Description:BACKGROUND
Field of Invention
[001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an inverter system and particularly to a hybrid inverter system.
Description of Related Art
[002] In the current landscape of power electronics, there has been a significant emphasis on designing multilevel inverters to achieve multiple voltage levels efficiently. These inverters are engineered with a focus on minimizing the number of switches required, thereby reducing complexity and cost while improving reliability. However, the limitation of these designs lies in their specificity to certain voltage steps, rendering them inadequate for applications requiring a broader range of voltage levels with minimal complexity in both design and switch count. Presently available inverter modules, such as conventional cascaded bridge types and multilevel types (including T type and envelope type inverters), are primarily designed to operate at fixed voltage levels. They are commonly controlled using techniques like space vector modulation and sinusoidal pulse width modulation, often employing a greater number of carrier signals to achieve the desired output.
[003] The current system faces several shortcomings that impact its effectiveness and versatility. One major limitation is the restricted flexibility in voltage output due to the limited number of switching devices available. This constraint hampers the system's ability to adapt to varying voltage requirements efficiently. Additionally, the lack of modularity in construction poses challenges in integrating new functionalities or making adjustments to accommodate diverse voltage levels. The system heavily relies on common control methods, which may not sufficiently address the need for handling a wide range of voltage levels effectively. Furthermore, the operation is typically limited to just two different voltage levels at the output, further limiting the system's versatility and applicability across various applications.
[004] There is thus a need for an improved and advanced inverter system that can overcome the limitations of existing inverter designs in a more efficient manner.
SUMMARY
[005] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a hybrid inverter system comprising: a multilevel inverter configured to operate with a specific number of switches for generating predetermined voltage levels; a level-doubling network (LDN) integrated with the multilevel inverter, wherein the level-doubling network (LDN) comprises a series combination of two switching devices across a single Direct Current (DC) voltage source; and a controller for controlling an operation of the hybrid inverter system to achieve double output voltage steps compared to the predetermined voltage levels generated by the multilevel inverter alone.
[006] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a method for manufacturing a hybrid inverter system. The method comprising: providing a multilevel inverter configured to operate with a specific number of switches for generating predetermined voltage levels; integrating a level-doubling network (LDN) with the multilevel inverter, wherein the LDN comprises a series combination of two switching devices across a single Direct Current (DC) voltage source; connecting a controller to the hybrid inverter system for controlling an operation to achieve double output voltage steps compared to the predetermined voltage levels generated by the multilevel inverter alone; assembling components of the hybrid inverter system in a modular and interconnected manner to ensure efficient functionality and integration; and testing the assembled hybrid inverter system to validate one or more of a performance, a waveform quality, a harmonic distortion reduction, a power conversion efficiency, or a combination thereof.
[007] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a number of advantages depending on their particular configuration. First, embodiments of the present application may provide a hybrid inverter system for achieving multiple voltage levels with enhanced flexibility. This hybrid configuration allows for a broader range of voltage steps while minimizing the number of switching devices required, thus reducing complexity and improving efficiency.
[008] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a hybrid inverter system that is modular in structure, facilitating easy integration into existing inverter models and enabling seamless adaptation to varying voltage requirements.
[009] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a hybrid inverter system with enhanced control capabilities by utilizing techniques such as sine pulse width modulation (PWM) to optimize output quality and minimize harmonic distortion.
[0010] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a hybrid inverter system that offers increased reliability and cost-effectiveness, thanks to its simplified design and reduced switching losses. These advantages, among others, make the hybrid inverter system described herein a compelling solution for diverse power conversion needs.
[0011] The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a hybrid inverter system, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0014] FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of a method for manufacturing the hybrid inverter system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. Optional portions of the figures may be illustrated using dashed or dotted lines, unless the context of usage indicates otherwise.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0017] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising", "comprises”, and the like (which are synonymous with "including", "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of", “consists essentially of", and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of", "consists of”, the like.
[0018] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.
[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a hybrid inverter system 100 (hereinafter referred to as the system 100), according to an embodiment of the present invention. The present invention relates to a hybrid inverter system 100 designed to enhance an efficiency and a versatility of power conversion. The system 100 may comprise a multilevel inverter 102, a level-doubling network (LDN) 104, a controller 106, a first battery 108, and a second battery 110. The system 100 may be designed to efficiently power alternating current (AC) loads connected to the hybrid inverter system 100. In an embodiment of the present invention, the AC loads may be selected from appliances, machineries, or electronic devices, to an output terminals of the multilevel inverter 102 and the LDN 104 to receive stable and regulated AC power.
[0020] In an embodiment of the present invention, the multilevel inverter 102 may be configured with a specific number of switches to generate predetermined voltage levels. In an embodiment of the present invention the multilevel inverter 102 may be a reduced switch count inverter. The multilevel inverter 102 may generating predetermined voltage levels with minimal switching components for ensuring high performance and reliability in power conversion applications. Embodiments of the present invention may vary in configuration but generally include the multilevel inverter 102 utilizing control methods such as a space vector modulation or sinusoidal pulse width modulation (PWM) techniques for precise voltage control and efficiency optimization.
