Power Converter Switching Frequency Control for Efficiency and Heat
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power converters, particularly switched-mode power supplies (SMPS), face inefficiencies in controlling switching frequency, which affects parameters such as temperature and efficiency without directly impacting output power, especially in hard switching techniques.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dynamic switching frequency controller that uses machine learning algorithms to optimize switching frequency based on real-time parameters, such as load current and temperature, by selecting a target parameter and applying a pulse width modulation signal to control the switching devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If switching frequency is increased to improve power conversion speed, then productivity increases, but temperature increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching frequency control that adjusts the switching frequency based on real-time operating conditions. The controller monitors parameters such as load current, input voltage, and output voltage, and dynamically selects switching frequency values from a predefined set to optimize performance. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing high switching frequencies when needed for fast response while using lower frequencies when temperature and efficiency become concerns.
2Productivity
If switching frequency is increased to improve power conversion speed, then productivity increases, but efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller dynamically adjusts switching frequency based on operating conditions to optimize efficiency. By selecting from multiple predefined switching frequency values and adapting to real-time conditions, the system maintains high productivity when needed while minimizing energy losses during steady-state operation, thus resolving the efficiency-productivity tradeoff.
3Loss of energy
If dynamic switching frequency control is implemented to optimize efficiency and temperature, then device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameter from fixed switching frequency to variable switching frequency selected from a predefined set of values. The controller monitors operating parameters (load current, input voltage, output voltage) and selects appropriate switching frequency values from the predefined set, optimizing efficiency and temperature without requiring complex real-time calculation algorithms, thus managing device complexity effectively.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are various embodiments for controlling the switching frequency of a switching device of a power converter. Measured or computed parameters are obtained. One or more of the parameters are real-time measurements from one or more sensors. A controller selects one of the parameters as a target parameter. The target parameter is represented as an objective function that defines criteria for optimizing the objective function as minimizing, maximizing, or obtaining a particular value for the target parameter. The controller implements a machine learning algorithm to determine a selected switching frequency of the switching device that optimizes the objective function, and controls the switching device to operate at the selected switching frequency.