Method for Operating a Power Converter, Power Converter and Motor Vehicle

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This invention describes a method for operating an inverter specifically designed with multiple half-bridge circuits where, uniquely, at least one switching device in the circuit utilizes two different types of semiconductor switches connected in parallel. The method selectively activates these switches in specific patterns, depending on whether the inverter transitions from an 'on' state to an 'off' state or vice versa. This approach enables finer control over the inverter’s switching behavior.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Electric vehicles for controlling motor inverters.
• Industrial motor drives requiring highly efficient and controllable inverters.
• Renewable energy systems, such as solar or wind inverter applications.
• Power conversion modules in rail transportation systems.
• Uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems requiring optimized inverter operation.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Improved efficiency and adaptability of inverter switching operations.
• Reduced power loss or heat generation due to more precise control.
• Extended lifetime of switching devices by balancing or optimizing their usage.
• Potential for higher system reliability in critical applications, such as electric vehicles.
• Flexibility to use different semiconductor technologies within a single inverter design.

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Patent Abstract

A method for operating an inverter with a plurality of half bridges, each including two switching devices that connect respective bridge center points of the half bridges to DC voltage potentials, wherein switching takes place between different inverter states, wherein at least one of the switching devices has variable switching behavior and includes a parallel connection of two semiconductor switches that are configured differently from one another, wherein, for at least two temporally successive switching operations of the at least one of the switching devices from a conducting switching state to a blocking switching state, activating the semiconductor switches using first activation patterns, and/or, for at least two temporally successive switching operations of the at least one of the switching devices from the blocking switching state to the conducting switching state, activating the semiconductor switches using second activation patterns.