Abstract: An exemplary method for operating a converter to supply electrical power to a load includes controlling the converter for a provided overload time so that overload power is applied to the load, and controlling the converter for a provided resting time, so that resting power is applied to the load. The overload power is higher than a nominal power which corresponds to a steady-state operation limit of the converter, wherein the resting power is lower than the nominal power.

Abstract: The system has a driving circuit for the motor of the electric fan, coupled to the electrical system of a motor vehicle and having a plurality of controlled electronic switches, and an electronic control unit arranged to control the driving circuit in such a way as to cause the flow in the motor of a variable average current capable of producing a required speed of rotation, in accordance with a predetermined relationship or function. The control unit is designed to store a predetermined threshold of rotation speed, and to control the motor through the associated driving circuit in such a way that when the rotational speed of the motor exceeds the threshold the driving circuit causes electrical braking of the motor.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are presented for detecting phase loss and/or excessive ripple in a power converter, in which bandpass filters are used to obtain harmonic voltage amplitudes associated with the power converter DC bus, and phase loss is detected if a ratio of the second harmonic to the sixth harmonic and/or a ratio of the fourth harmonic to the sixth harmonic exceed predetermined threshold values.

Abstract: An active damper and a power supply according to exemplary embodiments include: a damper resistor coupled to an input voltage; a damper switch coupled in parallel with the damper resistor; and a capacitor to which a reset current generated by a leading edge of the input voltage flows. The damper switch is turned off by the reset current.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an output overvoltage protection method for a switching power supply, can include: (i) charging a first capacitor by a first current during a first time interval of a switching period of the switching power supply; (ii) charging a second capacitor by a second current during a second time interval of the switching period of the switching power supply; and (iii) generating an overvoltage protection signal by comparing a first voltage across the first capacitor against a second voltage across the second capacitor at the end of the second time interval, where the overvoltage protection signal is active when the first voltage is at least as high as the second voltage.

Abstract: A cascaded multi-level inverter is controlled in fault bypass operation. Rather than relying on approximations or feedback forms, the reference voltages are generated as an analytic solution. The analytic solution and its implementation are not affected by the output frequency of the inverter and it is able to provide maximum possible balanced line-line voltage to a three-phase motor. In addition, the analytic solution provides exact limits for the allowable operation region of the motor power factor in order to prevent overvoltage conditions of the cell inverter.

Abstract: A power conversion device according to embodiments includes a plurality of switch groups, a plurality of inductors, and a snubber circuit. The switch groups are respectively provided for input phases and each of the switch groups has a plurality of one-way switches that connects the corresponding input phase and output phases. The plurality of inductors are respectively connected between the input phases and the switch groups, and are coupled to one another so that current flowing through the one-way switch of one switch group moves to and continues to flow through the turned-on one-way switch of the other switch group when the one-way switch of the one switch group is turned off. The snubber circuit clamps a voltage based on the maximum voltage occurring on the plurality of inductors to a predetermined value.

Abstract: A converter receives input of an AC voltage, converts the AC voltage into a DC voltage, and applies the DC voltage between a first power line on a positive electrode side and a second power line on a negative electrode side. A snubber circuit has a capacitor provided between the first and the second power lines, and a diode connected in series with the capacitor between the first and the second power lines, and including an anode on a side close to the first power line on the positive electrode side in a series path with the capacitor. An inverter converts the DC voltage into an AC voltage, and applies the AC voltage to an inductive load. An inverter-side current detection unit detects a current that flows through the first power line on the positive electrode side or the second power line on the negative electrode side between the inverter and the snubber circuit.

Abstract: The constant switching frequency discontinuous current mode average output current control scheme is composed of a reference block, reference calculation block, state detecting block, error detector block, zero state detector, power driver block and internal clock.

Abstract: A circuit includes a switching module, a control module, and a driving module. The driving module is electrically coupled between the control module and the switching module for generating a driving signal. The driving module includes a normal driving unit and a fault protection unit. The normal driving unit is for turning on and off the switching module according to a first command signal from the control module. The fault protection unit is for lowering the driving signal from a driving value to a protection value according to a second command signal from the control module during a fault protection period after the control module receives a fault signal.

