18583618. SAFE SHUTDOWN OF AN INVERTER simplified abstract (ZF Friedrichshafen AG)

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SAFE SHUTDOWN OF AN INVERTER

Organization Name

ZF Friedrichshafen AG

Inventor(s)

Robert Maier of Neudrossenfeld (DE)

SAFE SHUTDOWN OF AN INVERTER - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18583618 titled 'SAFE SHUTDOWN OF AN INVERTER

Simplified Explanation: The abstract describes an output stage for an inverter used to drive an electrical machine, which includes a half-bridge with a JFET current valve controlled by a driver. The output stage features a cutout circuit that opens the current valve when the driver has no supply voltage, utilizing a capacitor, diode, additional JFET, and drive to maintain proper voltage levels.

  • The output stage includes a half-bridge with a JFET current valve controlled by a driver.
  • A cutout circuit is incorporated to open the current valve when the driver lacks supply voltage.
  • The cutout circuit consists of a capacitor, diode, additional JFET, and drive to regulate voltage levels effectively.

Potential Applications: 1. Electric vehicle powertrains 2. Industrial motor control systems 3. Renewable energy systems

Problems Solved: 1. Ensures proper functioning of the inverter even when the driver has no supply voltage. 2. Prevents damage to the electrical machine due to voltage fluctuations.

Benefits: 1. Improved reliability of the inverter system. 2. Enhanced protection for the electrical machine. 3. Efficient utilization of power in various applications.

Commercial Applications: Electric vehicle manufacturers can utilize this technology to enhance the performance and reliability of their powertrains, leading to increased market competitiveness and customer satisfaction.

Questions about the Technology: 1. How does the cutout circuit prevent damage to the electrical machine? 2. What are the key advantages of using a JFET current valve in the output stage of the inverter?

Frequently Updated Research: Researchers are continually exploring ways to optimize the control and efficiency of inverters in various applications, including the use of advanced semiconductor devices like JFETs.


Original Abstract Submitted

An output stage for an inverter for driving an electrical machine includes a half-bridge containing a current valve embodied as a JFET. The current valve is configured to be controlled by a driver. The output stage comprises a cutout circuit for opening the current valve when the driver has no supply voltage, wherein the cutout circuit includes a capacitor and a diode, which are connected in series between a gate terminal and a source terminal of the current valve, an additional JFET for bypassing the diode, and a drive, which keeps a voltage between a gate terminal and a source terminal of the additional JFET small enough to close the additional JFET as long as a supply voltage of the driver is large enough.