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WO2016058639A1 - Circuit convertisseur de puissance - Google Patents

Circuit convertisseur de puissance Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2016058639A1
WO2016058639A1 PCT/EP2014/072120 EP2014072120W WO2016058639A1 WO 2016058639 A1 WO2016058639 A1 WO 2016058639A1 EP 2014072120 W EP2014072120 W EP 2014072120W WO 2016058639 A1 WO2016058639 A1 WO 2016058639A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
power converter
converter circuit
electric
electric modules
capacitor
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/EP2014/072120
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Erik Persson
Mats Hyttinen
Sari Laihonen
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
ABB Technology AG
Original Assignee
ABB Technology AG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by ABB Technology AG filed Critical ABB Technology AG
Priority to GB1704272.2A priority Critical patent/GB2546024B/en
Priority to PCT/EP2014/072120 priority patent/WO2016058639A1/fr
Publication of WO2016058639A1 publication Critical patent/WO2016058639A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02M—APPARATUS FOR CONVERSION BETWEEN AC AND AC, BETWEEN AC AND DC, OR BETWEEN DC AND DC, AND FOR USE WITH MAINS OR SIMILAR POWER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; CONVERSION OF DC OR AC INPUT POWER INTO SURGE OUTPUT POWER; CONTROL OR REGULATION THEREOF
    • H02M7/00—Conversion of AC power input into DC power output; Conversion of DC power input into AC power output
    • H02M7/42—Conversion of DC power input into AC power output without possibility of reversal
    • H02M7/44—Conversion of DC power input into AC power output without possibility of reversal by static converters
    • H02M7/48—Conversion of DC power input into AC power output without possibility of reversal by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode
    • H02M7/483—Converters with outputs that each can have more than two voltages levels
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02M—APPARATUS FOR CONVERSION BETWEEN AC AND AC, BETWEEN AC AND DC, OR BETWEEN DC AND DC, AND FOR USE WITH MAINS OR SIMILAR POWER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; CONVERSION OF DC OR AC INPUT POWER INTO SURGE OUTPUT POWER; CONTROL OR REGULATION THEREOF
    • H02M7/00—Conversion of AC power input into DC power output; Conversion of DC power input into AC power output
    • H02M7/003—Constructional details, e.g. physical layout, assembly, wiring or busbar connections
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02M—APPARATUS FOR CONVERSION BETWEEN AC AND AC, BETWEEN AC AND DC, OR BETWEEN DC AND DC, AND FOR USE WITH MAINS OR SIMILAR POWER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; CONVERSION OF DC OR AC INPUT POWER INTO SURGE OUTPUT POWER; CONTROL OR REGULATION THEREOF
    • H02M1/00—Details of apparatus for conversion
    • H02M1/32—Means for protecting converters other than automatic disconnection
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02M—APPARATUS FOR CONVERSION BETWEEN AC AND AC, BETWEEN AC AND DC, OR BETWEEN DC AND DC, AND FOR USE WITH MAINS OR SIMILAR POWER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; CONVERSION OF DC OR AC INPUT POWER INTO SURGE OUTPUT POWER; CONTROL OR REGULATION THEREOF
    • H02M7/00—Conversion of AC power input into DC power output; Conversion of DC power input into AC power output
    • H02M7/42—Conversion of DC power input into AC power output without possibility of reversal
    • H02M7/44—Conversion of DC power input into AC power output without possibility of reversal by static converters
    • H02M7/48—Conversion of DC power input into AC power output without possibility of reversal by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode
    • H02M7/483—Converters with outputs that each can have more than two voltages levels
    • H02M7/4835—Converters with outputs that each can have more than two voltages levels comprising two or more cells, each including a switchable capacitor, the capacitors having a nominal charge voltage which corresponds to a given fraction of the input voltage, and the capacitors being selectively connected in series to determine the instantaneous output voltage
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02M—APPARATUS FOR CONVERSION BETWEEN AC AND AC, BETWEEN AC AND DC, OR BETWEEN DC AND DC, AND FOR USE WITH MAINS OR SIMILAR POWER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; CONVERSION OF DC OR AC INPUT POWER INTO SURGE OUTPUT POWER; CONTROL OR REGULATION THEREOF
    • H02M7/00—Conversion of AC power input into DC power output; Conversion of DC power input into AC power output
    • H02M7/66—Conversion of AC power input into DC power output; Conversion of DC power input into AC power output with possibility of reversal