Abstract: A multilevel power conversion circuit using a flying capacitor(s) can include two bidirectional switches connected in series between a middle potential terminal of DC power supplies and a conversion circuit using semiconductor switches. Gate driving circuits for the bidirectional switches are provided with a short-circuit fault detecting circuit for detecting short-circuit of the semiconductor switching device composing the bidirectional switch circuit in an OFF signal period. Upon detection of a short-circuit fault, all semiconductor switching devices are interrupted to stop the whole system.

Abstract: There is provided a power supply device having a primary side on which a primary winding of a transformer is located and a secondary side on which a secondary winding of the transformer is located, and supplying power to a load, the device including: a photo coupler transmitting load short-circuit information from the secondary side to the primary side, a standby power supply terminal supplying power to the photo coupler; and a current passing unit connecting the photo coupler to the load.

Abstract: It is presented a converter cell comprising: a first terminal and a second terminal; an energy storage device connected on a first end to the second terminal; a first switch connected on a first end to the first terminal; a second switch arranged between the two terminals; and a third switch connected between a second end of the first switch and a second end of the energy storage device. A corresponding converter arm and method are also presented.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide a method and an adaptive RCD snubber circuit for a switching converter having a series-connection of a main inductor and a main switching device. A voltage stress of the main switching device is sensed, and the sensed voltage stress is controlled to a reference level by controlling a snubber capacitor voltage, wherein the snubber capacitor voltage is controlled by adjusting the snubber resistance of the RCD snubber.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for protecting a power conversion system. A system controller includes a two-level protection component and a driving component. The two-level protection component is configured to detect an output power of a power conversion system and generate a protection signal based on at least information associated with the output power. The driving component is configured to generate a drive signal based on at least information associated with the protection signal and output the drive signal to a switch associated with a primary current flowing through a primary winding of the power conversion system. The driving component is further configured to generate the drive signal corresponding to a first switching frequency to generate the output power equal to a first power threshold and generate the drive signal corresponding to a second switching frequency to generate the output power equal to a second power threshold.

Abstract: A method for operating a converter circuit is provided. The converter circuit includes a converter unit and a transformer. The transformer includes at least one winding set with a primary winding and a secondary winding. The converter unit is connected, on the AC voltage side, to the primary winding of the respective winding set. In order to compensate for undesirable saturation of the transformer, the converter unit is used to deliberately apply a DC voltage to the primary winding of the respective winding set of the transformer.

Abstract: A matrix converter according to an embodiment includes a control unit generates a highest phase-to-phase voltage among load side phase-to-phase voltages by controlling bidirectional switches that connect phases with respect to the highest phase-to-phase voltage and phases with respect to a highest phase-to-phase voltage among AC-source side phase-to-phase voltages. Moreover, the control unit generates a middle phase-to-phase voltage among the load side phase-to-phase voltages by controlling bidirectional switches that connect phases with respect to the middle phase-to-phase voltage and phases with respect to a middle phase-to-phase voltage among the AC-source side phase-to-phase voltages.

Abstract: A PCU drives a motor generator using electric power from a power storage device. The PCU includes a power conversion device, a capacitor and a control unit. When detecting a crash, the control unit drives the power conversion device and discharges charges remaining in the capacitor. Each of a plurality of reverse conducting-type semiconductor elements included in the power conversion device is integrally formed of a first semiconductor element operating as a switching element and a second semiconductor element operating as a free wheeling diode. In response to detection of the crash of a vehicle, the control unit changes a voltage applied to a gate terminal of the first semiconductor element and increases an electric power loss during a current-circulating operation by the second semiconductor element. As a result, the remaining charges stored in the capacitor in the drive apparatus is discharged as soon as possible.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of operating a controller usable for operating a wind turbine is provided. The wind turbine includes a voltage converter being connectable to a power grid via a filter arrangement. The method includes determining a line voltage and adding the determined line voltage to the output of the voltage converter with a time delay. The time delay is adjusted such that resonant effects occurring at the filter arrangement are decreased.

