Reconfigurable Rectifier Drive Modular Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
High power rectifiers and converters for applications like aircraft and building systems often require expensive high voltage components and lengthy development times due to the need for large, specialized units, making them costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable three-phase rectifier/converter drive system that uses adaptable plates and capacitors to configure multiple independent drives in series or parallel configurations, allowing for flexible power distribution and reducing the need for high voltage components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a single large high power rectifier or converter is used, then high load capability is achieved, but cost and development time increase due to specialty components and component availability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single high power rectifier/converter into multiple lower power modular units that can be connected in parallel. Each module contains its own rectifier bridge, capacitors, and control circuitry, allowing the system to achieve high load capability through aggregation of multiple independent modules rather than using a single large unit with specialty components.
2Power
If high voltage components are used, then high power capability is achieved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments high power requirements into multiple lower voltage modules connected in parallel. Each module uses standard voltage-rated components rather than expensive high voltage components, achieving the same overall power capability through parallel aggregation of multiple modules with lower voltage ratings.
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple lower power drives are used in parallel, then cost and development time are reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs universal adapter plates that can configure multiple modules in different topologies (series, parallel, or combinations) to meet various voltage and power requirements. The same basic module design with standardized connection points can be adapted for different applications, reducing overall system complexity despite using multiple modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates reconfigurable adapter plates with selectable connection configurations that allow dynamic reconfiguration of modules between series and parallel arrangements. This adaptability enables the system to optimize its topology based on specific voltage and power requirements without requiring completely different hardware designs.
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 configuration enables efficient power conversion with reduced costs and development time by utilizing multiple lower power drives in parallel, improving reliability and cost-effectiveness while achieving high load capabilities without the need for expensive high voltage components.
Implementation Method 1
a three-phase rectifier bridge operably connected to the three phase input connection
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of capacitors, configurable as a filter
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B~2C
AI summary
Embodiments herein relate to a reconfigurable three-phase rectifier/converter drive. The drive includes a three phase input connection configured for connection to a three phase alternating current power source, a three-phase rectifier bridge operably connected to the three phase input connection, a plurality of a capacitors, configurable as a filter, and a positive and negative output terminal connected to and configured to supply a load. The three-phase rectifier/converter drive is configurable by selected connections with at least one positive rail adaptor plate (100a), at least one negative rail adaptor plate (110a), and at least one of filter bus adapter plate (120a) as two independent drives supplying independent loads, two drives in series supplying a common load, or two drives in parallel supplying a common load.