Abstract

Inverters that interface dc and ac power sources and loads are provided. An example application is solar power systems, in which a dc source of power is an array of solar panels; the inverter converts the dc power supplied by these panels to ac power that is fed into the utility grid. Another example is battery energy storage; the inverter changes the dc power of the batteries into ac power that is fed into the grid, and also can convert (rectify) ac power from the grid for charging the batteries. In one embodiment, for example, an inverter comprises slow switches that generate a three-level ac voltage, followed by a plurality of fast-switching half-bridges that introduce high-frequency pulse-width modulation into a plurality of ac output voltages.

IPC Classes  ?

• H02M 1/00 - Details of apparatus for conversion
• H02M 7/48 - 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
• H02M 7/5387 - 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 using devices of a triode or transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only, e.g. single switched pulse inverters in a bridge configuration

Abstract

A transformerless bidirectional power converter is provided. The bidirectional power converter, in one implementation, interfaces split-phase ac, such as the 240 V ac commonly available in the United States, to dc terminals for charging and discharging the battery of an electrified vehicle. The bidirectional power converter enables and controls bidirectional power flow, to charge the battery from the ac power and to supply power from the battery to the ac, possibly with variable power factor.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60L 53/22 - Constructional details or arrangements of charging converters specially adapted for charging electric vehicles
• B60L 53/62 - Monitoring or controlling charging stations in response to charging parameters, e.g. current, voltage or electrical charge
• B60L 55/00 - Arrangements for supplying energy stored within a vehicle to a power network, i.e. vehicle-to-grid [V2G] arrangements
• H02M 1/00 - Details of apparatus for conversion

Abstract

Modulation of switching intervals over a line cycle in an inverter system is provided. In one embodiment, an inverter circuit includes input and output ports, first and second switches. The inverter circuit provides a substantially sinusoidal output voltage or current. The first and second switches operate with a switching frequency and deadtimes. A first controller operates in conjunction with a first control loop to provide control signals for the first switch and second switch. A second controller operates in conjunction with a second control loop and adapted to provide a plurality of distinct timing parameters for a plurality of individual time periods within the line cycle of the substantially sinusoidal output voltage or current. The first controller is adapted to provide the control signals for the first switch and the second switch based in part on the timing parameters provided by the second controller.

IPC Classes  ?

• H02M 7/5387 - 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 using devices of a triode or transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only, e.g. single switched pulse inverters in a bridge configuration
• H02M 1/00 - Details of apparatus for conversion
• H02M 1/38 - Means for preventing simultaneous conduction of switches

Abstract

A transformerless bidirectional power converter is provided. The bidirectional power converter, in one implementation, interfaces split-phase ac, such as the 240 V ac commonly available in the United States, to dc terminals for charging and discharging the battery of an electrified vehicle. The bidirectional power converter enables and controls bidirectional power flow, to charge the battery from the ac power and to supply power from the battery to the ac, possibly with variable power factor.

IPC Classes  ?

• H02J 3/32 - Arrangements for balancing the load in a network by storage of energy using batteries with converting means
• H02J 3/44 - Synchronising a generator for connection to a network or to another generator with means for ensuring correct phase sequence
• H02M 7/79 - Conversion of AC power input into DC power outputConversion 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 triode or transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal

Abstract

A transformerless bidirectional power converter is provided. The bidirectional power converter, in one implementation, interfaces split-phase ac, such as the 240 V ac commonly available in the United States, to dc terminals for charging and discharging the battery of an electrified vehicle. The bidirectional power converter enables and controls bidirectional power flow, to charge the battery from the ac power and to supply power from the battery to the ac, possibly with variable power factor.

IPC Classes  ?

• H02M 7/79 - Conversion of AC power input into DC power outputConversion 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 triode or transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal
• H02J 3/32 - Arrangements for balancing the load in a network by storage of energy using batteries with converting means
• H02J 3/44 - Synchronising a generator for connection to a network or to another generator with means for ensuring correct phase sequence

Abstract

Modulation of switching intervals over a line cycle in an inverter system is provided. In one embodiment, an inverter circuit includes input and output ports, first and second switches. The inverter circuit provides a substantially sinusoidal output voltage or current. The first and second switches operate with a switching frequency and deadtimes. A first controller operates in conjunction with a first control loop to provide control signals for the first switch and second switch. A second controller operates in conjunction with a second control loop and adapted to provide a plurality of distinct timing parameters for a plurality of individual time periods within the line cycle of the substantially sinusoidal output voltage or current. The first controller is adapted to provide the control signals for the first switch and the second switch based in part on the timing parameters provided by the second controller.

IPC Classes  ?

• H02M 1/38 - Means for preventing simultaneous conduction of switches
• H02M 3/156 - Conversion of DC power input into DC power output without intermediate conversion into AC by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode using devices of a triode or transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only with automatic control of output voltage or current, e.g. switching regulators
• H02M 3/157 - Conversion of DC power input into DC power output without intermediate conversion into AC by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode using devices of a triode or transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only with automatic control of output voltage or current, e.g. switching regulators with digital control
• H02M 3/158 - Conversion of DC power input into DC power output without intermediate conversion into AC by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode using devices of a triode or transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only with automatic control of output voltage or current, e.g. switching regulators including plural semiconductor devices as final control devices for a single load
• H02M 7/5388 - 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 using devices of a triode or transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only, e.g. single switched pulse inverters in a bridge configuration with asymmetrical configuration of switches