Abstract: In the field of voltage source converters which provide high voltage direct current (HVDC) power transmission and reactive power compensation there is a need for an improved power electronic module which exhibits high efficiency, provides a safe failure mode, and is tolerant of faults. A power electronic module (30; 70), for use in a chain-link converter of a voltage source converter providing high voltage direct current power transmission and reactive power compensation, comprises a first set (32) of series-connected switching elements connected in parallel with an energy storage device (34). The first set (32) of series-connected switching elements includes a first latching switching element (38) and a first non-latching switching element (40).

Abstract: A converter valve unit including a plurality of parallel connected controllable semiconducting elements. A free-wheeling diode is connected in anti-parallel with each semiconducting element. A control unit is configured to control each semiconducting element. A current sensor is connected to each of the parallel connected semiconducting elements. The current sensor is configured to sense a current of each semiconducting element by measuring a voltage over the current sensor. A differentiator is configured to compare the currents of the semiconducting elements by comparing the voltages. Upon detecting an unbalance in the currents the differentiator sends a turn-on signal to all control units to control all the semiconducting elements of the valve unit into a conducting stage.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a circuit arrangement for suppressing an arc occurring during a switching process, wherein a current bypass path comprises a PTC resistor connected in series with a fuse. The current bypass path is provided in parallel with a switch. The disclosure also relates to a photovoltaic power plant with a photovoltaic generator which is connected to an inverter via DC lines. In this arrangement, such a circuit arrangement is arranged in at least one of the DC lines.

Abstract: A method in a voltage source chain-link converter. The method includes: detecting a failure of a device of one converter cell module; blocking a phase-leg including the failed position; discharging to zero a capacitor unit of the converter cell module including the failed position; and providing a current path for the phase current through the converter cell module with the failed position, the current path including a first branch, in turn including corresponding positions of the first phase-leg and the second phase-leg in the full H-bridge arrangement, the first branch being connected in parallel to a second branch including the failed position, the second branch including the remaining two positions of the full H-bridge arrangement. The invention also encompasses corresponding computer program and computer program products.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to a method for controlling a switching branch of a three-level converter to enter a stop state. The switching branch including a first semiconductor switch and a second semiconductor switch, a first diode and a second diode, a third semiconductor switch and a fourth semiconductor switch, a third diode, and a fourth diode, a fifth semiconductor switch and a sixth semiconductor switch, a fifth diode, and a sixth diode, and a manner of controlling the semiconductor switches. When the switching branch is set to enter a stop state, current flowing in a main circuit of the switching branch is transferred in a controlled manner to diodes that conduct the current, when all the semiconductor switches of the main circuit of the converter are turned OFF.

Abstract: A fault tolerant power supply system includes at least one load switch configured to connect an input voltage to an output node of the load switch when the load switch is turned on and at least one power channel coupled to the load switch to receive the input voltage. The power channel is configured as a buck converter and includes at least a high-side power switch and a low-side power switch. The fault tolerant power supply system is configured to measure a current flowing through the low-side power switch, to determine that the current flowing through the low-side power switch has exceeded a current limit threshold, and to disable the low-side power switch and the load switch in response to the determination that the current flowing in the low-side power switch has exceeded the current limit threshold.

Abstract: A power converter controller includes an input sense circuit to receive an input sense signal representative of an input of a power converter. A zero-crossing detector is coupled to the input sense circuit to be responsive to the input sense signal falling below a first zero-crossing threshold and rising above a second zero-crossing threshold to determine zero-crossing intervals. A timer circuit is coupled to the zero-crossing detector to determine peak intervals and to synchronize an enable signal generated to enable the input sense circuit to sense the input of the power converter during the peak intervals of the input of the power converter. A comparator circuit is coupled to the input sense circuit and the timer circuit to detect if the input of the power converter is greater or less than one or more thresholds during the peak intervals of the input of the power converter.

