Electric Energy Converter Switching Dead Time Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical energy converters experience high dead time between successive switches of switching half-arms, which affects the efficiency of energy conversion in electric transport vehicles.
Innovation Solution
The electrical energy converter incorporates programmable logic components, such as FPGAs, in control modules that communicate via bidirectional data links to optimize switch management, ensuring that one control module prohibits switch closure until it receives a message indicating the opening of the other module's switch, thereby reducing dead time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional control modules are used to manage switching half-arms, then the system structure is simple, but the dead time between successive switches is relatively high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional control module architecture with programmable logic components (FPGAs) that communicate via bidirectional data links. This substitution enables direct message passing between control modules, eliminating the need for complex timing coordination circuits and reducing dead time to around 10 microseconds while maintaining manageable system complexity through standardized communication protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where control modules exchange status messages about switch opening/detector states through bidirectional data links. Each control module prohibits switch closure until it receives confirmation that the other module's switch is open, creating a self-regulating system that dynamically optimizes switching timing and minimizes dead time without requiring external coordination
2Productivity
If dead time between switches is reduced, then switching efficiency is improved, but the risk of switch conflict increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bidirectional communication between control modules provides real-time feedback on switch status. Each module receives messages indicating when the other module's switch is open or detected as open, allowing the system to safely reduce dead time to 10 microseconds while maintaining reliability through coordinated switching decisions based on actual switch states rather than fixed timing
Solution Approach 2:
The control modules exchange status messages in advance before attempting to close switches. By prohibiting switch closure until confirmation is received that the other switch is open, the system performs preliminary coordination that prevents switch conflicts and enables tighter switching sequences with improved efficiency
Data Source
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AI summary
This electrical energy converter, configured to convert a first energy into a second energy, comprises two first terminals (36) for the first energy; at least one second terminal for the second energy; at least one switching arm, each comprising two switching half-arms (42) in series between the first two terminals, each half-arm comprising at least one switch; and two control modules (50) for each switch of a respective half-arm. Each control module (50) comprises a programmable logic component (74). The electrical energy converter includes a bidirectional data link (53) connecting the two control modules. Each control module (50) is configured to prevent a closing command for each switch associated with it until it receives, from the other control module, a message indicating that each switch associated with the other control module has been opened.