This patent describes a new and improved type of electrical power converter, called a "modular multilevel current source converter." Imagine this converter as a sophisticated device that takes electrical power from one source and converts it into a very precise and smooth output. The problem with older versions of these converters was that to get a really smooth and clean output you had to use a lot of individual building blocks, making the whole system big, expensive, and complicated. This new design cleverly adds a special kind of "auxiliary" module to the converter's arms. These auxiliary modules are like secret weapons that can generate extra, very fine steps in the electrical current, making the output even smoother without needing to add tons of the regular building blocks. The patent also includes a smart control method that decides exactly when and how to switch these auxiliary modules on or off, based on the current and voltage conditions, to get the best performance. The result is a converter that produces a much cleaner electrical output with fewer parts, leading to less energy waste, lower costs, and a more reliable electrical system overall.
Figure (1) One leg of a three phase current source modular multilevel converter
Conventional Modular Multilevel Current Source Converters (MMCSCs) for high-power applications, while offering benefits like reduced harmonics and lower switching frequencies, suffer from a significant drawback: to increase the number of output current levels (which improves waveform quality and reduces harmonics), they require a proportionate increase in the number of half-bridge modules. This leads to larger, more complex, and more expensive circuits, making control more difficult and potentially reducing reliability. The patent aims to solve this by achieving a higher number of output current levels with a reduced number of modules.
- These auxiliary modules enable the converter to increase the number of output current levels significantly without proportionally increasing the number of half-bridge modules.
- By achieving a higher number of output current levels, the converter generates a nearly sinusoidal output current waveform, which inherently reduces harmonic distortion.
- Simplifies operation and reduces complexity compared to traditional converters.
- Saves costs by minimizing the number of components needed.
- Boosts reliability and efficiency in high-power applications with innovative design features.
The technology is currently being tested and evaluated for its basic concept, and its formulation is being confirmed to ensure realistic end-use application.
The technology is currently being tested and evaluated for its basic concept, and its formulation is being confirmed to ensure realistic end-use application.
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This technology's ability to reduce harmonics and improve current waveform quality means less energy is wasted as heat, leading to greater overall energy efficiency in our power grids. This directly translates to lower energy consumption and reduced carbon footprints. Cleaner power waveforms with reduced harmonics contribute to a more stable and reliable electrical grid. The ability to achieve higher performance with fewer modules and potentially eliminate AC side filters can lower the capital expenditure for high-power conversion systems.
Renewable Energy, Electric Vehicles (EVs), Industrial Automation, Grid Infrastructure, High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) Transmission.
Geography of IP
Type of IP
1471/MUM/2015
438542