Abstract: This current converter is formed to short-circuit input-side terminals of a plurality of power conversion portions, to parallelly connect output-side terminals of the plurality of power conversion portions with each other and to couple inductors provided on the plurality of power conversion portions respectively with each other, to be capable of performing an operation of moving currents between windings of the coupled inductors on the basis of ON-/OFF-states of pluralities of one-way switches.

Abstract: The resonant converting circuit comprises a resonant circuit, a current detecting circuit and the resonant controller. The resonant controller controls a power conversion of the resonant circuit for converting an input voltage into an output voltage and the resonant controller comprises an over current judgment unit and an over current protection unit. The over current judgment unit determines whether the resonant current is higher than an over current value according to a current detecting signal generated by the current detecting circuit. The over current protection unit generates a protection signal in response to a determined result of the over current judgment unit and an indication signal indicative of an operating state of the resonant controller. The resonant controller executes a corresponding protecting process in response to the protection signal.

Abstract: An input circuit connected to a semiconductor circuit is configured to receive a voltage indicating an on/off operation state of a power supply and to output a voltage that is lower than a breakdown voltage of the semiconductor circuit. The input circuit includes a first nMOS transistor and a resistor element. The first nMOS transistor has a drain receiving an outside voltage, a gate receiving a bias voltage higher than a power supply voltage inputted to a semiconductor circuit, and a source connected to the semiconductor circuit. The first nMOS transistor has a breakdown voltage higher than the power supply voltage inputted to the semiconductor circuit. One end of the resistor element connects with the source of the first nMOS transistor, while the other end connects with a reference potential of the semiconductor circuit.

Abstract: A starter of the grid-connected inverter and a control method thereof are disclosed. The starter comprises a controller, and a first switch and a first resistor connected in parallel. The controller includes an input end, and first and second output ends. The input end inspects the DC voltage signal from the inverter. When the DC voltage exceeds a predetermined voltage threshold, the first output end sends a first control signal to turn on the first switch, and the second output end sends a second control signal to make the grid-connected inverter enter into a chopping mode. There is a delay period between the send time of the first control signal and that of the second control signal.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a power generation system is provided comprising a power generator; a plurality of converter modules, each converter module having a DC link, wherein the DC link of each converter module is connected to the DC links of the other converter modules of the plurality of converter modules via a fuse associated with the converter module; and a controller configured to, if it is detected that there is a fault in one of the converter modules, disconnect the converter module in which there is a fault from the power generator and connect two or more other converters module of the plurality of converter modules to the power generator and to control the power generation system to supply power to the DC links of the two or more other converter modules such that power is supplied to the converter module in which there is a fault via the fuse associated with the converter module such that the fuse associated with the converter module melts.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for generating an overvoltage signal from a bias winding signal of a power converter transformer are disclosed. In one example, an overvoltage protection circuit may include a current augmentation circuit and a detection circuit. The current augmentation circuit may be coupled to receive the bias winding signal, which may be representative of the power converter output. The current augmentation circuit may include a threshold circuit and a filter circuit that may generate a filtered level shifted signal from the bias winding signal. The current augmentation circuit may generate an augmented signal from the filtered level shifted signal. The detection circuit may be coupled to receive the augmented signal and to generate an overvoltage signal by comparing the augmented signal with a reference voltage. When high asserted, the overvoltage signal may indicate a potential overvoltage condition at the output of the power converter.

Abstract: A power supply circuit preventing any overvoltage to an electronic element includes a voltage conversion unit and a voltage clamping unit. The voltage conversion unit converts voltage of a power supply into an operation voltage of the electronic element, and outputs the converted voltage through an output terminal of the voltage conversion unit. When the voltage output from the output terminal of the voltage conversion unit is more than the operation voltage of the electronic element, the voltage clamping unit effectively clamps the voltage output from the output terminal of the voltage conversion unit down to the operation voltage of the electronic element.

