Asymmetric Power Flow Controller for Converter Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power converters with multiple stages often have equal efficiencies for each stage, limiting overall power conversion efficiency without significant cost additions.
Innovation Solution
A controller for a power converter that allocates and regulates current among stages asymmetrically, using a power system controller and converter stage controllers to optimize power conversion efficiency by adjusting duty-cycle phase angles and current allocations based on efficiency curves and optimization algorithms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If converter stages are controlled symmetrically with equal current allocation, then the control is simple and balanced, but the overall power conversion efficiency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by implementing unequal current allocation among converter stages based on their individual efficiency characteristics. The controller assigns different current shares to each stage according to pre-stored efficiency data, allowing stages with higher efficiency to handle more current. This asymmetric control strategy directly improves overall power conversion efficiency by 1-30% compared to symmetric control, while the complexity is managed through automated lookup tables and control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from equal current allocation to unequal current allocation based on efficiency parameters. The controller stores efficiency data for each converter stage at different current levels and uses this data to dynamically adjust current distribution. This parameter change enables the system to operate at optimal efficiency points across varying load conditions.
2Loss of energy
If converter stages are controlled asymmetrically to improve efficiency, then power conversion efficiency improves by up to 30%, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-measuring and storing efficiency data for each converter stage at different current levels before normal operation. This pre-characterization creates lookup tables that the controller can query during operation without real-time calculations. The preliminary storage of efficiency characteristics simplifies the real-time control complexity while maintaining the ability to achieve optimal efficiency distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback mechanisms where the controller continuously monitors the actual current distribution and efficiency performance, then adjusts the current allocation commands to individual converter stages. This closed-loop feedback ensures that the asymmetric control strategy maintains optimal efficiency even as operating conditions change, while the feedback data also refines the pre-stored efficiency characteristics.
Data Source
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AI summary
A controller for a power converter formed with a plurality of converter stages, and method of operating the same. In one embodiment, the controller includes a power system controller configured to determine an unequal current allocation among the plurality of converter stages based on an operation of the power converter. The controller also includes a converter stage controller configured to control an output current produced by each of the plurality of converter stages in response to the current allocation.