Rectifier Assembly Ripple Current Reduction via Segmented Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rectifier assemblies face challenges in efficiently converting AC voltage to DC voltage with high ripple current and discharge currents, particularly in single-phase and triple-phase supply networks, which affects the performance and efficiency of electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A rectifier assembly with a novel configuration featuring a first and second terminal connected to a neutral point via a circuit arrangement with a changeover arrangement and a coil, allowing current flow control through controllable switches, enabling energization of the intermediate circuit from both above and below, and reducing ripple current by using a bridge rectifier with diodes and additional switches for efficient power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a conventional rectifier assembly is used for converting AC voltage to DC voltage, then the basic rectification function is achieved, but high ripple current and discharge currents occur which reduce efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The rectifier assembly is segmented into multiple parallel circuit arrangements (first, second, and optionally third circuit arrangements), each handling a portion of the total current. This segmentation distributes the current load and reduces ripple current in each individual path, thereby improving overall rectification efficiency and reducing energy losses.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple circuit arrangements are merged in parallel to collectively handle the rectification load. The combined effect of multiple paths with controlled current distribution achieves lower total ripple current while maintaining high productivity, resolving the contradiction between energy loss and rectification efficiency.
2Device complexity
If a simple rectifier configuration is used, then the device complexity is low, but discharge currents are high which affects performance
Solution Approach 1:
The rectifier is divided into multiple segmented circuit arrangements connected in parallel, each with its own current-path control mechanism. This segmentation allows independent control of current flow in each branch, enabling suppression of discharge currents while maintaining relatively simple individual circuit designs, thus balancing device complexity with performance.
Solution Approach 2:
Controllable switches are implemented in each circuit arrangement to dynamically control current flow paths. These switches can be activated or deactivated based on operating conditions, enabling dynamic suppression of discharge currents while maintaining flexibility in the circuit configuration and avoiding excessive complexity.
3Productivity
If parallel-connected circuit arrangements are used to reduce ripple current, then the rectification efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rectifier assembly is segmented into modular circuit arrangements that can be implemented in parallel. Each module is relatively simple in design but when combined in parallel, they achieve superior rectification efficiency with reduced ripple current. The modular segmentation allows the complexity to be distributed rather than concentrated, making the overall system manageable despite the parallel configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit arrangements are designed with universal components and structures that can be replicated in parallel. The same basic circuit topology is used across multiple arrangements, each serving the same rectification function but operating in parallel to collectively reduce ripple current. This universality simplifies the design process and reduces overall complexity compared to using different specialized circuits.
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
The solution achieves reduced ripple current and discharge currents, improving the efficiency and capacity of the rectifier assembly, suitable for high-capacity applications in electric and hybrid vehicles, while maintaining low power loss and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The changeover arrangements (92, 93) respectively comprise at least one controllable switch (110) and permit a current flow between the associated branch (81, 82) and the intermediate circuit (50)
Implementation Method 2
which first branch and second branch (81, 82) respectively comprise a changeover arrangement (92, 93) and a coil (91, 94) connected in series with said changeover arrangement
Implementation Method 3
The intermediate circuit (50) comprises a first conductor (51), a second conductor (52) and at least one capacitor (61, 62) between the first conductor and the second conductor
Implementation Method 4
The rectifier assembly may comprise a control device that is configured to simultaneously switch the at least one controllable switch of the first branch and the at least one controllable switch of the second branch of one of the least one first terminals, at least temporarily, to the first state
Data Source
AI summary
A rectifier assembly (20) for rectifying an AC voltage into a DC voltage has at least one first terminal (21, 22, 23), a second terminal (24) and an intermediate circuit (50). The first terminal (21, 22, 23) is connected via a circuit (31, 32, 33) to a neutral point (40), and the second terminal (24) is connected to the neutral point (40). The circuit arrangement (31, 32, 33) has a first branch (81) and a second branch (82) connected in parallel with the first branch (81). Both branches (81, 82) comprise a changeover arrangement (92, 93) and a coil (91, 94) connected in series with the changeover arrangement. The coil (91) in the first branch (81) is on the side of the changeover arrangement (92) averted from the neutral point (40), and the coil (94) in the second branch (82) is on the side facing the neutral point (40).