DC Power Distribution Control for Converter Efficiency Balancing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing DC power supply and distribution systems do not consider the efficiency of DC/DC converters, leading to inefficiencies in power supply to loads and overall system performance.

Innovation Solution

A DC power supply and distribution system that includes multiple distribution lines for different loads, converters to adjust voltages and powers based on load states, and a controller to optimize efficiency by minimizing power consumption and maximizing the efficiency of converters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If DC power is supplied preferentially to loads with much power consumption, then power consumption of critical loads is reduced, but the efficiency of the system as a whole is not improved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumption reductionVSAvoidsystem efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The control device receives efficiency information from efficiency detectors monitoring each DC/DC converter and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust power distribution. The controller calculates total efficiency based on individual converter efficiencies and power consumption, then redistributes power to maximize overall system efficiency rather than simply prioritizing high-power loads.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operating parameters of DC/DC converters by adjusting their power consumption levels based on efficiency measurements. The controller modifies the power supply parameters to each converter to operate them at optimal efficiency points, transforming the system from static power distribution to dynamic parameter optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If power supply voltage is determined according to load consumption current, then load power consumption is optimized, but converter efficiency loss is not considered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload power optimizationVSAvoidconverter efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Efficiency detectors provide real-time feedback on each DC/DC converter's efficiency to the control device. This feedback loop enables the controller to adjust power distribution decisions based on actual converter performance, ensuring that voltage and power assignments consider both load requirements and converter efficiency characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control device performs multiple functions: it determines power supply voltages for loads, calculates total power consumption, monitors converter efficiencies, and optimizes overall system efficiency. This multi-functional controller integrates both load optimization and converter efficiency considerations into a unified decision-making process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3968478B1DC power supply and distribution system
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP3968478B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3968478B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3968478B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present DC power supply and distribution system includes a plurality of distribution lines (L1, L2) provided respectively corresponding to a plurality of loads (A1, A2), a first converter (4) to convert an AC voltage from a commercial AC power source (10) into a plurality of DC voltages (VA, VB) and supply the DC voltages respectively to the distribution lines, a second converter (7) to convert a DC power from a power generation and storage source (11) into a plurality of DC powers (P1, P2) and supply the DC powers respectively to the distribution lines, and a power controller (9A) to control the DC powers such that the efficiency of the first converter is increased, based on information related to the efficiency of the second converter.