    • H02M7/68—Conversion of AC power input into DC power output; Conversion of DC power input into AC power output with possibility of reversal by static converters
    • H02M7/72—Conversion of AC power input into DC power output; Conversion of DC power input into AC power output with possibility of reversal by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode
    • H02M7/75—Conversion of AC power input into DC power output; Conversion of DC power input into AC power output with possibility of reversal by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode using devices of a thyratron or thyristor type requiring extinguishing means
    • H02M7/757—Conversion of AC power input into DC power output; Conversion of DC power input into AC power output with possibility of reversal by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode using devices of a thyratron or thyristor type requiring extinguishing means using semiconductor devices only
    • H02M7/7575—Conversion of AC power input into DC power output; Conversion of DC power input into AC power output with possibility of reversal by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode using devices of a thyratron or thyristor type requiring extinguishing means using semiconductor devices only for high voltage direct transmission link

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to an electric circuit for use in power converters, and a method for its manufacture.
  • the electric circuit of the present disclosure is applicable in for instance high voltage direct current (HVDC) power converters.
  • HVDC high voltage direct current
  • Power converters may comprise valve units in which a stack of power converter cells is arranged.
  • transistors such as insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBT)
  • IGBT insulated-gate bipolar transistors
  • Design of a power converter cell and its components may involve a number of issues associated with, e.g., a required voltage, a required maximum deliverable current, a required lifetime, and/or a required ability to supply current to transistors operating at certain switching frequencies.
  • annular capacitor design is proposed wherein one or more power conversion components, including semiconductor switches, are arranged within the hollow center of the capacitor or around the outside edge of the capacitor.
  • the semiconductor switches are arranged in a way to more evenly distribute the switched current around the area of the capacitor shape, e.g. to reduce hot spot temperatures and to increase the long-term reliability of the capacitor.
  • valve units comprising alternative power converter cell designs.
  • An object of at least some embodiments of the present disclosure is to provide power converter circuits and methods addressing at least some of the above mentioned issues.
  • a power converter circuit comprising a plurality of electric modules electrically connected in parallel.
  • An electric module comprises a unique capacitor and at least one switching transistor mounted at the capacitor.
  • the power converter circuit further comprises a bypass switch adapted to allow a current to bypass the electric modules upon failure of at least one of the electric modules.
  • a method of manufacturing a power converter circuit comprises mounting at least one transistor at a unique capacitor to form an electric module and electrically connecting a plurality of electric modules in parallel.
  • the method further comprises electrically connecting a bypass switch to the electric modules for allowing a current to bypass the electric modules upon failure of at least one of the electric modules.
  • an electric module comprises at least one or more switching devices (e.g. one or more transistors) and its respective unique capacitor, thereby rendering the electric modules as discrete components, each electric module comprising its own capacitor, in contrast to a power converter cell in which all transistors share a common capacitor.
  • the use of electric modules comprising respective unique capacitors allows for a reduction of the switching inductance of the electric modules, e.g. while maintaining a higher inductance between the electric modules when mounted in parallel to each other in the power converter circuit.
  • Power converters may comprise valve units in which a stack of power converter cells is arranged. At each position in the stack of cells, a cell using the above described annular capacitor design may be arranged. In cells with such an annular capacitor design, a certain number of sub-modules, e.g. X sub-modules, may be arranged and connected together to form a part of the power converter obtained by the stack of cells. In each sub-module, a certain number of chips (comprising transistors such as insulated-gate bipolar transistors), e.g. Y chips, may be arranged. In the present example, a cell of the power converter may comprise XxY chips. In prior art power converters, all of these chips share a common capacitor.
