Converter Control Device Suppressing Voltage Variation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing control devices for converters fail to effectively suppress output voltage variations caused by dead time, leading to erroneous voltage control due to sensor errors and incomplete suppression of voltage fluctuations.

Innovation Solution

A control device for converters that includes a reactor, switching elements, diodes, a voltage control unit, a current control unit, and a signal generation unit, which adjusts output voltage and current to target values, and sets the voltage control cycle based on motor power variations to prevent current retention during dead time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a dead time is provided to prevent simultaneous conduction of switching elements, then switching safety is improved, but output voltage variation occurs when reactor current direction changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching safetyVSAvoidoutput voltage stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The control device predicts the reactor current direction before the dead time occurs and prepares appropriate control signals in advance. By determining the current direction ahead of time and pre-positioning the switching control signals, the system ensures smooth current transition through the dead time without causing output voltage variations, thus maintaining both switching safety and voltage stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Object-affected harmful factors

If voltage command value is corrected downward to suppress unexpected voltage increase, then voltage increase is suppressed, but the variation itself of output voltage is not suppressed and sensor errors cause erroneous determination

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveunexpected voltage increaseVSAvoidcontrol accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control device continuously monitors the actual reactor current direction and compares it with the predicted direction. Based on this feedback, the system adjusts the control signals to compensate for any deviations caused by sensor errors or unexpected conditions. This feedback mechanism ensures accurate current direction detection and maintains reliable voltage control without erroneous corrections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control device replaces sensor-based current direction detection with a prediction mechanism that calculates current direction based on control signals and circuit parameters. This substitution eliminates reliance on potentially erroneous sensor measurements during the critical dead time period, improving control accuracy and preventing erroneous voltage corrections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Stability of the object's composition

If current control is added to adjust reactor current to target current, then output voltage variation is suppressed, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput voltage stabilityVSAvoidcontrol structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device merges the current direction prediction function with the existing voltage control unit. By integrating the prediction mechanism into the existing control structure and sharing computational resources, the system achieves current control functionality without proportionally increasing device complexity. The merged structure efficiently suppresses output voltage variation while maintaining reasonable system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The control device effectively suppresses output voltage variations by adjusting current flow through the reactor, stabilizing the output voltage and reducing the need for large smoothing capacitors, thus enhancing system responsiveness and reducing costs.

Implementation Method 1

the reactor has one end connected to a positive electrode of a DC power supply... The reactor has a function of storing electric energy in a magnetic field when a current flows through the reactor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2437384B1Converter control device and electric vehicle using the same
Publication Date: 2022.11.09 DENSO CORP
  • EP2437384B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2437384B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2437384B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

A voltage control operation unit (106) receives, from a subtraction unit (104), a value obtained by subtracting a detection value of a voltage (Vm) from a voltage command value (VR), and performs a control operation for setting the voltage (Vm) to be equal to the voltage command value (VR). The voltage control operation unit (106) outputs the calculated control amount as a current command value (IR). A current control operation unit (110) receives, from a subtraction unit (108), a value obtained by subtracting a detection value of a current (IL) from a current command value (IR), and performs a control operation for setting the current (IL) to be equal to the current command value (IR). A driving signal generation unit (112) generates a signal (PWC) for driving a boost converter based on a duty command value (d) received from the current control operation unit(110).