Submodule Bypass Thyristor for Rapid Short-Circuiting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical arrangements in converter technology, such as modular multilevel converters, face challenges in rapidly short-circuiting outer terminals of submodules without using pyrotechnic materials, which limits switching speed and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a bypass switching device with a thyristor, triggering device, and switch that allows for rapid short-circuiting between outer terminals of submodules by actively triggering the thyristor and switching it into permanent diode operation, enabling high-speed switching without pyrotechnic materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If pyrotechnic materials are used for short-circuiting, then rapid switching is achieved, but device complexity and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces pyrotechnic (chemical/mechanical) short-circuiting methods with an electrical switching system based on thyristors. The bypass switching device uses electrical triggering instead of pyrotechnic initiation, eliminating the need for explosive materials while achieving comparable or superior switching speeds through controlled electrical activation of the thyristor and associated switches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a bypass switching device as an intermediary component between the submodule terminals. This device includes a thyristor connected between the terminals, with associated triggering and switching circuits that mediate the short-circuiting process, providing controlled rapid switching without direct pyrotechnic intervention at the terminal points.
2Device complexity
If conventional switching devices are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but switching speed decreases to single-figure millisecond range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic two-stage switching mechanism. First, a triggering device rapidly activates the thyristor in the microsecond range. Second, a bypass switch is closed to establish a permanent triggering path, ensuring the thyristor remains in the on-state. This dynamic sequence achieves high initial switching speed while maintaining the conducted state through the slower-acting but persistent switch.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary rapid triggering of the thyristor before the main bypass switch is closed. The triggering device activates the thyristor in advance (within microseconds), and only after this rapid initial action is the slower bypass switch closed to maintain the state. This preliminary action ensures the switching speed requirement is met without relying on the slower switch for the critical initial transition.
3Speed
If a thyristor with permanent triggering path is used, then rapid switching is achieved, but energy consumption increases due to continuous triggering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic or pulsed triggering instead of continuous triggering. The bypass switch is closed temporarily during the switching operation to establish and maintain the thyristor's on-state, then can be opened once the thyristor is latched. This periodic activation of the triggering path reduces energy consumption compared to continuous triggering, while still achieving rapid switching when needed.
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 solution enables rapid short-circuiting with a switching speed of about 10 μs, improving the efficiency and reliability of submodule operations in converter systems by maintaining the thyristor in an on-state even after the triggering device is switched off.
Implementation Method 1
a thyristor (T1), which has an anode terminal (A), a cathode terminal (K) and a trigger terminal (Z) and is connected by its anode terminal to one of the two outer terminals of the submodule and by its cathode terminal to the other of the two outer terminals of the submodule
Implementation Method 2
a switch (S1), which in the on-state connects the anode terminal of the thyristor to the trigger terminal of the thyristor
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical configuration contains at least one submodule which has a first and a second outer electrical terminal. The configuration further has a bypass switching device, which is electrically connected between the first and second terminals and in the on-state causes an electrical short-circuit in at least one current flow direction between the two outer terminals. The bypass switching device has a thyristor with an anode terminal, a cathode terminal and a trigger terminal and is connected by its anode terminal to one of the two outer terminals and by its cathode terminal to the other of the two outer terminals. A triggering device is connected to the trigger terminal of the thyristor for triggering the thyristor, and a switch is provided which in the on-state connects the anode terminal of the thyristor to the trigger terminal of the thyristor.