  • the inventors have realized that it would be beneficial, e.g. in terms of compactness and/or for facilitating the assembly or the repair of a valve unit, to further integrate capacitors and transistors by building power converter cells with discrete electric modules in which at least one chip or transistor is mounted at a unique capacitor.
  • the use of discrete electric modules may in at least some embodiments facilitate repair or redesign of a valve unit or power converter cell by allowing replacement of individual electric modules rather than having to disassemble electronic circuitry of a valve unit or power converter cell.
  • Pre- assembled electric modules may for example be more easily mounted in or removed from a valve unit or power converter cell than mounting or removing electronic components such as transistors and capacitors individually.
  • the inventors have also realized that employing such discrete electric modules connected in parallel provides an improved current sharing between the electric modules.
  • bypass switch adapted to allow a current to bypass the electric modules upon failure of an electric module, reduces the risk of damages of the components of the power converter circuit and/or component connected to it, e.g. caused by short circuit currents.
  • the bypass switch may be a mechanical switch or an electric switch such as for example a thyristor.
  • At least some of the electric modules may have respective unique capacitors, i.e. at least some of the electric modules may have distinct capacitors (i.e. their own capacitors) rather than sharing one or more capacitors with each other.
  • each of the electric modules may comprise a unique capacitor and at least two transistors mounted at the capacitor.
  • a failure of an electric module is meant a malfunction, e.g. a short circuit, in one or more components of the electric module, e.g. causing a short circuit through the electric module.
  • the electric modules may be distributed around the bypass switch.
  • the electric modules may for example be arranged around the bypass switch in a circular manner so as to form a disc-shaped cell which is suitable for arrangement in a cylindrical valve unit.
  • Circular arrangement of the electric modules around the bypass switch may for example allow for more compact power converters.
  • circular arrangement of the electric modules around the bypass switch or an at least approximately uniform
  • the electric modules of the present embodiment may for example be distributed around the bypass switch within a plane.
  • the power conversion circuit may comprise an electrical node (or connecting section) and separate electrical connections from the electric modules to the electrical node (or connecting section).
  • the separate electrical connections from the electric modules to the electrical node may allow for an adjustment of the inductance between the different electric modules. Although a lower inductance may be desired to improve the performance of the converter, a higher inductance may be desired to limit the fault currents.
  • the electrical node may for example correspond to a point in the power converter circuit at which the separate electrical connections from the electric modules meet, or to a part or portion of the power conversion circuit connecting the separate electrical connections from the electric modules.
  • the electrical node may for example be electrically connected to the bypass switch.
  • the bypass switch may for example comprise the electrical node.
  • the power conversion circuit may comprise separate electrical connections from the electric modules to the bypass switch.
  • the separate electrical connections from the electric modules to the bypass switch may increase the inductance between the different electric modules.
  • At least one of the electrical connections may be adapted to discontinue electrical connection to at least one of the electric modules in response to a current through the at least one electrical connection exceeding a threshold.
  • an electrical connection may be adapted to act as a fuse by discontinuing electrical connection to its electric module if the current through the electrical connection exceeds a threshold.
  • a failure or malfunction of an electric module may for example cause short circuit currents through that electric module.
  • the ability to discontinue electrical connection in response to large currents may prevent such short circuit currents through defective electric modules.
  • the ability to discontinue electrical connection in response to large currents may allow the power converter circuit to continue operation even if an electric module is defective, and may reduce the need for the bypass switch to be activated upon failure of an electric module.
  • at least one of the electrical connections may be arranged to provide a higher inductance between the electric modules and the bypass switch than a switching inductance of an electric module.
  • the above described embodiments alone or in combination, provide the advantage of limiting (or reducing) short-circuit currents (or fault currents) in the power converter circuit.
  • Another advantage is that the electrical connections between the electric modules can function as fuses and thereby provide a self healing of the power converter circuit (in case of fault currents) since one of the electrical connections may disappear (burn) but the function of the power converter circuit may still remain intact.
