Modular multi-level converter pre-chargers
US10886858B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 15, 2019 |
| Grant date | Jan 5, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 15, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02M7/537
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Circuits and methods for power conversion. In some examples, a modular multi-level converter (MMC) is configured for power conversion between an alternating current (AC) bus and a direct current (DC) bus. The MMC includes submodules arranged into a phase leg for at least one phase of the AC bus. Each submodule includes an energy storage component and a switch configured for bypassing the energy storage component or connecting the energy storage component into the phase leg. The MMC includes a pre-charger circuit configured to pre-charge the energy storage components of the submodules. The pre-charger circuit is configured for providing a first DC voltage that is lower than a second DC voltage on the DC bus, and the pre-charger circuit is coupled to an end submodule of the phase leg.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.