Adaptive Controller for Power Converter Efficiency
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power converter controllers fail to adaptively improve efficiency in response to measured parameters after manufacturing or environmental conditions, leading to suboptimal performance across varying operational states and loads.
Innovation Solution
A power system with an adaptive controller that receives signals indicating system operational states and adjusts power converter operational states to optimize efficiency by regulating internal characteristics based on measured parameters and external signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a power converter operates at fixed parameters designed for average conditions, then the design is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the efficiency deteriorates under varying load conditions and environmental parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from fixed operating parameters to dynamically adjustable parameters. The controller continuously adapts the power converter's operating point based on real-time measurements of environmental parameters (temperature, humidity, altitude) and load conditions, allowing the system to optimize efficiency across varying conditions rather than being constrained to design-point optimization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying multiple operating parameters including switching frequency, duty cycle, and component operating points based on measured environmental and load conditions. The controller adjusts these parameters to track optimal efficiency contours across the operating space, resolving the contradiction between fixed-design simplicity and variable-condition efficiency
2Loss of energy
If the controller continuously adjusts operating parameters to optimize efficiency, then power conversion efficiency improves under varying conditions, but the controller complexity and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing optimal operating parameter sets corresponding to different environmental and load conditions. During operation, the controller measures current conditions, looks up the pre-computed optimal parameters, and applies them directly, avoiding the need for complex real-time optimization algorithms while maintaining high efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously measuring environmental parameters and load conditions, comparing the current operating point against optimal efficiency contours, and adjusting operating parameters to maintain operation near the optimal efficiency point. This closed-loop feedback system achieves high efficiency without requiring excessively complex control logic
3Loss of energy
If the power converter is designed for maximum efficiency at a specific operating point, then efficiency is optimized at that point, but efficiency deteriorates when operating conditions deviate from the design point
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by making the operating parameters dynamic rather than fixed. The controller continuously adapts the switching frequency, duty cycle, and other parameters based on real-time measurements of environmental conditions and load, allowing the power converter to maintain high efficiency across a wide range of operating conditions rather than being optimized for a single design point
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing the controller to handle multiple operating conditions and environmental scenarios through a single unified control algorithm. The system universally adapts to different temperatures, altitudes, load levels, and operating modes, providing consistent high efficiency across all conditions rather than requiring separate optimization for each scenario
Data Source
AI summary
A power system having a power converter with an adaptive controller. The power system is coupled to a load and includes a power system controller that receives a signal indicating a system operational state of the load and selects a power converter operational state as a function thereof. The power system also includes a power converter with a power switch that conducts for a duty cycle to provide a regulated output characteristic at an output thereof. The power converter also includes a controller that receives a command from the power system controller to enter the power converter operational state and provides a signal to control the duty cycle of the power switch as a function of the output characteristic and in accordance with the command, thereby regulating an internal operating characteristic of the power converter to improve an operating efficiency thereof as a function of the system operational state.