, but Rogowski coil size and detection circuit complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detection circuit is designed to dynamically respond to different short circuit conditions by analyzing the temporal characteristics of the detected currents. It can identify load short circuits, arm short circuits, and differentiate between them based on the timing and magnitude of current changes, eliminating the need for multiple specialized detectors
Solution Approach 2:
The single Rogowski coil and detection circuit system is designed to universally detect all types of short circuits (load short circuit, first arm short circuit, second arm short circuit) through one integrated system, avoiding the need for multiple specialized detectors with different turn configurations
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
This design effectively detects short circuits in power converters without increasing size or complexity, ensuring semiconductor switch protection and efficient operation across various short circuit scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
a Rogowski coil does not have a core. This enables the short circuit detector to be smaller and enables a large current to be measured
Data Source
AI summary
A short circuit detector is included in a power converter, the power converter being configured to supply power to a load via a first arm including a first semiconductor switch and a second arm including a second semiconductor switch. The short circuit detector includes a Rogowski coil; and a detection circuit configured to detect a short circuit in one of the first arm, the second arm and the load, based on a detection signal obtained from the Rogowski coil. The Rogowski coil is inserted into both: (i) first current path through which a first current flows in common with the first arm and the load, and (ii) a second current path through which a second current flows in common with the second arm and the load.