Power Converter Test Loop With Output Power Recirculation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Testing power conversion devices for high power applications requires a testing power supply and peripheral devices with increased rated capacities, leading to larger and more costly test systems.

Innovation Solution

A system and method where a power conversion device is tested using a testing power supply that supplies active power smaller than the power passing through the device, with active power output from the device's output side transmitted back to its input side, reducing the required rated capacities of the testing power supply and peripheral devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a testing power supply with increased rated capacity is used to test high power conversion devices, then the testing capability is improved, but the size and cost of the test system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting power supply capacityVSAvoidtest system size
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The power conversion device under test supplies its own output power back to its input side through the second connection member, eliminating the need for an external power supply to provide the full power required for testing. The device essentially tests itself by recycling its own output power, which dramatically reduces the rated capacity requirements of the testing power supply and peripheral devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The output side of the power conversion device is electrically connected back to the input side through the second connection member, merging the output power with the input power requirements. This creates a closed-loop system where the device under test provides its own test power, combining the functions of power supply and power conversion testing into a single integrated system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Power

If a testing power supply with increased rated capacity is used to test high power conversion devices, then the testing capability is improved, but the cost of the test system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting power supply capacityVSAvoidtest system cost
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The power conversion device under test supplies its own output power back to its input side through the second connection member, eliminating the need for an external power supply to provide the full power required for testing. The device essentially tests itself by recycling its own output power, which dramatically reduces the rated capacity requirements of the testing power supply and peripheral devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Power

If active power output from the device is transmitted back to the input side, then the testing power supply capacity requirement is reduced, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting power supply capacityVSAvoidtest system configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The output side of the power conversion device is electrically connected back to the input side through the second connection member, merging the output power with the input power requirements. This creates a closed-loop system where the device under test provides its own test power, combining the functions of power supply and power conversion testing into a single integrated system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The second connection member serves multiple functions: it provides the electrical connection from output to input, enables active power feedback, and allows the device under test to function as both the test subject and the power source. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate external power supply equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3709493B1Test system and test method for power conversion device
Publication Date: 2023.12.13 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP3709493B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3709493B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3709493B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A power conversion device (100) which is a test target performs DC voltage conversion between a primary side DC terminal (1a, 1b) and a secondary side DC terminal (2a, 2b). A first connection member (PL1) electrically connects a testing power supply (201) and the primary side DC terminal (1a, 1b) serving as an input side of the test target. A second connection member (PL2) electrically connects the primary side DC terminal (1a, 1b) and the secondary side DC terminal (2a, 2b) of the power conversion device (100) to transmit active power (Po) output from the secondary side DC terminal (2a, 2b) to the primary side DC terminal (1a, 1b) to be a part of active power (Pi) input to the primary side DC terminal (1a, 1b).