초록 ▼

A support may receive one or more power electronic circuits. The support may aid in removing heat from the circuits through fluid circulating through the support. The support, in conjunction with other packaging features may form a shield from both external EMI/RFI and from interference generated by

A support may receive one or more power electronic circuits. The support may aid in removing heat from the circuits through fluid circulating through the support. The support, in conjunction with other packaging features may form a shield from both external EMI/RFI and from interference generated by operation of the power electronic circuits. Features may be provided to permit and enhance connection of the circuitry to external circuitry, such as improved terminal configurations. Modular units may be assembled that may be coupled to electronic circuitry via plug-in arrangements or through interface with a backplane or similar mounting and interconnecting structures.

대표청구항 ▼

1. An expandable power converter system comprising:a backplane configured to receive power converters and to transmit at least electrical power signals to or from the converters; and a plurality of modular power converters, each power converter including power electronics circuitry for converting in

1. An expandable power converter system comprising:a backplane configured to receive power converters and to transmit at least electrical power signals to or from the converters; and a plurality of modular power converters, each power converter including power electronics circuitry for converting input power to output power having desired electrical characteristics, the power converters being matable with the backplane to convey power to or from the converters and external circuitry via the backplane and to remove heat from the converters during operation. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the backplane is configured to convey input power to the converters and output power from the converters.3. The system of claim 1, wherein the converters are configured to generate output power independently on one another.4. The system of claim 1, wherein the converters are configured to generate output power having different electrical characteristics.5. The system of claim 1, wherein the converters are configured for plug-in engagement with the backplane.6. The system of claim 1, wherein the backplane includes a channel for circulating a cooling medium, and wherein at least one of the converters includes a passage in fluid communication with the channel.7. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the converters is configured to perform AC-to-AC power conversion.8. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the converters is configured to generate three-phase output power.9. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the converters includes an energy storage circuit for storing electrical energy during conversion of power to the output power.10. The system of claim 1, wherein each converter includes a thermal support and power electronics circuitry mounted on the thermal support, and wherein during operation of the power electronics circuitry thermal energy is transferred from the power electronics circuitry to the thermal support of the respective converter and therefrom to the backplane.11. An expandable power converter system comprising:a plurality of modular power converters, each power converter including power electronics circuitry for converting input power to output power having desired electrical characteristics, the power converters, at least one of the converters including power electronics circuitry mounted on a thermal support having a passage for circulation of a cooling medium; and a backplane configured to receive the power converters and to transmit at least electrical power signals to or from the converters, the backplane including a channel in fluid communication with the passage of the at least one converter for circulating the cooling medium. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the backplane is configured to convey input power to the converters and output power from the converters.13. The system of claim 11, wherein the converters are configured to generate output power independently on one another.14. The system of claim 11, wherein the converters are configured to generate output power having different electrical characteristics.15. The system of claim 11, wherein the converters are configured for plug-in engagement with the backplane.16. The system of claim 11, wherein at least one of the converters is configured to perform AC-to-AC power conversion.17. The system of claim 11, wherein at least one of the converters is configured to generate three-phase output power.18. The system of claim 11, wherein at least one of the converters includes an energy storage circuit for storing electrical energy during conversion of power to the output power.19. An expandable power converter system comprising:a backplane configured to receive power converters and to transmit at least electrical power signals to and from the converters, the backplane including a channel for circulating a cooling medium therethrough; and a plurality of modular power converters configured for plug-in mounting to the backplane, each power converter including power electronics circuitry for converting input power to output power having desired electrical characteristics, the power converters being matable with the backplane to convey power to or from the converters and external circuitry via the backplane and to remove heat from the converters during operation. 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the backplane is configured to receive at least three converters.21. The system of claim 19, wherein each of the converters has connectors extending from a single side thereof for engagement with the backplane.22. The system of claim 19, wherein at least one of the converters includes a thermal support and a passage extending through the thermal support for receiving the cooling medium from the backplane to remove heat during operation.23. The system of claim 19, wherein the backplane is configured to convey input power to the converters and output power from the converters.24. The system of claim 19, wherein the converters are configured to generate output power independently on one another.25. The system of claim 19, wherein the converters are configured to generate output power having different electrical characteristics.26. The system of claim 19, wherein at least one of the converters is configured to perform AC-to-AC power conversion.27. The system of claim 19, wherein at least one of the converters is configured to generate three-phase output power.