DC Sub-Grid Phase Control for Switching Ripple Cancellation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical circuit arrangements connected to direct current sub-grids experience faults in the form of voltage ripples due to switching components, which can overload other components and require large, costly capacitors for smoothing.

Innovation Solution

The method involves connecting components across a communication link and determining a phase position between their cycle times based on fault information about present alternating voltages in the direct current sub-grid, allowing for adaptive phase adjustment to mitigate voltage ripples.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If capacitors are used to smooth out voltage in the direct current grid, then voltage ripples are filtered, but the capacitor size and manufacturing expense increase substantially

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage ripplesVSAvoidcapacitor size and cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful voltage ripples generated by switching components into a beneficial effect by synchronizing and phase-shifting multiple switching operations. The ripples from multiple components are made to cancel each other out through coordinated phase positioning, transforming the harmful effect into a voltage-smoothing mechanism that eliminates the need for large capacitors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs periodic switching actions of multiple components with synchronized cycle times and specific phase relationships. By coordinating the periodic switching of at least two components connected to the same direct current grid, the system creates a combined switching pattern that reduces voltage ripples through constructive and destructive interference of the periodic voltage variations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple components are switched with different cycle times, then operational flexibility is improved, but voltage ripples and alternating voltage loads increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidvoltage ripples
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The control device monitors the switching operations of multiple components and dynamically adjusts their phase positions based on detected voltage conditions in the direct current grid. This feedback mechanism ensures that even when components operate with different cycle times for operational flexibility, their phase relationships are continuously optimized to minimize voltage ripples and alternating voltage loads

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12244136B2Method for operating an electrical circuit arrangement comprising at least one first component and one second component, the electrical circuit arrangement, and a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.03.04 AUDI AG
  • US12244136B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for operating an electrical circuit arrangement comprising at least one first component and one second component, wherein the components are electrically connected across a direct current sub-grid of the electrical circuit arrangement, includes switching the first component at a first operating point with a first cycle time and switching the second component at a second operating point with a second cycle time, wherein the components are connected across a communication link and a phase position is determined and set between the first cycle time and the second cycle time as a function of fault information describing at least one present alternating voltage in the direct current sub-grid.