  • using a plurality of electric modules to form the power converter circuit is advantageous in that a deficiency in one of the electric modules does not significantly affect the functioning of the whole power converter circuit.
  • the switching device of an electric module may be mounted at an outside surface of the capacitor of the electric module, e.g. to facilitate arrangement of the transistors at the capacitor and/or to facilitate cooling of the transistors.
  • the capacitor of an electric module may extend along an axial direction between axial end faces and the switching device of the module may be disposed on an axial end face of the capacitor.
  • the capacitor may for example have electrical connections at an axial end face. Arrangement of the switching device(s) at that axial end face may reduce switching inductance and/or may facilitate arrangement of electrical connection between the transistors and the capacitor. Arrangement of the transistors at axial end faces of the capacitor may facilitate electrical connection of the electric modules to other electric modules for connecting the electric modules in parallel.
  • the capacitor may for example be cylindrical (or may have a cylindrical- like shape), which is beneficial with respect to the homogeneity of the electrical field in the capacitor. However, other geometries may be envisaged.
  • an electric module may comprise at least two transistors acting as switching devices, wherein a first electrode of the capacitor may be connected to a collector of a first transistor, a second electrode of the capacitor may be connected to an emitter of a second transistor, and an emitter of the first transistor may be connected to a collector of the second transistor. It will be appreciated that at least some of the electric modules, e.g. all of the electric modules, may have their transistors and capacitor connected to each other in this way.
  • the switching device may be a semiconductor-based switching device. More specifically, the switching device may be one of an insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT), a bi-mode insulated gate transistor (BIGT), a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET), an integrated gate-commutated thyristor (IGCT), a gate turn-off thyristor (GTO), a high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) and a hetero junction bipolar transistor (HBT). Other types of transistors (or semiconductor-based switching devices) may however be envisaged.
  • IGBT insulated-gate bipolar transistor
  • BIGT bi-mode insulated gate transistor
  • MOSFET metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor
  • IGCT integrated gate-commutated thyristor
  • GTO gate turn-off thyristor
  • HEMT high electron mobility transistor
  • HBT hetero junction bipolar transistor
  • At least one of the switching device(s) of at least one of the electric modules may be an IGBT or a BIGT.
  • IGBTs may for example combine high efficiency and fast switching.
  • An IGBT may for example comprise two semiconductor chips in the form of a transistor and a diode connected in parallel to the transistor.
  • a BIGT may for example be a single-chip component adapted to replace a two-chip IGBT, e.g. by integrating the functionality of the IGBT in a single semiconductor chip.
  • each of the transistors may for example be an IGBT or a BIGT. All of the transistors (or switching devices) may for example be IGBTs, or all of the transistors may for example be BIGTs.
  • switching devices based on silicon or silicon carbide may be employed, in particular for MOSFETs, IGBTs, BIGTs, IGCTs and GTOs as examples.
  • Switching devices based on Gallium Nitride or Gallium Arsenide may also be employed, in particular for HEMTs or HBTs as examples.
  • semiconductors providing switching devices for high power applications may be envisaged.
  • the plurality of electric modules may include at least five electric modules.
  • the plurality of electric modules may for example include at least ten, twenty or forty electric modules. Increasing the number of electric modules increases the maximum current deliverable by the power converter circuit and makes the power converter circuit better suited for application in high voltage equipments (and in particular HVDC power converter stations).
  • a power converter cell comprising a power converter circuit as defined in any of the preceding embodiments.
  • the power converter cell may comprise an enclosure in which the power converter circuit is arranged.
  • the enclosure may protect the power converter circuit.
  • the enclosure may for example facilitate handling of the power converter circuit, e.g. during transportation or during installation in a power converter.
  • the enclosure may for example facilitate replacement of the power converter cell on site, e.g. in a valve unit of a high voltage direct current power converter.
