Multiphase Voltage Transformer Discharge Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrical supply networks for vehicles require additional components and increased installation space and cost to discharge high-voltage intermediate DC circuits safely within 2 seconds, as they need additional power semiconductor switches and resistors for active discharge.
Innovation Solution
A multiphase voltage transformer with a circuit arrangement of parallel-connected units and a control unit that actuates semiconductor switch units to discharge the intermediate circuit voltage below 60 V DC within 2 seconds using existing components, such as internal resistors and switch units, without requiring additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional power semiconductor switches and resistors are added to discharge the intermediate circuit, then the discharge safety is improved, but the device complexity and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage transformer units perform dual functions: during normal operation they transform voltage, and during discharge operation they function as discharge paths. The existing semiconductor switch units and inductances are utilized for both voltage transformation and energy discharge, eliminating the need for dedicated discharge components.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage transformer's internal components (semiconductor switch units, inductances, and internal resistors) are used to discharge the intermediate circuit itself. The system uses its own existing components to perform the discharge function rather than requiring external discharge circuitry.
2Reliability
If additional power semiconductor switches and resistors are added to discharge the intermediate circuit, then the discharge safety is improved, but the installation space and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage transformer units perform dual functions: during normal operation they transform voltage, and during discharge operation they function as discharge paths. The existing semiconductor switch units and inductances are utilized for both voltage transformation and energy discharge, eliminating the need for dedicated discharge components.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage transformer's internal components (semiconductor switch units, inductances, and internal resistors) are used to discharge the intermediate circuit itself. The system uses its own existing components to perform the discharge function rather than requiring external discharge circuitry.
3Loss of time
If the voltage transformer units are operated in discharge mode, then the discharge time is reduced, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The semiconductor switch units are actuated in a periodic switching manner during discharge operation, alternating between conducting and blocking states to rapidly transfer energy from the intermediate circuit through the inductances and dissipate it through internal resistors, achieving fast discharge within 2 seconds.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit dynamically adjusts the operating state of the voltage transformer units between normal voltage transformation mode and discharge mode based on the intermediate circuit voltage level, enabling rapid transition to discharge operation when safety thresholds are approached.
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 safe and efficient discharging of high-voltage intermediate circuits without additional components, reducing space and cost requirements while ensuring voltage reduction within the specified time frame.
Implementation Method 1
a circuit arrangement (30) having a plurality of parallel-connected voltage transformer units (32, 34) at the input end, each having an inductance (36, 38) and two semiconductor switch units (40, 42; 44, 46)
Implementation Method 2
each having an inductance (36, 38) and two semiconductor switch units (40, 42; 44, 46)
Data Source
AI summary
A multiphase voltage transformer for an electrical supply network for supplying an electrical machine with electrical energy from an electrical energy storage system. This electrical supply network includes the multiphase voltage transformer, an output current converter connected downstream of this transformer and an intermediate circuit connected between the transformer and the output current converter. The transformer includes a circuit arrangement having parallel-connected voltage transformer units at the input end, each of these units having an inductance and two semiconductor switch units and a control unit for actuating the semiconductor switch units. The control unit is configured so as to actuate the semiconductor switch units in an intermediate circuit discharging operation such that it powers down the intermediate circuit voltage of the intermediate circuit in less than a second into the low voltage range. A corresponding electrical supply network, an energy supply system having network and a method are provided.