DC-DC Converter Adaptive Dead Time Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle DC-DC converters face inefficiencies due to high switching losses, particularly when dealing with varying voltage and current conditions, which affect power conversion efficiency and can lead to increased energy losses and reduced system performance.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a DC-DC converter system that includes a transformer, switches, and a controller. The controller adjusts the dead time of the switches based on measured voltage and current values, using a lookup table to optimize switching operations and minimize switching losses through adaptive timing adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the switching frequency is increased to improve power conversion speed, then productivity is improved, but switching losses increase causing energy loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic dead time adjustment where the dead time parameter is not fixed but varies based on operating conditions. The controller dynamically modifies the dead time between switch turn-off and turn-on based on real-time voltage and current measurements, allowing the system to optimize between switching speed and loss reduction under different load conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the timing parameter (dead time) of the switching operation based on operating conditions. By adjusting the dead time duration according to voltage and current levels, the system modifies the switching characteristics to reduce losses while maintaining acceptable conversion speed, directly addressing the contradiction between productivity and energy loss
2Loss of energy
If the dead time is increased to reduce switching losses, then energy efficiency is improved, but switching response time increases reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts dead time based on operating conditions rather than using a fixed value. Under light load conditions where losses are more critical, longer dead time is applied. Under heavy load conditions where conversion speed is more important, shorter dead time is used, thus dynamically balancing efficiency and productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The dead time parameter is changed according to voltage and current measurements. The controller modifies this timing parameter in real-time, increasing it when switching losses are problematic and decreasing it when conversion speed is prioritized, resolving the contradiction between energy loss reduction and productivity maintenance
3Device complexity
If fixed timing is used for switch operation, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to varying voltage and current conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where voltage and current sensors continuously monitor operating conditions, and the controller uses this feedback information to adjust the dead time parameter. This closed-loop control provides adaptability to varying conditions while maintaining relatively simple hardware architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment of the dead time parameter based on its own operating conditions. The controller automatically modifies timing parameters according to measured voltage and current levels without external intervention, enabling the system to adapt to varying conditions while keeping the control mechanism relatively simple
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces switching losses and enhances power conversion efficiency by dynamically adjusting switch timing in response to voltage and current changes, improving overall system performance and energy utilization.
Implementation Method 1
a transformer configured to convert the first voltage into the second voltage
Implementation Method 2
A voltage of both terminals of the first switch may be changed by a resonance phenomenon caused by leakage inductance of the transformer and parasitic capacitance of the first switch
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle may include a first battery to output power of a first voltage, a second battery to output power of a second voltage, a DC-DC converter to convert the first voltage of the first battery into the second voltage, and to supply the power of the second voltage to the second battery. The DC-DC converter may include a transformer to convert the first voltage into the second voltage, a first switch to control first current input to the transformer from the first battery, a current sensor to measure a value of second current output to the second battery from the transformer, and a controller to turn on/off the first switch based on a set turning-on/off frequency. The controller may delay turning-on/off of the first switch based on the measured value of the second current.