  • the enclosure may for example be opened to enable replacement of a single electric module of the power converter cell.
  • the enclosure may for example be adapted for arrangement in a valve unit of a power converter and may for example define a position of the power converter cell in the valve unit.
  • the enclosure may for example be cylindrical or disc- shaped.
  • the enclosure may for example at least partially enclose the power converter circuit, e.g. including gate electronics for controlling switching of transistors of the electric modules.
  • the enclosure may for example have a cylindrical shape but may e.g. leave one or both of the axial end faces of the cylindrical shape open.
  • the enclosure may comprise electrically conductive material, e.g. metal.
  • the enclosure may for example be adapted for providing electrical connection from the power converter circuit to other power converter circuits, and/or to a busbar or transmission line for AC/DC conversion.
  • a valve unit of a high voltage direct current converter may comprise a plurality of power converter circuits as defined in any of the preceding embodiments.
  • the power converter circuits may be electrically connected in series, thereby providing a power converter for high voltage applications (i.e. in the range of several kV).
  • a valve unit of a high voltage direct current converter may comprise a plurality of power converter cells as defined in any of the preceding embodiments.
  • the power converter cells may be arranged as a stack.
  • the power converter circuits of the power converter cells may be electrically connected in series.
  • Figure 1 shows a schematic top view of a power converter circuit in accordance with some embodiments
  • Figure 2 shows a schematic perspective view of an electric module for use in a power converter circuit, in accordance with some embodiments
  • Figure 3 shows a circuit diagram for the electric module depicted in Figure 2;
  • Figure 4 shows a circuit diagram of a power converter circuit according to an embodiment
  • Figure 5 shows a schematic side-view of a valve unit comprising a stack of power converter cells, in accordance with some embodiments.
  • Figure 1 shows a schematic top view of a power converter circuit 100, according to some embodiments
  • Figure 2 shows a schematic perspective view of an electric module 110 for use in a power converter circuit, e.g. the power converter circuit 100 described with reference to Figure 1.
  • the power converter circuit 100 comprises a plurality of electric modules 110 electrically connected in parallel and a bypass switch 120 adapted to allow a current to bypass the electric modules 110 upon failure of at least one of the electric modules 110.
  • the bypass switch 120 When the bypass switch 120 is activated, the large capacitance in the circuit will discharge energy through the bypass switch 120, and a desired low commutation reactance may cause the peak current to reach the Mega Ampere range. Significant magnetic force requirements may therefore be imposed on the mechanical design of the power converter circuit 100 and the bypass switch 120 to withstand the impact of such strong currents.
  • An electric module 110 employed in the power converter circuit 100 may comprise a unique capacitor 111 and at least one switching device (in the present example two transistors 112 and 113) mounted at the capacitor 111.
  • an electric module 110 employed in the power converter circuit 100 may comprise its own distinct capacitor 111.
  • each of the electric modules 110 may comprise its own unique capacitor 111 at which at least one transistor, the two transistors 112 and 113 in the present example, is mounted.
  • the capacitor 111 of an electric module 110 may for example extend along an axial direction 118 between axial end faces 119 of the capacitor 111.
  • the transistors 112 and 113 of the electric module 110 may for example be disposed on an axial end face 119 of the capacitor 111.
  • the transistors 112 and 113 may for example be mounted at an outside surface of the capacitor 111.
  • the transistors 112 and 113 may for example be mounted at a circuit board (not shown in Figure 2) which is itself mounted at an outside surface of the capacitor 111.
  • the capacitor 111 may for example have a cylindrical shape, but may have other shapes.
  • the capacitor 111 may for example have a circular, elliptical or rectangular cross-section.
  • the capacitor 111 may for example be a wound film capacitor.
  • the capacitor 111 may also be made of a plurality of capacitive sub-elements connected together.
  • the capacitor 111 may for example have electrical connections at an axial end face 119, and the transistors 112 and 113 may be disposed on that axial end face 119. The arrangement of the transistors 112 and 113 at the same end face 119 as the electrical connections of the capacitor 111 may reduce the switching inductance of the electric module 110.
