Reconfigurable Power Converter Blocks for Mixed AC/DC Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power distribution systems are inflexible and unable to customize power conversion tasks for various sources and load requirements, limiting their ability to efficiently handle renewable energy sources and different load conditions.
Innovation Solution
A customizable power conversion system comprising modular, scalable power converters that can be configured as inverters, DC/DC, AC/DC, or AC/AC converters, allowing for dynamic management and reconfiguration to suit multiple AC and DC sources and loads, including photovoltaic arrays and energy storage elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fixed power converters are used in power distribution systems, then the system structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the system lacks adaptability to handle various power sources and different load requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal power converter design that can function as multiple converter types (AC/DC, DC/AC, DC/DC, AC/AC) through reconfigurable circuit topology. The converter uses switchable connections and controllable switches to change its operating mode based on the required power conversion task, allowing a single device to replace multiple fixed-function converters and thereby improving adaptability without proportionally increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The power converter employs dynamic reconfiguration capability where the circuit topology can be changed in real-time through controlled switching of connections between input/output terminals. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to optimize its configuration for different operating conditions, power sources, and load requirements, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity by enabling flexible adaptation rather than requiring multiple fixed devices
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed power conversion modules are incorporated to handle various power sources and loads, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity and system configuration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent describes a single power converter unit that integrates the functionality of multiple specialized converters (AC/DC rectifier, DC/AC inverter, DC/DC converter, AC/AC converter) into one reconfigurable device. By using switchable circuit topology and controllable connections, this universal converter can adapt to handle various power sources (AC mains, DC sources, renewable energy sources) and different load types, thereby reducing the total number of modules needed while maintaining or improving adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges multiple fixed-function power conversion modules into a single integrated reconfigurable converter. The circuit design combines the functional elements of different converter types within one unit, using shared components and switchable connections to achieve multiple conversion modes. This merging approach reduces system complexity and the number of discrete modules while preserving the capability to handle diverse power sources and loads
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional power converters are used, then the manufacturing and installation process is straightforward, but the system cannot be customized or reconfigured for specific tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The power converter incorporates dynamic reconfiguration capability through controlled switching of circuit connections. The system can be programmed or controlled to change its topology and operating mode based on the specific power conversion task required. This dynamic aspect enables customization for different applications while using standardized hardware, balancing ease of manufacture with adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The converter achieves customization by changing its operational parameters and circuit configuration through controlled switching. By adjusting the connection topology and switching states, the same physical device can be customized for different power conversion scenarios (rectification, inversion, DC-DC conversion, AC-AC conversion) without requiring different hardware, thus maintaining ease of manufacture while enabling task-specific customization
Data Source
AI summary
A customizable power conversion system (1000) is configured to operate with multiple alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) power sources (1001,1003) and supplies multiple AC and DC loads (1018,1020,1022,1024). The customizable power conversion system is also configured to be assembled from a plurality of customizable power converters (1004,1006,1008,1010,1012), each of which is configured to function as a building block of the customizable power conversion system. More particularly, each customizable power converter may be configured as any DC/DC, DC/AC, AC/DC, or AC/AC converter, such as any of i) an inverter, ii) a DC/DC converter for use with a photovoltaic (PV) array (or string of PV arrays), and iii) a DC/DC converter for use with an energy storage element (e.g., a battery or battery string).