Power Converter Array Efficiency via Dynamic Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power converters experience significant efficiency reduction when operating at lower power levels compared to their designed full power capacity, leading to suboptimal performance in applications with varying load conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for power control of multiple power converters, where the number of active converters is dynamically adjusted based on load conditions, such as transferred power and voltage ratio, by deactivating and reactivating converters in a series input, parallel output topology, to maintain optimal efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a power converter operates at lower power levels to match varying load conditions, then the converter can adapt to different power demands, but the power efficiency decreases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The power converter system is divided into multiple parallel power converters instead of using a single converter. This segmentation allows the system to activate only the necessary number of converters based on load conditions, ensuring each active converter operates at optimal efficiency while collectively meeting varying power demands.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of active power converters based on real-time load conditions. The controller monitors the required power output and activates or deactivates converters accordingly, making the system adaptable to changing power demands while maintaining optimal efficiency for each active converter.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power converters are used in parallel to handle varying power demands, then the power range adaptability improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple power converters are combined in parallel configuration to form a unified power conversion system. This merging approach allows the system to handle varying power demands by activating appropriate numbers of converters while sharing common control and support infrastructure, reducing overall system complexity compared to having completely independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The power converters are designed with universal characteristics, using identical or similar converter topologies and control strategies. This multi-functionality allows any converter in the parallel array to fulfill the same role, simplifying the system design, control, and maintenance while maintaining adaptability to different power demands.
3Power
If a single power converter is designed for full power capacity, then the maximum power output is achieved, but the efficiency drops when transferring only a fraction of the designed full power
Solution Approach 1:
The single full-power converter is segmented into multiple smaller parallel converters. Each converter is designed to operate efficiently at a fraction of the total required power, allowing the system to maintain high efficiency across a wide power range by activating only the necessary number of converters for the current load condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by adjusting the number of active converters based on load conditions. Instead of operating one converter at varying loads (causing efficiency drops), the system maintains each converter at optimal operating parameters by dynamically changing how many converters are active, thus preserving efficiency across different power levels.
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(b)
Figure 2
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method for power control of a plurality of power converters forming a common power converter, the method comprising: determining a number of power converters to be deactivated of the plurality of power converters based on at least one load condition of the common power converter; and deactivating the determined number of power converters of the plurality of power converters. The present disclosure also relates to a corresponding device for power control.