Adaptive PWM Control for Switching Element Energy Loss Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling electrical or electronic switching elements using PWM signals are inefficient due to fixed dimensioning that does not account for varying ambient temperatures and supply voltages, leading to high losses and potential damage under extreme conditions.
Innovation Solution
Generating PWM signals that vary based on supply voltage and ambient temperature, allowing for adaptive modulation of the signal's duty cycle to optimize energy usage and ensure reliable activation of switching elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If PWM signals are dimensioned for the most unfavorable operating parameters (lowest supply voltage and lowest ambient temperature), then reliable activation of switching elements is guaranteed, but high losses and unnecessary energy consumption occur under normal operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the PWM signal parameters dynamic rather than fixed. The control device continuously adapts the PWM signal's amplitude, duration, or duty cycle based on real-time monitoring of supply voltage and ambient temperature. This allows the system to optimize energy consumption under normal conditions while maintaining reliable switching element activation when supply voltage drops or temperature decreases, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and energy loss.
2Device complexity
If fixed PWM signal dimensioning is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to varying operating conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by incorporating sensors that monitor supply voltage and ambient temperature, feeding this information back to the control device. The control device uses this feedback to automatically adjust PWM signal parameters, enabling adaptation to varying operating conditions without requiring complex manual intervention or redesign. This feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by providing adaptability through a relatively simple automated control structure.
3Reliability
If high trigger current is used to ensure reliable thyristor activation, then switching reliability improves, but energy losses increase unnecessarily under normal conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the PWM signal parameters (amplitude, duration, duty cycle) based on operating conditions. Specifically, the trigger current amplitude is adapted according to supply voltage and temperature levels. Under normal conditions, lower trigger currents are sufficient, reducing energy consumption. When supply voltage drops or temperature decreases, the system increases trigger current amplitude to ensure reliable thyristor activation, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and energy usage.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and a device for controlling an electrical or electronic switching element (1) that can be activated by an electrical signal, wherein a PWM signal (S2) for controlling the switching element (V1, V1') can be generated by a PWM module (2), which can be controlled at the electromechanical or electronic switch (V1, V1') depending on the supply voltage (UB) and/or an ambient temperature (TU).