Single Inverter Architecture for Multi-Source DC to AC Power Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power sharing systems for AC loads using multiple DC power sources of different sizes and voltage levels are costly and complex, requiring custom DC-to-DC converters and DC-to-AC inverters, and lack dynamic power sharing capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A power electronics and control architecture that uses a single conversion stage with controllable DC-to-AC inverters to synchronize and adjust power levels from multiple DC sources, reducing hardware requirements and enabling dynamic power sharing through a processor-controlled system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If custom DC-to-DC converters and DC-to-AC inverters are used for each DC power source, then power conversion capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple DC-to-AC inverter functions into a single shared inverter unit that serves all DC power sources. Instead of having separate inverters for each DC source, the system uses one common inverter with coordinated control to convert DC power to AC output, thereby reducing overall system complexity and cost while maintaining full power conversion capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared DC-to-AC inverter is designed to handle multiple DC power sources with different voltage levels and power ratings. The inverter performs multiple functions: converting from various DC voltage levels, managing power sharing among sources, and providing synchronized AC output. This universal approach eliminates the need for dedicated inverters for each DC source.
2Ease of operation
If separate control loops are used for each DC power source, then independent power control is improved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a central controller that acts as an intermediary between multiple DC power sources and the shared inverter. This single controller coordinates power sharing, manages voltage level differences, and synchronizes the AC output. Instead of multiple independent control loops, the intermediary controller provides centralized coordination that simplifies the overall control architecture while maintaining independent control capability for each power source.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple DC power sources of different voltage levels are connected in parallel, then power sharing capability is improved, but voltage synchronization difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter transformation through the DC-to-AC conversion process. Instead of attempting to directly synchronize DC voltage levels from different sources (which would be difficult), the system converts each DC voltage to a common AC frequency and voltage level in the inverter stage. This parameter change from DC to AC domain simplifies the synchronization problem, as the inverter can easily standardize output parameters regardless of input DC voltage variations.
Data Source
AI summary
A power electronics and control architecture for powering an AC load from a multi-source power system through a single conversion stage is disclosed. A controllable DC-to-AC inverter accepts a DC output voltage range from a DC power source at a DC input, and outputs an adjustable AC at an AC output. A sensor measures an output power of the DC power source to obtain a measured output power, and a processor sets a power level at the DC input based on the measured output power. The processor sets the power level to control the output power of the DC power source, and synchronizes the adjustable AC to a common AC output of the multi-source power system.