Solid-State Transformer Control Power Supply With Integrated Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge of supplying reliable power to the control module in a solid-state transformer (SST) has not been adequately addressed, impacting the operation reliability of the power unit.

Innovation Solution

A power unit design incorporating a first subsidiary power supply circuit and a first power circuit, including an AC/AC power main circuit and a first control module, which adjusts and supplies direct current voltage to the control module, eliminating the need for additional isolation devices, thereby enhancing reliability and reducing size and costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate isolation devices are added to supply power to the control module, then power supply reliability is improved, but device complexity and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the power supply function and isolation function into a single integrated power supply circuit. The circuit uses the power bus from the AC/AC power main circuit as input and internally implements both power conversion and isolation functions, eliminating the need for separate external isolation devices while maintaining power supply reliability and reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated power supply circuit performs multiple functions simultaneously: it converts the AC power bus voltage to suitable DC levels for the control module, provides galvanic isolation for safety and noise immunity, and supplies power to the control module. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components while improving reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate isolation devices are added to supply power to the control module, then power supply reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By combining multiple functions into one integrated circuit, the patent reduces the total component count, assembly steps, and testing requirements. This integration directly lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining the reliability benefits of isolation through the unified design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Volume of stationary object

If the power supply circuit is integrated within the power unit, then device size is reduced, but power supply reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower unit sizeVSAvoidpower supply reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent successfully integrates the power supply circuit within the AC/AC power main circuit unit, using the power bus as input. The integration is achieved through careful circuit design that incorporates isolation transformers and rectification stages within the same physical unit, reducing overall size while maintaining electrical isolation and reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply circuit is nested within the AC/AC power main circuit structure. The isolation transformer and power conversion components are arranged concentrically or hierarchically within the existing unit framework, maximizing space utilization and minimizing overall device volume while preserving functional integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 ensures reliable power supply to the control module, improving operation reliability while reducing the size and costs of the power unit by integrating power supply within the unit itself.

Implementation Method 1

a solid-state transformer (SST), also referred to as a power electronics transformer (EPT), is a stationary electrical device for converting power of one power characteristic into power of another power characteristic (for example, implementing voltage conversion and power transfer) by using a combination of a power electronics conversion technology and a high-frequency power conversion technology that is based on a principle of electromagnetic induction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the first subsidiary power supply circuit may be configured to adjust a voltage (which may be represented by Vbus) of the bus of the AC/AC power main circuit to a third voltage (which may be represented by V3), and output the third voltage to the first control module

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12609536B2Power unit and solid-state transformer
Publication Date: 2026.04.21 HUAWEI DIGITAL POWER TECH CO LTD
  • US12609536B2 patent drawing
  • US12609536B2 patent drawing
  • US12609536B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A power unit and a solid-state transformer supply power to a control module in the power unit by using a first subsidiary power supply circuit and a second subsidiary power supply circuit and improve operation reliability of the power unit. The power unit may include the first subsidiary power supply circuit and a first power circuit. The first power circuit includes an alternating current/alternating current power main circuit and a first control module. The alternating current/alternating current power main circuit is coupled to a grid power supply system to supply power to the alternating current/alternating current power main circuit through the grid power supply system. An input end of the first subsidiary power supply circuit is coupled to a bus of the alternating current/alternating current power main circuit. An output end of the first subsidiary power supply circuit is coupled to the first control module.