Converter Voltage Control for High-Power Supply Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

High-power supply systems, such as those for proton synchrotrons, require large storage capacitors to distribute voltage evenly among converters, leading to increased costs and system footprint due to the need for high capacitance.

Innovation Solution

A control method that calculates distribution coefficients for inductive and resistive components of voltage across converters, ensuring the resistive component is delivered only by load converters, allowing for reduced storage capacitor capacitance by optimizing voltage distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If voltage is distributed equally among all converters, then voltage balance is maintained, but storage capacitor capacitance must be high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage balanceVSAvoidcapacitor capacitance
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating the voltage distribution strategy between two types of converters: load converters (connected to DC power supply output) and floating converters (not connected to DC power supply output). Load converters deliver only the resistive component of voltage, while floating converters deliver both resistive and inductive components. This localized differentiation allows each converter type to operate within optimized voltage ranges, reducing the overall capacitance requirement while maintaining voltage balance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the voltage distribution parameters by introducing separate control strategies for different converter types. The control law adjusts the voltage delivered by load converters versus floating converters based on the respective resistive and inductive components. This parameter change enables reduced capacitor capacitance while maintaining stable voltage distribution across all converters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If storage capacitor capacitance is reduced, then system cost and footprint decrease, but voltage distribution stability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapacitor capacitanceVSAvoidvoltage distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

By assigning different voltage delivery roles to load converters and floating converters, the system maintains voltage distribution stability with reduced capacitance. Load converters handle resistive components while floating converters handle inductive components, creating a balanced distribution that stabilizes voltage across the system even with smaller capacitors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The control law continuously monitors and adjusts the voltage delivered by each converter type based on the respective resistive and inductive components. This feedback mechanism ensures that voltage distribution remains stable and balanced, compensating for the reduced capacitance buffer provided by smaller storage capacitors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If resistive component is delivered by all converters, then power distribution is simplified, but floating converter voltage control becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower distributionVSAvoidconverter control
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent simplifies the overall power distribution architecture by assigning the resistive component delivery exclusively to load converters, while floating converters handle both resistive and inductive components. This local specialization creates a clear division of labor that simplifies the power distribution topology, even though it requires differentiated control strategies for each converter type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2378651B1Method and device for controlling the voltage at the terminals of a charge suitable for being supplied by a supply system
Publication Date: 2021.12.08 GE ENERGY POWER CONVERSION TECHNOLOGY LTD(GB)
  • EP2378651B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2378651B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2378651B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The method involves calculating control signals (110) of M converters of a supply system along a control law, where the control law is a function of voltage setpoint. The control signals are applied (120) to the converters. The control law is such that a resistive component of voltage at load terminals is delivered uniquely by load converters, and distribution coefficients are determined between floating converters of an inductive component at the load terminals. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a device for controlling voltage at terminals of a load powered by a supply system (2) a supply system comprising a converter.