Bidirectional Converter Control for Idle Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power conversion devices with bidirectional chargers experience increased power consumption due to driving the bidirectional DC/DC converter even when the AC outlet is not connected to an external device, leading to inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A power conversion device with a controller that determines whether alternating-current power output is below a threshold and the capacitor voltage is above a certain level, stopping the bidirectional DC/DC converter operation in such cases to reduce power consumption, and controlling it for charging the capacitor when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the bidirectional DC/DC converter is continuously operated to maintain capacitor voltage, then the capacitor voltage remains stable, but power consumption increases during idle periods
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements periodic monitoring of capacitor voltage and alternates between operating and stopping the bidirectional DC/DC converter based on voltage thresholds. When voltage exceeds the upper threshold, the converter stops; when voltage drops below the lower threshold, the converter restarts to recharge the capacitor. This periodic on-off action reduces power consumption while maintaining voltage within acceptable ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational state parameter of the DC/DC converter (on/off) based on the capacitor voltage parameter. By monitoring voltage changes and adjusting the converter's operational status accordingly, the system optimizes the balance between voltage stability and power consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the bidirectional DC/DC converter is stopped to reduce power consumption, then power consumption decreases, but capacitor voltage may drop below required levels
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors the capacitor voltage and uses this feedback to control the DC/DC converter operation. When voltage drops below the lower threshold, the controller activates the converter to recharge the capacitor. When voltage rises above the upper threshold, the controller stops the converter. This feedback mechanism ensures voltage stability while minimizing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitor serves itself by naturally discharging to external devices, and the DC/DC converter only intervenes when the capacitor voltage drops below the required level. The system uses the capacitor's own discharge characteristic and only activates the converter when necessary, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining reliability.
3Speed
If the bidirectional DC/DC converter operates at full capacity, then power conversion speed is fast, but power consumption increases unnecessarily during low demand periods
Solution Approach 1:
The DC/DC converter operates dynamically, adjusting its operational state (on/off) based on real-time power demand and capacitor voltage levels. During high demand periods, the converter operates to maintain voltage; during low demand or idle periods, the converter stops to reduce power consumption. This dynamic adjustment optimizes both conversion speed and energy efficiency.
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
Reduces power consumption by intermittently operating the DC/DC converter based on power output and capacitor voltage, ensuring stable alternating-current power supply to external devices and efficient battery charging.
Implementation Method 1
a bidirectional AC/DC converter that converts input alternating-current power into direct-current power and outputs the direct-current power
Implementation Method 2
a bidirectional DC/DC converter that converts the voltage value of the direct-current power, input from the bidirectional AC/DC converter, into a different voltage value and outputs converted direct-current power
Implementation Method 3
The capacitor is arranged between the bidirectional AC/DC converter and the bidirectional DC/DC converter
Implementation Method 4
a voltage detector that detects the voltage value of the capacitor
Data Source
AI summary
A controller determines whether alternating-current power, output from a bidirectional AC/DC converter, is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, and whether the voltage value of a capacitor, detected by a first voltage sensor, is greater than or equal to a threshold value. The controller stops controlling the bidirectional DC/DC converter when determining that the alternating-current power, output from the bidirectional AC/DC converter, is not greater than or equal to the predetermined value and that the voltage value of the capacitor is greater than or equal to the threshold value. The controller charges the capacitor by controlling the bidirectional DC/DC converter when determining that the alternating-current power, output from the bidirectional AC/DC converter, is not greater than or equal to the predetermined value and that the voltage value of the capacitor is less than the threshold value.