  • the capacitors of several electric modules may be physically connected together. It may for example be envisaged to provide the capacitors of the electric modules as a (capacitive) tray or plate from which a plurality of capacitive elements are protruding or on which a plurality of capacitive elements are standing (or attached).
  • each of the protruding capacitive elements corresponds to a unique capacitor of an electric module.
  • At least one switching device may then be mounted on top of each of the protruding capacitive elements to form a plurality of electric modules which, when connected in parallel, form a power converter circuit together with a bypass switch.
  • the electric module 110 may for example comprise an enclosure 140 in which the capacitor 111 and the transistors 112 and 113 are arranged.
  • the enclosure 140 may comprise electrically conductive material, e.g. metal, and may for example be adapted to provide electrical connection to the other electric modules 110 and/or to the bypass switch 120.
  • the plurality of electric modules 110 is exemplified by a particular number of electric modules 110, but the plurality of electric modules 110 may include any number of electric modules 110 above one, e.g. at least five, ten, twenty or forty electric modules 110. Increasing the number of electric modules 110 connected in parallel may increase the maximum current deliverable by the power converter circuit 100.
  • FIG 3 shows a circuit diagram illustrating the electrical connections of the transistors and the capacitor of the electric module 110 described with reference to Figure 2.
  • the transistors 112 and 113 of the electric module 110 may for example be BIGTs or IGBTs.
  • An IGBT 112 may comprise two semiconductor chips in the form of a transistor 114 and a diode 115 connected in parallel to the transistor, and a BIGT may be a single-chip component adapted to replace a two-chip IGBT, e.g. by integrating the functionality of the IGBT in a single semiconductor chip.
  • the types of switching devices may be MOSFETs, IGBTs, BIGTs, IGCTs, GTOs, HEMTs or HBTs and the types of semiconductors may be silicon, silicon carbide, Gallium Nitride or Gallium Arsenide.
  • a transistor 112 in the form of a BIGT or IGBT is illustrated in the circuit diagram in Figure 3 by a transistor 114 and a diode 115 electrically connected in parallel to the transistor 114, the diode 115 having a direction of conductance from an emitter 114b of the transistor 114 to a collector 114a of the transistor 114.
  • the IGBT or BIGT 113 is illustrated by a transistor 116 and a diode 117 electrically connected in parallel to the transistor 116, the diode 117 having a direction of conductance from an emitter 116b of the transistor 116 to a collector 116a of the transistor 116.
  • a first electrode 11 la of the capacitor 111 is connected to a collector 112a of a first transistor 112.
  • a second electrode 11 lb of the capacitor 111 is connected to an emitter 113b of a second transistor 113.
  • An emitter 112b of the first transistor 112 is connected to a collector 113a of the second transistor 113.
  • the electric modules 110 of the power converter circuit 100 may be distributed around the bypass switch 120 along a plane and may for example form a discshaped arrangement.
  • Other arrangements of the electric modules 110 may also be envisaged, e.g. including rectangular or box-shaped arrangements, or arrangements of electric modules 110 in multiple layers on top of each other.
  • a disc-shaped arrangement is suitable for mounting in a cylindrically shaped valve unit.
  • the power converter circuit 100 may comprise separate electrical connections 130, e.g. in the form of busbars, from the electric modules 110 to the bypass switch 120.
  • the individual electric modules 110 may be designed to have a relatively low switching inductance, and the separate electrical connections 130 may provide a higher inductance between the electric modules 110.
  • the bypass switch 120 may act as an electrical node to which the electric modules 110 are connected. The distance between the bypass switch 120 and the electric modules 110 may for example be increased to increase the inductance between the electrical modules 110 and the switching module 120, and/or between the different electrical modules 110.
  • the separate electrical connections 130 from the electric modules 110 need not be separate all the way from the electric modules 110 to an electrical node at which they are connected to each other.
