Voltage Source Converter With Integrated Switching Cell Inductors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Voltage Source Converters face challenges in reducing complexity and size, especially when handling high powers and voltages, due to the need for a large number of switching cells connected in series, which increases size and complexity, and requires extensive filtering and harmonic current management.

Innovation Solution

The integration of inductors within the series connection of switching cells, allowing for modularization and elimination of phase reactors, thereby reducing the overall size and complexity of the converter, and enabling a more efficient design for high voltage and power applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a high number of switching cells are connected in series to handle high voltages and powers, then the converter can transmit high powers, but the size and complexity of the converter increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transmission capabilityVSAvoidconverter complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the inductor function with the switching cell structure by integrating inductance means into the series connection of switching cells. This merging eliminates the need for separate phase reactors, reducing the overall number of components and simplifying the converter design while maintaining high power transmission capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The inductance means serve multiple functions: they provide the necessary inductance for high power transmission, act as part of the switching cell structure, and eliminate the need for separate filtering components. This multi-functionality reduces complexity while maintaining power handling capability

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

2Power

If a high number of switching cells are connected in series to handle high voltages and powers, then the converter can transmit high powers, but the size of the converter increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transmission capabilityVSAvoidconverter size
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the inductor function into the switching cell structure, the patent eliminates separate phase reactors and filtering components, thereby reducing the overall volume of the converter while maintaining the ability to handle high powers through the series connection of switching cells

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional converter designs are used with separate phase reactors, then filtering requirements can be met, but the overall size and complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveharmonic currents and radio interferencesVSAvoidconverter complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the inductor function from separate phase reactors and integrates it directly into the switching cell structure. This extraction and integration eliminates the need for separate filtering components while maintaining the ability to filter harmonic currents and radio interferences

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The inductance means within the switching cells serve multiple functions including filtering harmonic currents, managing radio interferences, and providing the necessary inductance for power transmission, thereby reducing the need for separate filtering components and simplifying the overall design

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

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 approach results in a more compact and cost-effective converter design with reduced losses and filtering requirements, facilitating easier production and material handling, while maintaining the ability to produce sinusoidal alternating voltages with lower switching frequencies.

Implementation Method 1

said series connection of switching cells has inductance means, in this case inductors, connected to a terminal of this switching cell

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2277258B1A voltage source converter
Publication Date: 2013.12.04 ABB TECHNOLOGY AG
  • EP2277258B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2277258B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP2277258B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A Voltage Source Converter having at least one phase leg connected to opposite poles of a direct voltage side of the converter and comprising a series connection of switching cells has inductance means comprising a plurality of inductors (23) built in in said series connection of switching cells (7') and connected in series with these cells by being connected to terminals (14, 15) thereof.