Controller Power-Aware Parameter Updates for AC-DC Converters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Controller-based devices, such as AC-DC power converters, face inefficiencies due to computationally expensive calculations that consume significant power, leading to increased energy overhead and reduced overall efficiency.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method where the device monitors and evaluates power consumption for calculations, determining when and how frequently to perform them based on estimated power savings, selecting algorithm complexity, and prioritizing calculations to optimize self-power consumption by comparing estimated power consumption to potential savings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the controller performs real-time calculations to optimize operating parameters, then the operational efficiency and performance of the device is improved, but the self-power consumption of the controller increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidself-power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The controller dynamically adjusts the frequency and complexity of calculations based on operating conditions. The system transitions between different operational modes (e.g., light-load vs. full-load modes) with different calculation intensities, making the computational effort adaptive rather than static. This resolves the contradiction by performing intensive calculations only when necessary for optimal efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes key parameters such as calculation frequency, algorithm complexity, and update intervals based on operating conditions. When the device operates in stable conditions, parameter updates are reduced or skipped entirely. When operating conditions change significantly, the controller increases calculation frequency to maintain optimality, thus balancing performance gains against power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of energy

If the controller frequently updates operating parameters through intensive calculations, then the device operates at optimal efficiency, but the overhead power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidoverhead power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The controller implements feedback mechanisms that monitor both the effectiveness of parameter updates and the power consumed by calculations. The system evaluates whether recent calculations actually improved efficiency before committing to frequent updates. This feedback loop prevents unnecessary computational overhead by only performing calculations that demonstrably improve energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The controller performs partial updates rather than complete recalculation of all parameters at every interval. It selectively updates only those parameters that have changed significantly or are most critical for efficiency, leaving other parameters unchanged. This partial action approach maintains near-optimal efficiency while dramatically reducing the computational overhead compared to full recalculation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Measurement precision

If the controller performs comprehensive sensing and calculation procedures, then the operational accuracy and control precision is improved, but the power consumption for these procedures becomes significant

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The controller segments the sensing and calculation procedures into critical and non-critical components. It performs comprehensive sensing only for parameters that directly impact efficiency and operation, while using simplified models or cached values for less critical parameters. This segmentation maintains control precision for essential functions while reducing overall computational power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11222386B2Method and apparatus for optimizing self-power consumption of an electronic device

Publication Date: 2022.01.11 VOLPE & KOENIG P C

AI summary

A device and method are disclosed for optimizing self-power consumption. The device may sense one or more operating conditions of the device. The device may further select one or more operating parameters associated with at least one of the one or more operating conditions. The device may also estimate a power consumption associated with executing an algorithm to generate at least one updated value for at least one of the one or more operating parameters as well as estimate a power savings associated with operating using the updated value. The device may compare the estimated power consumption to the estimated power savings and determine whether to execute the algorithm based on the comparing.