ELECTRIC-POWER CONVERSION APPARATUS

Organization Name

Inventor(s)

ELECTRIC-POWER CONVERSION APPARATUS - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240235427 titled 'ELECTRIC-POWER CONVERSION APPARATUS

The patent application describes an electric-power conversion apparatus that includes various control mechanisms to ensure the proper functioning of semiconductor switching devices.

Driving circuit performs switching control of semiconductor switching devices
Short-circuit control means manages short-circuit control of the electric-power conversion circuit
Excessive-current detection means identifies abnormalities caused by excessive current in the semiconductor switching device
Gate-drive-abnormality detection means detects abnormalities in the gate voltage of the semiconductor switching device
Short-circuit control means activates all semiconductor switching devices in either the upper arm or lower arm to perform short-circuit control

Potential Applications: - Power electronics - Renewable energy systems - Electric vehicles - Industrial automation

Problems Solved: - Preventing damage to semiconductor switching devices - Ensuring safe and efficient operation of electric-power conversion circuits

Benefits: - Enhanced safety - Improved reliability - Increased efficiency in power conversion

Commercial Applications: Title: "Advanced Electric-Power Conversion Technology for Enhanced Efficiency" This technology can be utilized in various industries such as renewable energy, electric vehicles, and industrial automation to improve power conversion efficiency and ensure reliable operation.

Prior Art: Researchers can explore prior patents related to electric-power conversion systems, semiconductor switching devices, and short-circuit control mechanisms to understand the existing technology landscape.

Frequently Updated Research: Researchers can stay updated on advancements in power electronics, semiconductor technology, and control systems to enhance the performance of electric-power conversion apparatus.

Questions about Electric-Power Conversion Technology: 1. How does the excessive-current detection means contribute to the overall safety of the electric-power conversion apparatus?

  - The excessive-current detection means plays a crucial role in identifying abnormal currents that could potentially damage the semiconductor switching devices, ensuring the safe operation of the system.

2. What are the key differences between the gate-drive-abnormality detection means and traditional gate drive circuits?

  - The gate-drive-abnormality detection means focuses on detecting abnormalities in the gate voltage of the semiconductor switching devices, providing an additional layer of protection against potential malfunctions.

Original Abstract Submitted

an electric-power conversion apparatus includes a driving circuit that performs switching control of semiconductor switching devices, a short-circuit control means that performs short-circuit control of an electric-power conversion circuit, an excessive-current detection means that detects whether or not an abnormality caused by an excessive current exists in the semiconductor switching device, and a gate-drive-abnormality detection means that detects whether or not an abnormality exists in a gate voltage of the semiconductor switching device; based on a result of the abnormality detection by the excessive-current detection means and a result of the abnormality detection by the gate-drive-abnormality detection means, the short-circuit control means turns on all the semiconductor switching devices in any one of the upper arm and the lower arm so as to perform the short-circuit control.