  • embodiments may be envisaged in which some of the separate electrical connections 130 to the bypass switch 120 may be combined, or electrically connected to each other, at a distance from the electric modules 110, but before reaching all the way to the bypass switch 120.
  • a power converter circuit 100 may comprise more electrical connections than the electrical connections 130 shown in Figure 1.
  • the two electrodes 111a and 11 lb of the capacitor 111 of an electric module 110 may be connected to other electric modules of the power converter circuit 100 via separate electrical connections (see e.g. Figure 4).
  • An electrical connection 130 may be adapted to act as a fuse by discontinuing electrical connection to its electric module 110 if the current through the electrical connection 130 exceeds a threshold.
  • a failure or malfunction of an electric module 110 may for example cause short circuit currents through that electric module 110.
  • the ability to discontinue electrical connection in response to large currents may prevent short circuit currents through defective electric modules 110.
  • the ability to discontinue electrical connection in response to large currents may allow the power converter circuit 100 to continue operation even if an electric module 110 is defective, and may reduce the need for the bypass switch 120 to be activated upon failure of an electric module 110.
  • Figure 4 shows a circuit diagram of a power converter circuit, or part of a power converter circuit 400, according to an embodiment.
  • the power converter circuit 400 may for instance correspond to a part of the power converter circuit 100 described with reference to Figure 1.
  • Figure 4 illustrates the electrical connections and components of a part of the power converter circuit 100 along an axis (or direction) passing through one side to another of a circular-shaped power converter circuit such as the power converter circuit 100 shown in Figure 1.
  • figure 1 shows only two or three electric modules on each side of the bypass switch 120 along such an axis
  • four electric modules 110 are connected in parallel at the left hand side of the bypass switch 120 along the axis and four electric modules 110 are connected in parallel at the right hand side of the bypass switch 120.
  • each electric module 110 comprises two transistors 112, 113 connected in series such as shown in Figure 3. As in Figure 3, the transistors are coupled in parallel to a capacitor 111. Each electric module 110 comprises a unique (or its own) capacitor 111. Although not represented in Figure 4, the electric modules may also include diodes 115, 117 such as shown in Figure 3.
  • Figure 4 illustrates the electrical connections 130 in parallel of each of the electric modules 110 with the bypass switch 120.
  • Figure 4 also illustrates the connection of the inputs or ports 150 of the electric modules 110.
  • a first electric module is connected to a second electric module at a node (or port 150) located between the two transistors 112, 113.
  • the power converter circuit 100 may for example be manufactured by a method comprising the steps of: mounting at least one switching device (e.g. transistors 112, 113) at a unique capacitor 111 to form an electric module 110;
  • at least one switching device e.g. transistors 112, 113
  • FIG. 5 shows a schematic side-view of a valve unit 500 of a high voltage direct current converter, in accordance with some embodiments.
  • the valve unit 500 may comprise a plurality of power converter cells 540 arranged as a stack.
  • the valve unit 500 may comprise any number of power converter cells 540.
  • the valve unit 500 may also comprise a high voltage capacitor shield 550 arranged between two adjacent power converter cells 540.
  • a power converter cell 540 in the valve unit 500 may comprise a power converter circuit 100 of the type described with reference to Figures 1 and 4, and an enclosure 541, in which the power converter circuit 100 is arranged.
  • Gate electronics for controlling the transistors 112 and 113 of the power converter circuit 100 may for example be arranged within the enclosure 541. Gate electronics and electrical connections between the components of the power converter circuit 100 are not shown in Figure 5.
  • the enclosure 541 is exemplified herein by a disc-shaped enclosure, but other shapes may be envisaged, such as enclosures with circular, elliptical or rectangular cross-sections.
  • the enclosure 541 may at least partially enclose the power converter circuit 100.
  • the enclosure 541 may for example have a cylindrical shape but may e.g. leave one or both of the axial end faces of the cylindrical shape (i.e. the sides of the enclosure 541 facing up and down in Figure 5) open towards the other power converter cells 540.
  • the enclosure 541 may have the form of a ring around the power converter circuit 100.
