Multi-level power converter with software control of switches and deadtime
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power converters face inefficiencies and risks of short circuits due to unnecessary dead time in switch alternation, which is influenced by various variables such as switch type, age, and temperature, requiring a dynamic and optimized approach to manage dead time effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a microcontroller or microprocessor with memory and external circuitry to determine and regulate the optimized dead time for pairs of switches based on parameters like switch type, temperature, and age, using pre-calculated tables and real-time calculations to minimize dead time and enhance efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed dead time is used for all switches, then the system is simple to operate, but efficiency is reduced due to excessive dead time or risk of short circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic dead time adjustment by using a microcontroller to calculate and apply different dead time values based on real-time operating conditions. The system transitions from static fixed dead time to dynamic adaptive dead time, optimizing efficiency while maintaining safety margins for preventing short circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the dead time parameter dynamically based on switch type, temperature, and age. Different dead time values are applied to different switches (e.g., high-frequency vs. low-frequency switches) and adjusted over time as switches age or temperature changes, maximizing efficiency without compromising reliability.
2Productivity
If dead time is reduced to maximize efficiency, then system productivity improves, but the risk of short circuit increases due to residual energy
Solution Approach 1:
The microcontroller calculates optimal dead time values that balance efficiency and safety by considering switch-specific parameters, temperature conditions, and aging effects. This dynamic parameter adjustment allows the system to use minimal dead time necessary for safety while maximizing productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the microcontroller monitors operating conditions and adjusts dead time accordingly. Temperature sensors and switch status monitoring provide feedback that allows the system to adapt dead time in real-time, ensuring safety margins are maintained while optimizing efficiency.
3Reliability
If different dead times are used for different switch types, then reliability is improved by preventing short circuits, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microcontroller serves as a universal control device that handles dead time management for all switch types (high-frequency, low-frequency, different makes/models). This single multi-functional component replaces multiple dedicated control circuits, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the ability to provide switch-specific dead time optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses parameter-based control where the microcontroller stores and applies different dead time values for different switch types, temperatures, and ages. This software-based parameter management is simpler than hardware-based control circuits for each switch, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
4Reliability
If dead time is increased to account for switch aging and temperature, then reliability is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts dead time parameters based on switch age and temperature conditions. Rather than using a fixed conservative dead time that increases with aging, the microcontroller calculates optimal dead time values that adapt to current switch conditions, minimizing time loss while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The dead time is made dynamic and adaptive rather than static. The system continuously monitors switch conditions and adjusts dead time in real-time, allowing the system to use minimal dead time when conditions permit and increase it only when necessary for reliability, thereby reducing overall time loss.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for optimizing dead time of switches, for example in power converters, using software. The system is first calibrated. The system determines the state that switches should be in. If the switch state needs to be changed, the system determines an optimized dead time which needs to be waited between turning one switch off and a complimentary switch on. The system controls the switches to turn on or off switches and waiting only the duration of the optimized dead time.