Back to results
US 10,381,944 B2Granted
Modular configurable adjustable-speed drive
AssigneeToshiba International Corporation
InventorsMichael Collette, John T. Kelley, Enrique Martinez
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Presently disclosed embodiments are directed to an adjustable-speed drive comprising a transformer module and an inverter module configured for installation in either of a side-by-side or stacked configurations. The disclosed embodiments utilize a modular design for the transformer and inverter modules. Thus, the adjustable-speed drive is capable of being installed in either of a side-by-side configuration or a stacked configuration. This modular design allows for installation at a site in accordance with the space limitations of any given location.
Claims13
An adjustable-speed drive system comprising:
- a transformer module comprising:
- a first electrical cabinet, wherein the first electrical cabinet comprises:
- a first frame comprising a plurality of metal rails;
- a plurality of first electrical cabinet covers coupled to the first frame defining a first generally rectangular box having a hollow interior;
- a first electrical cabinet side opening passing through an exterior side portion of the first electrical cabinet;
- and
- a first electrical cabinet top opening passing through an exterior top portion of the first electrical cabinet;
- a heat exchanger coupled to the first electrical cabinet;
- a transformer disposed within the first electrical cabinet;
- a first wire tray disposed within the first electrical cabinet and running along a horizontal path through the first electrical cabinet;
- a second wire tray disposed within the first electrical cabinet and running along a vertical path through the first electrical cabinet;
- an inverter module comprising:
- a second electrical cabinet configured for installation in either of a first position or a second position, wherein in the first position the second electrical cabinet is disposed proximate to and alongside the first electrical cabinet and in the second position the second electrical cabinet is disposed proximate to and elevated above the first electrical cabinet, wherein in the first position a top cover is coupled to and sealingly covers the first electrical cabinet top opening and a bottom cover is coupled to and sealingly covers the second electrical cabinet bottom opening;
- wherein in the second position a first side cover is coupled to and sealingly covers the first electrical cabinet side opening and a second side cover is coupled to and sealingly covers the second electrical cabinet side opening, wherein the first electrical cabinet and the second electrical cabinet are rated for outdoor installation;
- the second electrical cabinet comprising:
- a second electrical cabinet side opening passing through an exterior side portion of the second electrical cabinet;
- and
- a second electrical cabinet bottom opening passing through an exterior bottom portion of the second electrical cabinet;
- a user interface along a front face of the second electrical cabinet, wherein in the first position the user interface is mounted along a bottom edge of the second electrical cabinet and in the second position the user interface is mounted along a top edge of the second electrical cabinet;
- a power inverter disposed within the second electrical cabinet;
- one or more heat exchangers coupled to the second electrical cabinet and a cooling assembly comprising:
- one or more fans mounted to the second electrical cabinet;
- and
- one or more air channels passing through the second electrical cabinet and coupled to the one or more fans;
- a slide mechanism coupled to the bottom of the power inverter and configured to allow the power inverter to move inward and outward of the second electrical cabinet in a direction perpendicular to a front face of the second electrical cabinet;
- and
- a lift mounted to an exterior portion of the second electrical cabinet and capable of lifting the power inverter on and off of the slide mechanism.
24 more elements
A method, comprising:
- supplying a high voltage alternating current to a transformer module comprising a transformer disposed within a first electrical cabinet, wherein a heat exchanger is coupled to the first electrical cabinet, wherein the first electrical cabinet comprises:
- a first frame comprising a plurality of metal rails;
- a plurality of first electrical cabinet covers coupled to the first frame defining a first generally rectangular box having a hollow interior;
- a first electrical cabinet side opening passing through an exterior side portion of the first electrical cabinet;
- and
- a first electrical cabinet top opening passing through an exterior top portion of the first electrical cabinet;
- converting the high voltage alternating current to a lower voltage alternating current using the transformer;
- transferring the lower voltage alternating current to an inverter module comprising a power inverter disposed within a second electrical cabinet using a plurality of wires, wherein the second electrical cabinet comprises:
- a second electrical cabinet side opening passing through an exterior side portion of the second electrical cabinet;
- and
- a second electrical cabinet bottom opening passing through an exterior bottom portion of the second electrical cabinet;
- converting the lower voltage alternating current to a direct current using the power inverter;
- and
- generating a simulated alternating current;
- wherein the transformer module and the inverter module are configured for installation in either of a first position or a second position, wherein in the first position the inverter module is disposed proximate to and alongside the transformer module and in the second position the inverter module is disposed proximate to and elevated above the transformer module, wherein in the first position a top cover is coupled to and sealingly covers the first electrical cabinet top opening and a bottom cover is coupled to and sealingly covers the second electrical cabinet bottom opening;
- wherein in the second position a first side cover is coupled to and sealingly covers the first electrical cabinet side opening and a second side cover is coupled to and sealingly covers the second electrical cabinet side opening, wherein the first electrical cabinet and the second electrical cabinet are rated for outdoor installation;
- wherein a user interface is mounted along a front face of the second electrical cabinet, wherein in the first position the user interface is mounted along a bottom edge of the second electrical cabinet and in the second position the user interface is mounted along a top edge of the second electrical cabinet;
- wherein one or more heat exchangers are coupled to the second electrical cabinet and a cooling assembly comprising:
- one or more fans mounted to the second electrical cabinet;
- and
- one or more air channels passing through the second electrical cabinet and coupled to the one or more fans;
- wherein a slide mechanism is coupled to the bottom of the power inverter and configured to allow the power inverter to move inward and outward of the second electrical cabinet in a direction perpendicular to a front face of the second electrical cabinet;
- and
- wherein a lift is mounted to an exterior portion of the second electrical cabinet and capable of lifting the power inverter on and off of the slide mechanism.
21 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.