Multi-Level Converter and Method of Operating Same
AssigneeCaterpillar Inc.
InventorYingying Kuai
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A multi-level converter is provided. The multi-level converter may include a plurality of direct current (DC) sources coupled in series to form a DC link, and at least one phase circuit coupled in parallel to the DC link. The phase circuit may include at least one flying capacitor, at least one output node, a first set of switching devices selectively coupling the flying capacitor to one or more of the DC sources at a first frequency, and a second set of switching devices selectively coupling the flying capacitor to the output node at a second frequency.
Claims20
A multi-level converter, comprising:
- a plurality of direct current (DC) sources coupled in series to form a DC link;
- and
- at least one phase circuit coupled in parallel to the DC link, the phase circuit including at least one flying capacitor, at least one output node, a first set of switching devices selectively coupling the flying capacitor to one or more of the DC sources at a first frequency, and a second set of switching devices selectively coupling the flying capacitor to the output node at a second frequency.
A multi-level converter system, comprising:
- a plurality of direct current (DC) sources forming a DC link;
- at least one phase circuit coupled in parallel to the DC link, the phase circuit including at least one flying capacitor, at least one output node, a first set of switching devices disposed between the flying capacitor and one or more of the DC sources, and a second set of switching devices disposed between the flying capacitor and the output node;
- and
- a controller in electrical communication with at least each of the first set of switching devices and the second set of switching devices of the phase circuit, the controller being configured to selectively enable the first set of switching devices based on a first set of gating signals at a first frequency, selectively enable the second set of switching devices based on a second set of gating signals at a second frequency, and generate a phase signal at the output node.
A method of controlling a multi-level converter having a plurality of DC sources and at least one phase circuit having a flying capacitor and an output node, the method comprising:
- generating a first set of gating signals at a first frequency based on a reference signal and a plurality of carrier signals;
- generating a second set of gating signals at a second frequency;
- selectively enabling a first set of switching devices disposed between the flying capacitor and one or more of the DC sources based on the first set of gating signals;
- selectively enabling a second set of switching devices disposed between the flying capacitor and the output node based on the second set of gating signals;
- and
- generating a phase signal at the output node.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.