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INV-16024
Background
This invention consists of two novel methods. The first one is a new converter topology called a sparse capacitive link universal converter and the second one is a fast response control scheme for the capacitive link universal converters.
Capacitive link universal converters can offer numerous advantages over existing power converters, and the sparse capacitive link universal converter proposed in this invention further improves the attributes of this type of converter. The proposed technology can be used for both the original and sparse configurations, which are robust and faster than the current control method used for these converters. It also allows for increasing frequency and leads to a higher power density converter.
Technology Overview
This invention is related to a novel power converter and capacitive link universal converter, which has a high power density and a long lifetime. This method uses a modified configuration based on this converter that contains fewer switches.
The three-phase ac‑ac configuration consists of fewer switches that increases power density and reliability. Similar to the original configuration in this converter, the link capacitor is the main power transfer component; it will be charged from the two input phases and then discharged into two output phases. In the soft switching configuration, there is a resonating mode between each two power transfer modes.
This method also proposes a simple control scheme for this converter and the original configuration. In the proposed control method, the converter operates with a fixed switching frequency and discontinuous conduction mode. To regulate the current and voltage, the duty cycle of each switch is calculated. The equations are derived for a three‑phase ac‑ac converter and can be extended to a complex hybrid system with several sources and loads.
Benefits
- High power density
- Long lifetime
- It is single-stage and can have any number of sources and loads with any voltage amplitude or frequency (including Zero)
- Can operate at a fixed frequency
- Can be easily implemented
- Increase in power density
Applications
- Reduce the installation cost
- Reduce the shipping cost
- Reduce the cost for repair and replacement of the converters
Opportunity
- License
- Partnering
- Research collaboration
