ARCP Half-Bridge Timing Control for Parallel Current Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current parallel-connected power converters experience current imbalances due to parameter differences and impedance variations, leading to uneven stress on switch components, premature wear, and increased temperature, which existing methods only partially address.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an auxiliary resonant commutated pole (ARCP) converter system with a resonant swing time controller that adjusts the turn-on instant of auxiliary switching devices to control the resonant swing time duration towards a reference value, ensuring equal current sharing across parallel-connected ARCP converter legs through closed-loop feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple inverter units are connected in parallel to increase output power capability, then the power output capability is improved, but current imbalance occurs between units due to parameter differences and impedance variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies switching parameters (turn-on and turn-off timing) of parallel-connected inverter units based on measured current values. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system equalizes currents between units while maintaining increased power output capability through parallel operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system measures actual current values from each parallel-connected inverter unit and uses this feedback information to modify switching control signals. This closed-loop control ensures current balance is maintained despite parameter variations between units.
2Manufacturing precision
If switch control pulses are modified to balance currents by delaying turn-on time for switches with highest current, then current balance is improved, but switching losses and temperature increase due to extended conducting time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts both turn-on and turn-off timing of switches based on real-time current measurements. This dynamic control optimizes the conducting time of each switch to achieve current balance while minimizing excessive energy loss, adapting continuously to changing operating conditions.
3Reliability
If conducting times of parallel components are modified to equalize stresses on switch components, then reliability is improved, but system complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses measured current feedback to automatically adjust switching control signals, equalizing stress on switch components without requiring complex manual intervention or additional hardware. The control unit processes current measurements and generates appropriate timing adjustments.
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
This solution effectively reduces differential output currents and ensures equal current sharing among parallel-connected ARCP converter legs, reducing stress on components and improving system efficiency by controlling the resonant swing time duration to a common reference value.
Implementation Method 1
an auxiliary resonant commutated pole (ARCP) converter leg, particularly an ARCP half-bridge
Data Source
AI summary
A power converter system including an auxiliary resonant commutated pole converter leg, particularly an ARCP half-bridge, and a resonant swing time controller for the ARCP converter leg. The resonant swing time controller is configured to control a resonant swing time duration of ARCP commutations to a reference value of the resonant swing time by means of a closed loop feedback of an actual resonant swing time duration. In an embodiment, the resonant swing time controller is configured to provide, based on an error between the actual resonant swing time duration and the reference value, control values to adjust a turn-on instant of at least one auxiliary switching device of the ARCP converter leg earlier or later in time so that resonant swing time duration of ARCP commutations is controlled towards the reference value.