Wireless Gate-Control Isolation for High-Voltage Power Converters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for galvanic isolation of control signals in power systems, such as those using fiber optics or optocouplers, are costly and have limitations, particularly for high voltage applications, and introduce additional complexity and potential failure points.
Innovation Solution
The use of wireless communication technology, similar to that in mobile cellular phones, for galvanic isolation of control signals to and from gate-controlled devices in power converters, employing digital wireless technologies like CDMA to provide effective and cost-efficient isolation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fiber optic or optocoupler is used for galvanic isolation of control signals, then high voltage isolation capability is achieved, but cost increases and performance limitations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional optical isolation mechanisms (fiber optics, optocouplers) with wireless electromagnetic communication. The control system transmits control signals wirelessly to the gate-controlled device, and the device status is transmitted back wirelessly, eliminating the need for physical optical isolation components while achieving galvanic isolation through air-based electromagnetic wave transmission.
2Reliability
If traditional galvanic isolation methods are used, then signal isolation is achieved, but equipment cost and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the isolation function from physical isolation components and implements it through wireless communication protocols. By removing the need for fiber optic cables, optocouplers, and associated mounting hardware, the system achieves signal isolation while dramatically reducing equipment cost and installation complexity.
3Reliability
If optocoupler is used for galvanic isolation, then voltage isolation is provided, but voltage limitation occurs making it impractical for high voltage applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the isolation mechanism from voltage-based optical coupling to wireless electromagnetic transmission. This parameter change allows the system to handle high voltage applications without the inherent voltage limitations of optocouplers, as wireless communication does not require direct electrical or optical coupling across the isolation barrier.
4Reliability
If fiber optic is used for galvanic isolation, then high voltage isolation is achieved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs standard wireless communication components (transmitters, receivers, antennas) that are significantly cheaper than fiber optic isolation systems. These wireless components achieve the same galvanic isolation function without requiring expensive specialized hardware, making high voltage isolation accessible for broader applications.
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 offers a cost-effective and reliable method for galvanic isolation of control signals, reducing equipment costs and installation time while maintaining high voltage isolation capabilities, thereby improving the efficiency and reliability of power conversion systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first wireless transceiver associated with the at least one gate-controlled device; a control card; and a second wireless transceiver associated with the control card, wherein wireless control signals transmitted by the second wireless transceiver from the control card are received by the first wireless transceiver
Data Source
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AI summary
In one aspect, a method of galvanic isolation for a gate-controlled device 302 is described. One embodiment of the method comprises receiving, by a gate-controlled device 302, wireless receive signals, wherein said wireless receive signals are received by a wireless receiver 402,404,406 associated with the gate-controlled device 302.