Boost Converter Current Limit Controller for Fuel Cell Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Boost converters in vehicle power systems, particularly in fuel cell implementations, face risks of damage due to high output or low input voltage conditions, which can stress the fuel cell stack, necessitating protection mechanisms to prevent system damage.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for controlling a boost converter using a current limit controller with multiple prioritized limiting circuits to determine and limit the input current command, processing parameters to prevent exceeding maximum power, current, voltage, and slew rate limits, ensuring system protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the boost converter tracks the input current command, then the power delivery is optimized, but the fuel cell may be damaged under certain system conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The controller proactively determines system conditions (output battery voltage too high, output battery voltage too low, or input fuel cell voltage too low) before damage can occur and preemptively limits the input current command to prevent fuel cell stress, rather than waiting for damage to occur
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the input current command and the boost converter, processing the current command through multiple prioritized limiting circuits that evaluate various system conditions and apply appropriate current limits to protect the fuel cell while still enabling power delivery
2Reliability
If multiple limiting circuits are implemented to protect the fuel cell, then the fuel cell is protected from damage, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into multiple prioritized limiting circuits, each responsible for evaluating specific system conditions (maximum output power limit, input current slew rate limit, minimum output voltage limit, maximum input current limit, minimum input voltage limit, maximum output voltage limit) and applying appropriate current limits independently
Solution Approach 2:
The controller dynamically changes the current command parameter based on real-time system conditions, adjusting the input current limit according to which limiting circuit is activated, allowing adaptive protection without requiring complex structural changes to the boost converter hardware
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus are provided for controlling a boost converter. In one embodiment, the method includes processing an input current command through a plurality of prioritized limiting circuits to determine whether to limit the input current command and limiting the input current command to limit the boost converter when it is determined to limit the input current command. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an energy source coupled to a boost converter that provides an output voltage responsive to a current command signal. An inverter is coupled to the boost converter to provide multiple phased currents to a multi-phase motor for a vehicle. A controller coupled to the boost converter for providing the current command signal by processing an input current command through a plurality of prioritized limiting circuits and determining whether to limit the input current command to provide the current command signal to the boost converter.