Abstract: An over-current detecting apparatus for a switching element includes a reference power source, a comparator circuit, a current converting element, a first resistor, and a second resistor. The comparator circuit includes a first input terminal that receives a voltage corresponding to a current flowing in the switching element and a second input terminal that receives a reference voltage supplied from the reference power source. The current converting element converts a voltage of a temperature detecting element (4) that detects a temperature of the switching element into a current corresponding to the voltage of the temperature detecting element. The first resistor is connected in series to a reference power supply side of the second input terminal of the comparator circuit. The second resistor is connected in series to a ground side of the second input terminal of the comparator circuit.

Abstract: A converter valve unit including a plurality of parallel connected semiconducting elements, a free-wheeling diode and a control unit.

Abstract: Embodiments for a battery charger include a single conversion switched mode power supply having a bias winding on the primary side of the power transformer. The bias winding produces an output that is proportional to the voltage produced on the secondary winding, and is sensed by a programmable voltage sensing circuit. The programmable voltage sensing circuit is programmed by a voltage select signal from the secondary side of the charger to produce an sense signal that is proportional to the output of the bias winding by a selected factor corresponding to a battery type of a battery being charged.

Abstract: A clamp snubber circuit for reducing a value of a peak voltage on a power switch of a power converter includes: a clamp switch; a clamp capacitor having a first terminal electrically coupled to the power switch via the clamp switch, and a second terminal electrically coupled to a ground; and at least one resistance adjustment circuit, each of which includes: a switch element having a first terminal electrically coupled to the first terminal of the clamp capacitor, a second terminal electrically coupled to the ground, and a control terminal; and a control circuit configured to receive a detection parameter of the power converter and compare the detection parameter with a preset parameter and output a control signal to the control terminal of the switch element to adjust a resistance value of the resistance adjustment circuit. Peak voltages applied on power switches may be clamped and absorbed more effectively.

Abstract: An overload protection saving circuit provided by the present invention has an input power circuit, an output power circuit, a control circuit, an overload timing circuit, and a saving circuit. The output power circuit couples to the input power circuit. The control circuit receives a feedback signal of the output power circuit in order to control the input power circuit. The overload timing circuit receives the feedback signal of the output power circuit in order to transmit an overload signal to the control circuit while the time of an overload is over a predetermining time. The saving circuit receives the feedback signal of the output power circuit in order to transmit a saving signal to the overload timing circuit while in a lightload or a noload, so that the overload timing circuit is disabled.

Abstract: A power supply apparatus includes an inductor to store and discharge energy and a circuit to charge the inductor using a plurality of charging pulses. The circuit skips a charging pulse of the plurality of charging pulses to reduce overcurrent associated with the inductor.

Abstract: A power supply device includes: a first switching element and a flywheel semiconductor element which are connected in series to a first DC power source in this order; and a reactor and a second DC power source which are connected in series in this order to a node between the first switching element and the flywheel semiconductor element. A second switching element and a charge circuit for charging a line between the first switching element and the second switching element are interposed between the reactor and the second DC power source. Abnormality of each element is determined from a voltage of each portion of the power supply device measured when the first and second switching elements and the flywheel semiconductor element are driven and controlled.

Abstract: A load driving device according to the present invention has: an internal circuit (DRV) that operates in response to the supply of a power supply voltage (HV or LV); an output circuit (PD1 and PD2) for driving a load in response to the supply of the power supply voltage (HV or LV); an abnormality detection circuit (12) for monitoring the power supply voltage (HV or LV) and generating an abnormality detection signal (S1); and a power supply switch (P0) for, according to the abnormality detection signal (S1), conducting or cutting off a power-supply-voltage supply line to the internal circuit (DRV).

Abstract: A circuit for detecting fault conditions in a supply circuit includes a monitoring circuit and a comparator circuit. The monitoring circuit is operable to output a detection signal related to a control signal for the switched mode power supply. The control signal may be configured to operate at least one switch of the supply circuit between alternating activated and deactivated states to supply power to a load. The comparator circuit is operable to compare the detection signal to a range defined by first and second thresholds and output a fault signal according to a relationship of the detection signal to the range over a time period. Related methods of operation are also discussed.

