Fault tolerant drive module via electromechanical alteration of circuit topology

Abstract

The current technology applied in power electronic converter designs is based on stationary placement of power switches. Most fault tolerant realizations require additional switches (redundancy approach). The motivation behind this paper is to engineer a solution which can allow for a dynamic circuit topology, thereby elevate the size, cost, and complexity issues associated with current technology. The dynamic relocation is attained through piezoelectric actuation. Along with introduction to such dynamic circuit topology, this paper also discusses the process of modeling, and practical aspects and limitations under different load conditions. The presented concept will generate new opportunities in effective thermal management and reduced part converter topologies which can in turn introduce substantial saving in developmental cost and the required footprint.