Switching AC-DC Power Converter Frequency Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power supply devices for electromechanical actuators have high electrical consumption and manufacturing costs, especially when equipped with communication modules, and fail to maintain low energy efficiency in standby mode.

Innovation Solution

A power supply device with a switching AC-DC power converter and a regulating device that adjusts switching frequency based on measured electrical quantities, using a sensor and control circuit to identify predetermined intervals and associate them with optimal switching frequencies for energy efficiency, including an additional interval for predefined energy efficiency response curves.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a communication module is added to the electromechanical actuator, then wireless communication capability is improved, but electrical consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless communication capabilityVSAvoidelectrical consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply device dynamically adjusts the switching frequency of the power converter based on the electrical quantity measured at the output. The control circuit identifies which predetermined interval the measured value falls into and selects the corresponding switching frequency, enabling the system to adapt its energy consumption to actual load requirements while supporting communication modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If the switching frequency is fixed, then device complexity is reduced, but energy efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol simplicityVSAvoidenergy efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the switching frequency parameter dynamically based on measured electrical quantities. The control circuit measures an electrical quantity at the output, identifies the corresponding predetermined interval, and selects an appropriate switching frequency from multiple predefined options. This allows the system to optimize energy efficiency across different operating conditions while maintaining relatively simple control logic through predetermined intervals and frequencies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If PWM signal adaptation is used, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol adaptabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The control approach is segmented into predetermined intervals of electrical quantity values, each associated with a specific switching frequency. Instead of implementing complex continuous control algorithms, the system divides the operating range into discrete segments, making the control logic simpler and more cost-effective to manufacture while still providing adaptive PWM signal control for different operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Loss of energy

If standby mode consumption is reduced below 0.5 Watt, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestandby consumptionVSAvoidpower management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply device monitors its own output electrical quantity and automatically adjusts its switching frequency accordingly. This self-regulating mechanism enables the system to enter low-power states during standby conditions without requiring complex external power management circuits, achieving standby consumption below 0.5 Watt while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Optimizes energy efficiency by adapting switching frequency to reduce conduction and switching losses, maintaining low electrical consumption in standby mode and reducing manufacturing costs.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor, the sensor being configured to measure an electrical quantity associated with the output

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical measurement: Ohm's Law

Implementation Method 2

The control circuit is configured for: automatically determining a switching frequency as a function of the electrical quantity measured by the sensor, to switch the power switch with the determined switching frequency

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSwitching frequency modulation:

Implementation Method 3

a switching AC-DC power converter, the power converter comprising at least one power switch

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical energy conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3910780A1Electric power supply device, electromechanical actuator comprising such a power supply device and closing, concealing or sun-protection system including such an electromechanical actuator
Publication Date: 2021.11.17 SOMFY ACTIVITES SA
  • EP3910780A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3910780A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3910780A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A power supply device (200; 200') comprises: - a switching AC-DC power converter (210; 210'), including at least one power switch (214); and - an output (222) connected to the output of the power converter. The power supply device further comprises at least one control device (230), including at least: - a sensor (232) configured to measure an electrical quantity associated with the output (222); and - a control circuit (234) configured to: - automatically determine a switching frequency based on the electrical quantity measured by the sensor; and - switch said at least one power switch at the determined switching frequency.