Abstract: A voltage converter includes: an input terminal receiving an input voltage; an output terminal providing an output voltage; a switching circuit having a main switch configured to regulate the output voltage, wherein a control end of the main switch is configured to receive a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) signal, and the output voltage is controlled according to the duty cycle of the PWM signal; and a protection switch coupled between the input terminal and the switching circuit, and wherein when the output voltage is higher than a reference voltage, the protection switch is turned OFF.

Abstract: Systems and methods in accordance with this invention provide a power converter including an input signal terminal, a first output signal at a first output signal terminal, and a controller. The controller is adapted to switch the first output signal from a first value to a second value, measure a voltage at the input signal terminal as a function of time, set a flag to a first flag value if the measured voltage falls below a predetermined value within a first predetermined time interval after the first output signal has been switched from the first value to the second value, otherwise set the flag to a second flag value, and save the flag in a memory. Numerous other aspects are also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for performing diagnostics in a medium voltage drive. The system includes a power cell and a bypass mechanism. The bypass mechanism is operably connected to output terminals of the power cell and configured to create a shunt path between the output terminals. The bypass mechanism includes a communication interface configured to transmit a bypass signal to a communication interface associated with the power cell in response to a state change. The method of performing diagnostics includes a controller transmitting an input voltage to a bypass mechanism of the power supply, thereby causing a state change of the bypass mechanism. The controller receives a signal from the power cell, wherein the signal indicates the power cell has detected the state change of the bypass mechanism. The controller then determines if the power cell is correctly associated with the bypass mechanism.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a DC power supply unit includes a DC power supply source; a load circuit connected to an output end of the DC power supply source; a load state detection device to detect a load voltage or an electric quantity corresponding to the load voltage; and a control device to receive the detected output of the load state detection device. The control device controls a maximum output voltage of the DC power supply source so that the voltage difference between the maximum output voltage of the DC power supply source and the load voltage at the time of normal operation falls within a predetermined range in which arc discharge is suppressed.

Abstract: A voltage source converter having a plurality of cell modules connected in series, each cell module including a converter unit having an ac-side and a dc-side, and the voltage source converter includes a control unit adapted to control the converter units, where at least one of the cell modules includes a second redundant converter unit having an ac-side which is connected in parallel with the ac-side of the first converter unit and the control unit is configured to substantially synchronously control the first and the second converter units.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention include a power conversion device control device, including multiple drive circuits having an alarm signal formation circuit that sets a pulse signal having as one cycle a period. The one cycle period includes a determination period, of which a different period is set for each of plural protection circuits that detect information for carrying out a protection operation of semiconductor elements configuring a power conversion device, and a constant period, in which a condition varies with respect to the determination period, takes a protection circuit for which it is first detected that a protection operation is necessary to be a first-come first-served protection circuit, and outputs the pulse signal corresponding to the first-come first-served protection circuit as an alarm signal, wherein the alarm signal formation circuit is such that a resetting condition of the alarm signal is a condition that a protection operation stopped condition.

Abstract: There is provided a voltage converter capable of reliably preventing malfunctions of an electronic circuit to stably maintain an accurate operation by suppressing high-frequency noise generated on an input side. A DC-DC converter 1 as a voltage converter includes an active component embedded substrate 2 having an IC chip 7 and an input-side capacitor Cin and an output-side capacitor Cout mounted thereon, and ground layers 33G-1 and 33G-2 and a ground layer 32G are formed therein so as to interpose the IC chip 7 therebetween. The input-side capacitor Cin is connected to the ground layer 33G-1, and the output-side capacitor Cout is connected to the ground layer 33G-2. Moreover, the ground layer 32G is connected to the terminals of the IC chip 7, and the input-side capacitor Cin and the output-side capacitor Cout are connected to each other by the ground layers 33G-1 and 33G-2.

Abstract: A high side isolated gate drive controller circuit is presented with an on-time limiting circuit to prevent isolation transformer saturation as well as a universal power up circuit adaptable to power the driver with constant voltage for different input voltage levels.