Modular Converter Voltage Deviation Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In modular multipoint converters, the discrepancy between the desired output voltage and the actual output voltage is significant due to limited communication capacities, leading to voltage ripple issues, especially in systems with small local energy stores, which increases hardware costs when trying to mitigate this problem with fast parallel connections or large energy stores.
Innovation Solution
A distributed modular electronic system where the control unit sends voltage-time product values to modules, each equipped with a switchable voltage source and a voltmeter, allowing modules to calculate and adjust their operation to match the target voltage by switching off their source based on measured voltages and received product values, thereby reducing the discrepancy between target and actual output voltages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If modules use small local energy stores, then device complexity is reduced, but voltage ripple increases leading to larger discrepancy between target and actual output voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The module controller continuously measures the actual output voltage using a voltmeter and compares it with the target voltage received from the central controller. Based on this feedback, the controller dynamically adjusts the pulse width modulation duty cycle to minimize the discrepancy between target and actual voltages, thereby maintaining voltage accuracy without requiring large energy stores.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static voltage control to dynamic voltage control by continuously adjusting the PWM duty cycle based on real-time voltage measurements. This dynamic adjustment allows the module to compensate for voltage deviations caused by small energy stores, maintaining accurate output voltage despite rapid voltage changes.
2Manufacturing precision
If fast parallel connections are implemented, then voltage accuracy is improved, but hardware expenditure increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each module is equipped with its own voltmeter and control logic that autonomously measures its output voltage and adjusts its PWM duty cycle without requiring fast parallel connections to the central controller. This self-service capability allows modules to maintain voltage accuracy independently, eliminating the need for expensive fast communication infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The module controller acts as an intermediary between the central controller and the power switching elements. It receives target voltage information from the central controller, measures actual voltage locally, and autonomously determines the appropriate PWM duty cycle, thereby decoupling the voltage control function from the communication system and reducing hardware requirements.
3Manufacturing precision
If large energy stores are used, then voltage ripple is reduced, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces static energy storage with dynamic control by continuously adjusting the PWM duty cycle in response to measured voltage deviations. This dynamic control mechanism compensates for voltage ripple without requiring large energy stores, achieving voltage stability through active regulation rather than passive energy storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the control parameter from fixed voltage setpoints to variable PWM duty cycles that are continuously adjusted based on measured voltage conditions. This parameter change enables the module to maintain stable output voltage by adapting the switching duty cycle to compensate for energy store limitations, eliminating the need for large capacitors.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
Modules of a distributed electronic system are to be controlled more precisely using simple means. For this purpose, a system with several modules (M11) and a control unit is proposed, wherein the control unit is configured to send voltage-time product values to the modules (M11) as control values. Each module (M11) is equipped with a switchable voltage source (C), a voltmeter (7) for obtaining a voltage measurement relative to its own output voltage, and a signal processing unit (5) for generating a switch-off signal depending on the at least one voltage measurement (U1) and the voltage-time product value received from the control unit (MC). Furthermore, each module (M11) is configured to switch off its voltage source (C) according to the generated switch-off signal.