Active Control Device for DC/DC Converter Electromagnetic Disturbances

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electrical circuits in vehicles experience electromagnetic disturbances, such as overvoltages, due to DC/DC switching converters, which can harm components and are mitigated by bulky and expensive passive filters.

Innovation Solution

An active control device with an interruption module and control means that adjusts the states of main switches and auxiliary switches based on voltage measurements and operating instructions to reduce electromagnetic disturbances, replacing bulky passive filters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a passive filter is used to reduce electromagnetic disturbances, then electromagnetic disturbances are reduced, but the device becomes bulky, heavy and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic disturbancesVSAvoidweight of filter
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the passive mechanical filter system with an active control system using interruption means (switches) and control means. Instead of using bulky passive filter components, the system actively interrupts and controls current flow to reduce electromagnetic disturbances, thereby achieving the same protective function with significantly reduced weight and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The control means dynamically changes the state parameters of the interruption means (switching between open and closed states) based on operating conditions. This active parameter control allows the system to adaptively reduce electromagnetic disturbances without requiring fixed, bulky passive filter components, thus resolving the contradiction between effectiveness and weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a passive filter is used to reduce electromagnetic disturbances, then electromagnetic disturbances are reduced, but the device becomes bulky and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic disturbancesVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive passive filter components with electronically controlled interruption means. The control means manages switches that actively interrupt current flow to reduce electromagnetic disturbances, providing a more cost-effective manufacturing solution compared to traditional passive filters while maintaining the same protective function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses relatively simple and inexpensive electronic switches and control circuitry instead of costly passive filter components. The interruption means can be implemented using standard electronic components that are cheaper and easier to manufacture than bulky passive filters, thus reducing overall system cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If main switches are controlled to reduce electromagnetic disturbances, then electromagnetic disturbances are reduced, but the control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic disturbancesVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control means uses feedback from voltage measurements and operating conditions to dynamically adjust the state of the interruption means. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically reduce electromagnetic disturbances without requiring complex manual control, as the control means continuously monitors and adjusts switch states based on real-time system conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control system is designed to autonomously manage the interruption means without external intervention. The control means automatically detects operating conditions and controls the switches to reduce electromagnetic disturbances, making the system self-regulating and reducing the need for complex external control mechanisms.

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

The active control device effectively reduces electromagnetic disturbances, resulting in a non-bulky, lightweight, and cost-effective solution for mitigating converter-induced issues in electrical circuits.

Implementation Method 1

each comprising at least one main switch with at least three states and a diode connected in parallel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiode conduction: Diode

Implementation Method 2

in operation this type of converter induces electromagnetic disturbances in the power supply network, such as for example overvoltages

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3368381B1Active control device for an electric circuit with a dc/dc converter and electrical energy storage system mounted in series
Publication Date: 2020.10.14 PSA AUTOMOBILES SA
  • EP3368381B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3368381B1 patent drawingFigure 4~7
  • EP3368381B1 patent drawingFigure 8

AI summary

A control device (DC) equips an electric circuit (CE) comprising a current generator (GC) connected in parallel to a first electrical energy storage system (SE1), a consumption network (RA1) and a DC/DC converter (CV) connected in series to a second electrical energy storage system (SE2). Said device (DC) comprises a switching module (MI) mounted in series between the current generator (GC) and the converter (CV) and comprising two switching means (MI1-MI2), each comprising a main switch having three states and a diode connected in parallel, and connected in series with the diodes mounted in opposing ways, and control means (MC) for controlling the respective states of the main switches depending on voltage measurements taken on either side of the switching module (MI), operating setpoints of the main switches and the converter (CV), and a transfer mode of the converter (CV).