Abstract: A system and method for pre-charging a DC link of a multi-level power converter, to reduce electrical transients or to decrease a charging current when a converter contactor/disconnect switch is closed, is described. The systems and methods of the present disclosure also provides a new and simplified system for pre-charging a DC link of a multi-level power converter by leveraging a neutral point of a multi-level power converter and a single-line connection to the grid side of the power converter. The DC link charger of the present disclosure, therefore, is capable of reducing the quantity of dedicated superfluous hardware and/or excess resistors, contactors, transformers, fuses, diodes, balancing components, rectifier modules, etc. demanded by conventional systems. Reduced quantities of electronic components and hardware can thereby decrease system costs per unit and lead to significant cost savings.

Abstract: A power conversion assembly includes a power converter having a plurality of switching devices, a power source electrically coupled to the power converter, and a direct current (DC) filter circuit bridging the power converter and the power source. The DC filter circuit includes a DC link having a positive rail, a negative rail, and a capacitor bank. The capacitor bank includes a first set of capacitors being a first type of capacitors and a second set of capacitors being a different, second type of capacitors. Each capacitor in the first set of capacitors is positioned closer to a respective switching device of the plurality of switching devices than a corresponding capacitor of the second set of capacitors to minimize impedance between each capacitor in the first set of capacitors and the respective switching device such that a majority of ripple current from the plurality of switching devices passes through the first set of capacitors.

Abstract: A method for heating an electrical bus in an electrical cabinet containing at least one current conversion device includes determining a temperature inside of the electrical cabinet. The method also includes determining a temperature outside of the electrical cabinet. Further, the method includes applying heat to the electrical bus via conduction when the temperature outside of the electrical cabinet is below a predetermined temperature threshold or a difference between the temperature inside of the electrical cabinet and the temperature outside of the electrical cabinet is less than a desired temperature difference.

Abstract: A power conversion assembly includes a power converter having a plurality of switching devices, a power source electrically coupled to the power converter, and a direct current (DC) filter circuit bridging the power converter and the power source. The DC filter circuit includes a DC link having a positive rail, a negative rail, and a capacitor bank. The capacitor bank includes a first set of capacitors being a first type of capacitors and a second set of capacitors being a different, second type of capacitors. Each capacitor in the first set of capacitors is positioned closer to a respective switching device of the plurality of switching devices than a corresponding capacitor of the second set of capacitors to minimize impedance between each capacitor in the first set of capacitors and the respective switching device such that a majority of ripple current from the plurality of switching devices passes through the first set of capacitors.

Abstract: An earthing switch circuit is provided and is connected to a direct current (DC) link including a positive terminal and a negative terminal having capacitance or energy storage capability. The earthing switch circuit includes a dynamic braking circuit having a single or plurality of dynamic braking (DB) switches, and at least one dynamic braking (DB) resistor disposed between the plurality of DB switches, and an earthing switch connected between the DB circuit and ground. The at least one DB resistor dissipates energy thermally when performing a dynamic braking operation and simultaneously decreases in-rush current for the earthing switch circuit upon closure of the earthing switch.

Abstract: A method for heating an electrical bus in an electrical cabinet containing at least one current conversion device includes determining a temperature inside of the electrical cabinet. The method also includes determining a temperature outside of the electrical cabinet. Further, the method includes applying heat to the electrical bus via conduction when the temperature outside of the electrical cabinet is below a predetermined temperature threshold or a difference between the temperature inside of the electrical cabinet and the temperature outside of the electrical cabinet is less than a desired temperature difference.

Abstract: An earthing switch circuit is provided and is connected to a direct current (DC) link including a positive terminal and a negative terminal having capacitance or energy storage capability. The earthing switch circuit includes a dynamic braking circuit having a single or plurality of dynamic braking (DB) switches, and at least one dynamic braking (DB) resistor disposed between the plurality of DB switches, and an earthing switch connected between the DB circuit and ground. The at least one DB resistor dissipates energy thermally when performing a dynamic braking operation and simultaneously decreases in-rush current for the earthing switch circuit upon closure of the earthing switch.

Abstract: There are provided methods, systems, and electronic assemblies for efficient thermal management in electronics applications. For example, there is provided an electronic assembly that includes a thermal management system that can include a heat sink having electronic components mounted thereon. The electronic components can be mounted on the heat sink in a staggered pattern along a centerline substantially perpendicular to a direction of flow of a coolant.

Abstract: There are provided methods, systems, and electronic assemblies for efficient thermal management in electronics applications. For example, there is provided an electronic assembly that includes a thermal management system that can include a heat sink having electronic components mounted thereon. The electronic components can be mounted on the heat sink in a staggered pattern along a centerline substantially perpendicular to a direction of flow of a coolant.