DC-DC Converter Phase-Offset Control for Thermal Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing direct-current-to-direct-current converters experience inefficiencies and heat dissipation issues due to variations in load and operating points, necessitating a method to minimize thermal energy by adjusting phase offsets in pulse-width modulation control signals.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilizes voltage and current sensors to estimate electromagnetic circuit inductance, adjusting phase offsets between primary and secondary converters via a transformer to minimize thermal energy dissipation by controlling power transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If phase offset adjustment is implemented to minimize thermal energy dissipation, then thermal management improves, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors thermal energy dissipation and adjusts the phase offset of PWM control signals based on feedback from temperature sensors and power stage measurements. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables dynamic optimization of thermal performance while maintaining manageable control complexity through automated adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the phase offset parameter of the PWM control signals between primary and secondary converters based on operating conditions. By adjusting this single critical parameter, the system optimizes power transfer efficiency and minimizes thermal dissipation without requiring complex structural modifications.
2Use of energy by moving object
If inductance estimation is performed to optimize power transfer, then efficiency improves, but measurement and calculation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs self-characterization by automatically estimating the transformer inductance parameter using measurements from existing sensors on the power stage. The system extracts inductance information from normal operating waveforms without requiring separate measurement equipment or external calibration procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex physical measurement equipment with electrical signal processing. By analyzing voltage and current waveforms from standard sensors, the system calculates inductance parameters through digital signal processing algorithms, eliminating the need for specialized measurement instruments.
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
The solution effectively reduces thermal energy dissipation in direct-current-to-direct-current converters by optimizing power transfer based on estimated inductance and phase offsets, enhancing efficiency and thermal management.
Implementation Method 1
a primary converter coupled to a secondary converter via a transformer
Implementation Method 2
estimate an electromagnetic circuit inductance (e.g., leakage inductance) of the transformer
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with one embodiment, a driver is configured to adjust a phase offset of driver control signals between corresponding switches of the same phase of the primary converter and the secondary converter consistent with the target power transfer and the estimated electromagnetic circuit inductance (e.g., comprising a leakage inductance), to minimize thermal energy dissipated from the direct-current-to-direct current converter or its transformer for the sampling time interval.