Synchronous Common Coupling for Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-level cascaded power management systems, such as Cascaded H-Bridge (CHB) topology, are costly, complex, and unreliable due to limitations in switching frequency, dielectric, and thermal capability, and require complicated hardware and cable assemblies, making them unsuitable for efficient power flow control in renewable energy environments.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of synchronous common coupling technology, which links power flow between electrically isolated and non-isolated AC/DC sources and loads through a hub that maintains electrical isolation while providing independent power flow control indifferent to voltage magnitude, frequency, and phase, using either a single common flux core or high-frequency current bus to enhance power management efficiency and resiliency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional multi-level cascaded power management systems (CHB topology) are used, then power flow control capability is provided, but the system becomes costly, complex, and unreliable due to limitations in switching frequency, dielectric, and thermal capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a common coupling bus as an intermediary element that connects multiple H-bridge modules. This coupling bus serves as a mediator for power exchange between modules, eliminating the need for complex inter-module connections while enabling flexible power flow control. The coupling bus acts as a central hub that simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining full adaptability for power management.
Solution Approach 2:
The common coupling bus is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical connection between modules, enables power flow control, supports voltage balancing, and facilitates communication. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining comprehensive power management capabilities.
2Productivity
If conventional multi-level cascaded power management systems are used, then power conversion is achieved, but complicated hardware and cable assemblies are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the connection function and power transmission function into a single common coupling bus structure. Instead of requiring separate connection cables and power transmission lines between H-bridge modules, the coupling bus integrates both functions into one component, dramatically reducing the number of cables and hardware assemblies while maintaining efficient power conversion.
Solution Approach 2:
The common coupling bus serves as an intermediary that consolidates multiple connection paths into a single structured interface. This mediator approach reduces the complexity of cable assemblies by providing a standardized, modular connection point that eliminates the need for complex point-to-point wiring between modules.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electrically isolated three-phase secondaries with phase shifting are used, then power supply flexibility is provided, but the system requires large 60 Hz transformers and becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical transformer-based isolation and phase-shifting mechanism with an electronic control approach using the common coupling bus. Instead of relying on large physical transformers to provide electrical isolation and phase shifting, the system uses controlled switching of H-bridge modules connected through the coupling bus, achieving the same functionality with significantly reduced weight and complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If H-bridges are connected in series or parallel with electrical isolation, then voltage and current control flexibility is achieved, but the system requires complicated hardware assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
The common coupling bus is designed as a universal interface that supports both series and parallel connections of H-bridge modules through a single standardized structure. This multi-functional coupling bus can accommodate different connection configurations without requiring different hardware assemblies, thereby maintaining voltage and current control flexibility while reducing hardware complexity.
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
Synchronous common coupling reduces part count and losses, improves flexibility and reduces complexity, enabling efficient power sharing between multiple AC/DC sources and loads, and provides fault tolerance and low cost, high efficiency power management in various applications, including VAR compensation and power factor correction.
Implementation Method 1
Each flux bridge of the stage is connected to an electrically isolated winding in the synchronous common coupling
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, systems, and methods for managing power utilizing synchronous common coupling. An apparatus comprises a synchronous common coupling, a plurality of ports, and a plurality of stacks connected through the synchronous common coupling. Each stack comprises at least one stage, with each stage comprising at least one source/load bridge, at least one flux bridge, and a DC bus. The at least one source/load bridge of one stage of each stack is connected to a source or load through one of the plurality of ports, the at least one flux bridge of each stage is connected to an electrically isolated winding in the synchronous common coupling, and the at least one flux bridge of each stage is connected to the at least one source/load bridge of the stage through the DC bus. The synchronous common coupling is configured to exchange power between each of the plurality of stacks.