Protection Module for Converter Memory Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing converter arrangements lack sufficient operational reliability, particularly in preventing energy stored in memory modules from causing further damage or destruction in the event of a fault, and fail to effectively isolate fault locations from external energy sources.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a protection module with actuators and a trip unit between the step-up/buck converter and the memory module, which can isolate the memory module from the converter upon detecting errors, using electrical switches and safety fuses to prevent energy feedback and protect the system from internal damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If no protection module is installed between the boost/buck converter and the storage module, then the arrangement is simpler and has fewer components, but the storage module can cause further damage or destruction in the event of a fault by powering the fault location

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational safetyVSAvoidstructure of the arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The arrangement is divided into functionally independent modules: the boost/buck converter, the storage module, and the protection module. The protection module acts as a separate safety component that can be independently activated to isolate faults, preventing the storage module from causing further damage while maintaining the overall system structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The protection module serves as an intermediary component positioned between the boost/buck converter and the storage module. It includes actuators that can disconnect the storage module from the converter in the event of a fault, thereby mediating the energy flow and preventing harmful effects while allowing normal operation to proceed uninterrupted.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the protection module disconnects the storage module from the boost/buck converter upon fault detection, then further damage is prevented, but the operational time of the arrangement is reduced due to complete shutdown

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection from internal destructionVSAvoidoperational time of the arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The protection module isolates only the affected segment (storage module) from the rest of the system. This segmentation allows the boost/buck converter and other functional modules to continue operating independently, maintaining partial system functionality and operational time while preventing damage propagation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The protection module is pre-configured with actuators that can rapidly disconnect the storage module upon fault detection. This preliminary preparation enables immediate isolation of the fault without requiring system shutdown, thereby maintaining operational continuity of unaffected modules while preventing internal destruction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If multiple actuators are installed in the protection module for comprehensive protection, then the protection capability is enhanced, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection capabilityVSAvoidnumber of actuators in protection module
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protection module uses multiple actuators positioned at different locations within the module to provide comprehensive protection. Each actuator is responsible for a specific disconnection point, and their coordinated operation ensures complete isolation of the storage module from the boost/buck converter, enhancing protection capability through functional segmentation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple actuators are pre-installed in the protection module as a redundant safety mechanism. This beforehand cushioning ensures that even if one actuator fails or is insufficient, other actuators can still perform the disconnection function, thereby enhancing the overall protection capability and reliability of the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP3269028B1Electrical arrangement comprising sub-modules
Publication Date: 2021.07.28 SIEMENS ENERGY GLOBAL GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3269028B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3269028B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3269028B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an arrangement (10) comprising at least one series circuit (200) having at least two serially connected sub-modules (220) and an inductor (230). The invention provides that at least one of the sub-modules (220) in one or more of the series circuits (200) has a step-up/step-down converter (222) and a memory module (223), and that a protector module (225) with at least one actuator (A1, A2, A3) is electrically connected between the step-up/step-down converter (222) and the memory module (223).