Power Converter Switching Angles With Continuous Modulation Curves

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power conversion systems face discontinuities in switching angles when changing modulation index values, leading to potential implementation drawbacks in switches and electrical signals.

Innovation Solution

A method that divides the modulation index range into segments, calculates specific switching angles for each segment, and uses a polynomial to ensure continuity of switching curves across the entire range, preventing discontinuities by maintaining consistent height and slope at boundary values shared by contiguous segments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If switching angles are calculated for each modulation index value independently, then the switching patterns can be optimized for each specific modulation index, but discontinuities occur in the switching curves when changing modulation index values

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitching angle precisionVSAvoidcontinuity of switching curves

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The modulation index range is divided into multiple segments, with each segment having its own polynomial function for calculating switching angles. This segmentation allows independent optimization within each segment while maintaining overall continuity through shared boundary values. The patent applies this by creating discrete polynomial expressions for different modulation index ranges, ensuring that switching angles are precisely calculated for each segment while avoiding discontinuities at segment boundaries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the mathematical representation of switching angles from direct calculation to polynomial-based calculation with continuous parameters. By using polynomial functions that share common boundary values across segments, the system maintains continuity of switching curves while allowing flexibility in optimizing switching patterns for different modulation index ranges. This parameter transformation resolves the contradiction between precision and continuity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If a single polynomial function is used for the entire modulation index range, then continuity is maintained, but the ability to optimize switching patterns for specific modulation index ranges is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuity of switching curvesVSAvoidswitching pattern optimization

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal polynomial-based framework that can be applied across different modulation index ranges. Each polynomial function serves multiple purposes: maintaining continuity at boundaries, enabling local optimization for specific ranges, and providing a consistent mathematical structure throughout the entire modulation index range. This multi-functional approach resolves the contradiction between continuity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If switching angles are calculated offline and stored in tables, then implementation is simplified, but the system cannot adapt to dynamic changes in modulation index requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplementation simplicityVSAvoiddynamic adaptation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from static pre-calculated tables to dynamic polynomial functions that can adapt to changing modulation index requirements in real-time. The polynomial expressions allow the system to calculate optimal switching angles on-the-fly based on current operating conditions, providing dynamic adaptability while maintaining implementation simplicity through the structured mathematical framework. This dynamic approach enables the system to respond to varying requirements without complex real-time optimization algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4254754B1Method for obtaining switching angles for a power electronic converter, and associated conversion system

Publication Date: 2025.01.15 INGETEAM POWER TECH

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for obtaining switching angles (α1, ..., αi), and to an associated conversion system. In the method, possible values (IM) are established for a modulation index, within a predetermined range of values (R) and divided into a plurality of segments (Si, ..., Sj); a value is obtained for each of the switching angles (α1, ..., αi) in each segment (Si, ..., Sj) and for each of the possible values (IM); a switching curve (SC) is formed for each switching angle (α1, ..., αi) over the entire range (R); and the height or amplitude and the slope of each switching curve (SC) at a possible value shared by two segments (Si, ..., Sj) are considered constant.