Adaptive Power Converter Controller for Efficiency Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power converter controllers fail to adaptively improve efficiency in response to measured parameters after manufacturing and environmental conditions, leading to suboptimal performance under varying operating conditions.
Innovation Solution
A controller that regulates internal operating characteristics of a power converter based on measured parameters post-manufacturing and environmental signals, using tables and functional relationships to optimize efficiency, allowing for dynamic adjustments of duty cycles and switching frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the controller uses fixed duty cycle control based on average operating conditions, then the device complexity is reduced, but the power conversion efficiency deteriorates under varying operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The controller dynamically adjusts the duty cycle of power switches based on real-time operating conditions (load current, temperature, input voltage) rather than using fixed duty cycle values. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize power conversion efficiency across varying operating conditions while maintaining manageable complexity through structured control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller changes key operating parameters (duty cycle, switching frequency) based on measured operating conditions such as load current, temperature, and input voltage. By continuously adjusting these parameters, the system optimizes power conversion efficiency without requiring overly complex hardware structures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the controller dynamically adjusts duty cycle to meet changing load requirements, then the adaptability is improved, but the use of energy increases due to additional control operations
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements dynamic duty cycle adjustment only when and where necessary based on actual operating conditions. Rather than continuously adjusting all parameters at maximum frequency, the system applies control actions selectively based on measured deviations from optimal operating points, reducing unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining adaptability.
3Speed
If the controller operates at high switching frequency to improve response speed, then the speed of response is improved, but the power conversion efficiency deteriorates due to increased switching losses
Solution Approach 1:
The controller dynamically adjusts the switching frequency based on operating conditions such as load current and temperature. At light loads or extreme temperatures, the switching frequency is reduced to minimize switching losses. At heavy loads or transient conditions, the frequency is increased to maintain fast response, thereby optimizing the trade-off between response speed and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller changes the switching frequency parameter in response to measured operating conditions. By adjusting this parameter dynamically rather than maintaining a fixed high frequency, the system reduces switching losses during light-load operation while preserving fast response capability when needed.
4Loss of energy
If the controller regulates internal operating characteristics based on measured parameters, then the power conversion efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional measurement and control circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The controller integrates multiple measurement and control functions into a single unified control unit. Rather than adding separate dedicated circuits for each measurement and control function, the system uses a multi-functional controller that can measure multiple parameters (voltage, current, temperature) and adjust multiple outputs (duty cycle, frequency) through integrated processing, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller combines measurement circuits, processing logic, and control output stages into an integrated control system. By merging these previously separate functions into a unified controller, the system achieves the capability to regulate internal operating characteristics based on measured parameters without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A controller for a power converter, and method of operating the same. The controller improves power converter operating efficiency by regulating an internal power converter operating characteristic depending on a value of a power converter parameter measured after a manufacturing step, or an environmental parameter, preferably employing a table with entries dependent on the parameter value. The internal operating characteristic may be an internal bus voltage, a voltage level of a drive signal for a power switch, a number of paralleled power switches selectively enabled to conduct, or a basic switching frequency of the power converter. The controller may regulate an internal operating characteristic of the power converter using a functional relationship dependent on the parameter value. The environmental parameter may be received as a signal from an external source. The parameter measured after a manufacturing step may be a parameter measured from representative power converter(s).