Active Control Device for DC/DC Converter Voltage Regulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical circuits with DC/DC converters in vehicles experience electromagnetic disturbances like overvoltages due to charging modes, which are harmful and require bulky, expensive passive filters to mitigate.

Innovation Solution

An active control device with an interruption module and control means that can switch main switches between ON, OFF, and intermediate states to manage voltage and reduce electromagnetic disturbances, using MOSFET components and diodes to create a variable resistor effect, reducing the need for bulky passive filters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

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

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

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/passive filter system with an active control system using semiconductor switches (MOSFETs or IGBTs) that can dynamically adjust their resistance to compensate for voltage variations. This electronic control approach substitutes the bulky passive CLC filter with lightweight semiconductor components and control circuitry, achieving the same electromagnetic disturbance reduction without the weight and cost penalty.

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

2Object-affected harmful factors

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

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic disturbancesVSAvoidcomplexity of passive filter
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex passive filter structure with a simpler active control system using semiconductor switches and control circuitry. The active control device monitors voltage variations and dynamically adjusts switch resistance to compensate, replacing the complex multi-component passive CLC filter with a more manageable electronic control architecture.

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

3Object-affected harmful factors

If main switches are placed in intermediate state to reduce voltage variations, then electromagnetic disturbances are reduced, but control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage variationsVSAvoidcontrol complexity of interruption module
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic control of semiconductor switches that can operate in three states (fully ON, fully OFF, and intermediate/partially ON). The control circuit dynamically adjusts the switch resistance by modulating the gate-source voltage, enabling the switch to provide variable resistance to compensate for voltage variations. This dynamic operation allows the system to adapt to changing conditions while managing control complexity through standardized control circuitry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 control device effectively reduces electromagnetic disturbances while being lightweight and cost-effective, minimizing voltage variations and overvoltage peaks, thus enhancing the reliability and efficiency of electrical circuits in vehicles.

Implementation Method 1

a main switch IP with at least three states, including at least one partially on intermediate state

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectField effect transistor operation: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

a diode DI connected in parallel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiode rectification: Diode

Data Source

PatentEP3369151B1Device for active control depending on a law, for an electric circuit with a dc/dc converter and electrical energy storage system mounted in series
Publication Date: 2021.05.19 PSA AUTOMOBILES SA
  • EP3369151B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3369151B1 patent drawingFigure 4~7
  • EP3369151B1 patent drawingFigure 8~9

AI summary

The invention relates to a control device (DC) fitted to 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) mounted in series and each comprising a main switch (IP) having three states, and control means (MC) controlling the placing of the main switches (IP) in an intermediate state when the converter (CV) recharges the second electrical energy storage system (SE2) and the voltage measurement at the terminals of the power supply network (RA) is higher than a voltage-limiting setpoint at said same terminals.