Patent ID: 9099938
Filing Date: 2015-08-04
Classification: H02J,H02M

Abstract:
1. A multiple dc sources bi-directional energy converter, comprising: a plurality of direct current (DC) power sources; one alternating current (AC) power source; at least two or more full bridge converters, each having a primary node and a secondary node, each full bridge converter having a positive and negative node, each full bridge converter having a voltage supporting device electrically connected in a parallel relationship between said positive node and said negative node of said full bridge converter, each full bridge converter having an inductor electrically connected between the primary node and said first leg of the full bridge converter, and a direct current (DC) power source connected between said positive and negative nodes; at least one stacked alternating current (AC) phase, each stacked alternating current (AC) phase having a plurality of said full bridge converters, said one of said full bridge converter each of said full bridge converters in each stacked alternating current (AC) phase interconnected in a series relationship with said secondary node of one of said full bridge converters connected to said primary node of another full bridge converter, said series interconnection defining a first full bridge converter and a last full bridge converter, each alternating current (AC) phase having an input node at said primary node of said first full bridge converter and an output node at said secondary node of said last full bridge converter; an alternating current (AC) power source connected across said alternating current (AC) phase; a local controller coupled to each full bridge converter, said local controller controlling the firing sequence of the switching devices in said full bridge converter to generate a sinusoidal voltage waveform when operated as a voltage source inverter in one direction or generate an approximate constant direct current (DC) output when operated as a full-wave active rectifier in the opposite direction, each local controller coupled to a communication transceiver; and a system controller communicating to each local controller communication transceiver, the system controller controlling the power flow through one or more switches or relays connected in series between primary and/or secondary conductors of each stacked inverter phase and the power grid, the system level controller generating a system control signal for configuration activation, deactivation and operating mode selection of said local controller and said system controller providing on and off control signals to said switches or relays to prevent reverse power flow from the power grid across said full bridge inverter stages when the output voltage of said stacked inverter phase is or falls below the power grid voltage.