AC-DC Switching Power Converter Adaptive Frequency Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

AC-DC switching power converters face inefficiencies due to constant switching frequencies, which do not adapt to changes in load conditions, leading to suboptimal performance during varying load levels.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method to monitor output power and adjust the switching frequency of the drive signal from a first frequency to a second frequency when the output power decreases below a threshold level, ensuring optimal efficiency by changing the frequency based on operating conditions, such as load changes and minimum time periods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a constant switching frequency is used in AC-DC switching power converters, then the control is simple and reliable, but the efficiency deteriorates under varying load conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol stabilityVSAvoidconverter efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a fixed switching frequency to a variable switching frequency that adapts to load conditions. The controller dynamically adjusts the switching frequency based on detected load changes, allowing the system to optimize efficiency under varying operating conditions while maintaining control stability through structured frequency adjustment protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the switching frequency parameter in response to load variations. The controller detects changes in load current or power and相应地 adjusts the switching frequency parameter, enabling the converter to maintain optimal efficiency across different load levels while preserving control reliability through defined adjustment criteria.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the switching frequency is increased to improve response to load changes, then the adaptability improves, but the capacitive and core losses increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload response capabilityVSAvoidcapacitive and core losses
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts switching frequency based on actual load conditions rather than operating at a fixed high frequency. This dynamic adaptation allows the converter to respond to load changes effectively while avoiding unnecessary high-frequency operation that would increase capacitive and core losses during light load conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The switching frequency parameter is changed adaptively based on load detection. The controller monitors load conditions and adjusts the frequency parameter accordingly, increasing it only when necessary to respond to load changes and maintaining lower frequencies during steady-state or light load conditions to minimize capacitive and core losses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of energy

If the switching frequency is decreased to reduce losses, then the energy efficiency improves, but the response time to load changes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching lossesVSAvoidresponse time
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The switching frequency is dynamically adjusted based on real-time load detection. During steady-state operation with stable load, the frequency is decreased to reduce switching losses and improve energy efficiency. When load changes are detected, the frequency is increased to improve response time, thus dynamically balancing efficiency and responsiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The switching frequency parameter is changed conditionally based on load stability. The controller monitors load conditions and adjusts the frequency parameter: maintaining lower frequencies during stable operation to minimize losses, and increasing frequency when load changes are detected to ensure rapid response, thereby optimizing the trade-off between efficiency and response time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Loss of energy

If frequent switching frequency changes are implemented to optimize efficiency, then the energy efficiency improves, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconverter efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol circuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs feedback by continuously monitoring load conditions and using this information to adjust switching frequency. The controller detects load changes and provides feedback control to modify the frequency, enabling efficiency optimization through a closed-loop control mechanism that manages complexity through structured feedback processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The switching frequency parameter is changed based on detected operating conditions. The controller implements parameter changes only when necessary, using defined criteria for frequency adjustment. This approach optimizes efficiency through selective parameter modification while managing system complexity by avoiding unnecessary frequent changes and using structured decision logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8305051B2AC-DC switching power converters with frequency variation in response to load changes
Publication Date: 2012.11.06 AES GLOBAL HLDG PTE LTD
  • US8305051B2 patent drawing
  • US8305051B2 patent drawing
  • US8305051B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of operating a switching power converter having at least one power switch controlled by a drive signal having a switching frequency is disclosed. The method includes monitoring an output power of the switching power converter, determining whether the output power has decreased below a threshold level and, in response to the output power decreasing below the threshold level, changing the switching frequency of the drive signal from a first switching frequency to a second switching frequency when an operating condition of the switching power converter is satisfied. Also disclosed are controllers and switching power converters (including PFC converters).