[0021] In an embodiment of the present invention, the level-doubling network (LDN) 104 may be provided to enhance voltage steps by combining two switching devices across a single Direct Current (DC) voltage source. The LDN 104 may be designed to improve a waveform quality, reduce a harmonic distortion, and an increase power conversion efficiency, thereby enhancing the overall performance of the hybrid inverter system 100. In some embodiments of the present invention, the multilevel inverter 102 may enable 'N' level output voltage steps, while the LDN 104 facilitates (2N-1) level output voltage steps, expanding the range of voltage options and enhancing versatility. In an embodiment of the present invention, components of the hybrid inverter system 100 may be assembled in a modular and interconnected manner to ensure efficient functionality and integration.
[0022] In an embodiment of the present invention, the controller 106 may be responsible for controlling an operation of the system 100 to achieve double output voltage steps compared to the predetermined voltage levels generated by the multilevel inverter 102 alone. In an embodiment of the present invention, the controller 106 may be a sin-PWM (Sine Pulse Width Modulation) controller.
[0023] In an embodiment of the present invention, the system 100 may be electrically connectable to the first battery 108 and the second battery 110 to provide reliable power sources for operation. In an embodiment of the present invention, the multilevel inverter 102 may be connectable to the first battery 108. In an embodiment of the present invention, the LDN 104 may be connectable to the second battery 110.
[0024] Additionally, a method for manufacturing the hybrid inverter system 100 is disclosed, involving the provision, integration, connection, assembly, and testing of the components to validate a performance, a waveform quality, a harmonic distortion reduction, a power conversion efficiency, and so forth.
[0025] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a number of advantages depending on their particular configuration. Some embodiments of the present invention may provide the system 100 for achieving multiple voltage levels with enhanced flexibility, by implementing an integration of a reduced switch count inverter with the level-doubling network (LDN) 104. Other embodiments may offer a modular system that is easily integrated into existing inverter models and adaptable to varying voltage requirements. Yet other embodiments may focus on improved control capabilities, utilizing techniques such as sine pulse width modulation (PWM) to optimize output quality and minimize harmonic distortion. These embodiments, among others, make the hybrid inverter system described herein a compelling solution for diverse power conversion needs.
[0026] FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of a method 200 for manufacturing the hybrid inverter system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] At step 202, the system 100 may be provided with the multilevel inverter 102 configured to operate with the specific number of switches for generating the predetermined voltage levels.
[0028] At step 204, the system 100 may be integrated with a level-doubling network (LDN) 104 with the multilevel inverter 102. The LDN 104 may comprise the series combination of the two switching devices across the single Direct Current (DC) voltage source.
[0029] At step 206, the system 100 may be connected to the controller 106 for controlling an operation to achieve the double output voltage steps compared to the predetermined voltage levels generated by the multilevel inverter 102 alone.
[0030] At step 208, the system 100 may be assembled with the components in the modular and interconnected manner to ensure the efficient functionality and integration.
[0031] At step 210, the system 100 may be tested to validate the performance, the waveform quality, the harmonic distortion reduction, the power conversion efficiency, or the combination thereof.
[0032] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.
[0033] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined in the claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements within substantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. , Claims:CLAIMS
I/We Claim:
1. A hybrid inverter system (100), characterized in that the hybrid inverter system (100) comprising:
a multilevel inverter (102) configured to operate with a specific number of switches for generating predetermined voltage levels;
a level-doubling network (LDN) (104) integrated with the multilevel inverter (102), wherein the level-doubling network (LDN) (104) comprises a series combination of two switching devices across a single Direct Current (DC) voltage source; and
a controller (106) for controlling an operation of the hybrid inverter system (100) to achieve double output voltage steps compared to the predetermined voltage levels generated by the multilevel inverter (102) alone.
2. The hybrid inverter system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the multilevel inverter (102) utilizes control methods selected from a space vector modulation or a sinusoidal pulse width modulation (PWM) technique.
3. The hybrid inverter system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the level-doubling network (LDN) (104) is configured to improve a waveform quality, a reduce harmonic distortion, and increase power conversion efficiency.
4. The hybrid inverter system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the multilevel inverter (102) is electrically connectable to a first battery (108).
5. The hybrid inverter system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the level-doubling network (LDN) (104) is electrically connectable to a second battery (110).
6. The hybrid inverter system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the multilevel inverter (102) enables 'N' level output voltage steps.
7. The hybrid inverter system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the LDN network facilitates (2N-1) level output voltage steps.
8. The hybrid inverter system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the multilevel inverter (102) is a reduced switch count inverter.
9. The hybrid inverter system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the multilevel inverter 102, and the level-doubling network (LDN) (104) are assembled in a modular and interconnected manner.
10. A method (200) for manufacturing a hybrid inverter system (100), the method (200) comprising:
providing a multilevel inverter (102) configured to operate with a specific number of switches for generating predetermined voltage levels;
integrating a level-doubling network (LDN) (104) with the multilevel inverter (102), wherein the LDN comprises a series combination of two switching devices across a single Direct Current (DC) voltage source;
connecting a controller to the hybrid inverter system for controlling an operation to achieve double output voltage steps compared to the predetermined voltage levels generated by the multilevel inverter (102) alone;
assembling components of the hybrid inverter system (100) in a modular and interconnected manner; and
testing the assembled hybrid inverter system (100) to validate one or more of a performance, a waveform quality, a harmonic distortion reduction, a power conversion efficiency, or a combination thereof.
Date: April 9, 2024
Place: Noida

Dr. Keerti Gupta
Agent for the Applicant
(IN/PA-1529)