AI-Controlled Modular Power Conversion for Resilient Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power conversion systems are inefficient and costly, particularly in space applications, and lack resilience to environmental factors such as radiation, requiring improved methods for flexible and reliable power management.

Innovation Solution

A modular configurable electric power converter (MCEPC) system with bidirectional converter modules, a power bus, and a controller module that uses artificial intelligence for dynamic power distribution and management, allowing for flexible voltage conversion, redundancy, and modular replacement of components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional power conversion systems are used in space applications, then power conversion can be achieved, but the systems are inefficient and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower conversion efficiencyVSAvoidenergy loss in power conversion

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The power conversion system is divided into multiple independent converter modules that can operate separately or in combination. Each module handles a portion of the total power conversion task, improving overall efficiency by allowing optimized operation of individual modules while reducing energy loss through distributed processing rather than a single large converter.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If traditional power conversion systems are used in space applications, then power conversion can be achieved, but the systems lack resilience to environmental factors such as radiation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresilience to radiation and environmental factorsVSAvoidsystem architecture complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into multiple converter modules connected in series and/or parallel configurations. This modular architecture provides inherent resilience because if one module fails due to radiation or environmental factors, the remaining modules can continue operating, maintaining system reliability without requiring complete system redundancy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The controller dynamically reconfigures the modular converter system by adjusting which modules are active and how they are connected (series/parallel arrangements). This dynamic adaptability allows the system to respond to environmental stressors and component failures, maintaining reliable operation while managing complexity through software control rather than hardware redundancy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If fixed architecture power conversion systems are used, then system simplicity can be maintained, but the systems lack flexibility to adapt to varying demands

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility to adapt to varying power demandsVSAvoidmodular system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power conversion system is divided into standardized modular converter units that can be configured in different series and parallel arrangements. This segmentation enables flexibility to adapt to varying power demands by adjusting the number and configuration of active modules, while the standardized design keeps individual module complexity low.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs dynamic reconfiguration capability where the controller can adjust the operational state and connectivity of modular converter units in real-time. This allows the system to adapt to changing power demands and environmental conditions, achieving versatility through software-controlled modularity rather than fixed complex hardware architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of repair

If non-modular power conversion systems are used, then manufacturing and maintenance can be simplified, but the systems are costly and require complete replacement upon failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance and replacement efficiencyVSAvoidenergy and resource waste from complete system replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The power conversion system is divided into independent modular converter units with standardized interfaces. This segmentation enables individual module replacement rather than complete system replacement, improving ease of repair by allowing failed modules to be swapped out and regenerated independently, thereby reducing energy and resource waste.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular architecture enables individual converter modules to be discarded and replaced without affecting the rest of the system. Failed or degraded modules can be removed and regenerated separately, recovering the functional capacity of the overall system while minimizing material and energy waste compared to replacing entire non-modular systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Data Source

PatentUS20250330025A1Intelligent Software-controlled Modular Power Management and Distribution

Publication Date: 2025.10.23 SCHROEDER JAN WALTER

AI summary

Systems, methods, and devices for intelligent software-controlled modular power management and distribution are disclosed. Converter modules bidirectionally convert voltage from power inputs and transmit converted voltage to power outputs. A power bus connects these. A controller module receives first data and transmits second data. The controller module uses a data model to control the converter modules. The data model is created by an artificial intelligence resident on the controller module or an external computer.