Toshiba International Corporation

Da Jiao

Yu Liu

Mark Douglas Rayner

Richard Robert Gerhold

In accordance with disclosed embodiments, a power conversion system and method are provided. The power conversion system comprises a main power source configured to deliver drive power to a load and an add-on power module. The add-on power module comprises an isolated DC/DC converter and a low voltage source coupled in series with a high voltage source. The add-on power module is coupled to the main power source and the load and configured to output boost power to the load. The power conversion system further comprises a controller coupled to the main power source and the add-on power module, wherein the controller is configured to: determine that the load requires power from the main power source, and if so, direct boost power from the add-on power module to the load; and direct drive power from the main power source to the load when boost power falls below a predetermined threshold.

Power system with an add-on power module

In accordance with presently disclosed embodiments, a hybrid power conversion system and method are provided. The hybrid power conversion system integrates multiple power sources. An isolated DC/DC converter manages power transfer between the power sources and the DC/DC converter and the power sources are connected such that a full power rating converter is not required. One of the power sources may comprise one or more battery strings, which may be selectively coupled to a DC/AC inverter. In one embodiment, the battery strings may be connected to a lead acid battery. Based on controller instructions, the isolated DC/DC converter replaces the power flow of the lead acid battery with the battery strings. In another embodiment, one or more battery strings may be selectively connected in series with a photovoltaic (PV) panel providing power to a load. When connected to the load, each of the battery strings may provide an incremental step up in power, boosting PV panel power. The number of battery strings that connect to the load at any given time may be based on the power provided by the PV panel and the power requirements of the load.

Hybrid PV inverter with SCIB battery integration

In accordance with presently disclosed embodiments, a multi-mode energy router (MMER) is provided. The MMER includes a functional block of power electronics under processor control. In addition, the MMER includes a plurality of switches that can be controlled to route power from specific sources or loads to the input or output of the functional block. The MMER enables a single functional block of power electronics to selectively provide bi-directional power conversion between AC and DC components and between DC and DC components.

Multi-mode energy router

A system and methods for active voltage balance of capacitors connected to a DC power source and to a three-phase three-level inverter, implemented by a controller comprising a space vector diagram is disclosed.

Three-phase three-level inverter with active voltage balance

A system and methods for reducing common mode leakage current for a three-phase three-level inverter using a single modulation waveform, implemented by a controller using a space vector diagram is disclosed.

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Houston, TX, United States of America

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