  • the enclosure 541 may for example comprise electrically conducting material, e.g. metal.
  • the enclosure 541 may for example be adapted to provide electrical connection between the power converter cells 540, and/or to bus bars 541, e.g. arranged at the ends of the valve unit 500.
  • the power converter circuits 100 of the power converter cells 540 may for example be electrically connected in series for increasing the input and/or output voltage of the valve unit.
  • capacitors and power converter cells are cylindrical, embodiments may be envisaged wherein these components or units may have any shape.
  • embodiments have been described with electric modules each comprising two transistors (or switching modules), embodiments may be envisaged wherein each electric module comprises a single transistor or more than two transistors.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Power Conversion In General (AREA)
  • Inverter Devices (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un circuit (100) convertisseur de puissance et un procédé de fabrication de ce circuit convertisseur de puissance. Le circuit convertisseur de puissance comprend une pluralité de modules électriques (110) connectés électriquement en parallèle. Un module électrique comprend un condensateur (111) unique et au moins un dispositif de commutation (112, 113) monté sur le condensateur. Le circuit convertisseur de puissance comprend en outre un commutateur de dérivation conçu pour permettre à un courant de contourner les modules électriques en cas de défaillance d'au moins un des modules électriques. Dans certains modes de réalisation, le dispositif de commutation peut être un transistor tel qu'un transistor bipolaire à grille isolée, IGBT, ou un transistor à grille isolée bimode, BIGT. Ce circuit convertisseur de puissance peut par exemple être utilisé dans des convertisseurs de puissance à courant continu à haute tension (CCHT).
PCT/EP2014/072120 2014-10-15 2014-10-15 Circuit convertisseur de puissance Ceased WO2016058639A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1704272.2A GB2546024B (en) 2014-10-15 2014-10-15 Power converter circuit
PCT/EP2014/072120 WO2016058639A1 (fr) 2014-10-15 2014-10-15 Circuit convertisseur de puissance

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2014/072120 WO2016058639A1 (fr) 2014-10-15 2014-10-15 Circuit convertisseur de puissance

Publications (1)

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WO2016058639A1 true WO2016058639A1 (fr) 2016-04-21

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GB (1) GB2546024B (fr)
WO (1) WO2016058639A1 (fr)

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CN108768186A (zh) * 2018-07-23 2018-11-06 武汉合康亿盛电气连接系统有限公司 一种圆周阵列结构的逆变装置
EP3621189A1 (fr) * 2018-09-06 2020-03-11 ABB Schweiz AG Pied-de-biche cc modulaire
EP3667893A4 (fr) * 2017-08-09 2020-08-05 Mitsubishi Electric Corporation Dispositif de conversion de puissance

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WO2012072168A2 (fr) * 2010-11-30 2012-06-07 Technische Universität München Nouvelle topologie de convertisseur multi-niveaux permettant le montage dynamique en série et en parallèle de modules individuels
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WO2011116816A1 (fr) * 2010-03-23 2011-09-29 Abb Technology Ag Convertisseur de source de tension et son procédé de gestion de défaut
WO2012072168A2 (fr) * 2010-11-30 2012-06-07 Technische Universität München Nouvelle topologie de convertisseur multi-niveaux permettant le montage dynamique en série et en parallèle de modules individuels
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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3667893A4 (fr) * 2017-08-09 2020-08-05 Mitsubishi Electric Corporation Dispositif de conversion de puissance
CN108768186A (zh) * 2018-07-23 2018-11-06 武汉合康亿盛电气连接系统有限公司 一种圆周阵列结构的逆变装置
EP3621189A1 (fr) * 2018-09-06 2020-03-11 ABB Schweiz AG Pied-de-biche cc modulaire
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CN110880860B (zh) * 2018-09-06 2023-03-21 日立能源瑞士股份公司 模块化dc消弧器

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GB2546024B (en) 2021-01-20
GB201704272D0 (en) 2017-05-03

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