Dual-Converter Power Supply Control for Mid-Range Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric power supply systems experience reduced voltage conversion efficiency in the intermediate region between different current ranges, and there is no effective method to prevent further deterioration of low-voltage batteries.

Innovation Solution

An electric power supply system with a high-voltage and low-voltage battery, and two converters with different rated powers, controlled by a device that switches operation modes based on current ranges to optimize efficiency and prevent low-voltage battery deterioration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If only one converter is used for all current ranges, then the device complexity is reduced, but the voltage conversion efficiency deteriorates in intermediate regions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconverter configurationVSAvoidvoltage conversion efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the converter system into multiple segments (first converter and second converter with different rated powers) to handle different current ranges. Each converter operates optimally in its designated range, avoiding the efficiency loss that occurs when a single converter operates in intermediate regions away from its optimal point.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If converters operate in intermediate current regions, then the adaptability is improved, but the voltage conversion efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent range coverageVSAvoidvoltage conversion efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The control device dynamically switches between different converter configurations based on the current range. When output current is in the first range, only the first converter operates; when in the second range, only the second converter operates; and when in the intermediate range, both converters operate simultaneously to maintain high efficiency while adapting to the intermediate current level.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Loss of energy

If low-voltage battery supplies power in intermediate region, then the voltage conversion efficiency is improved, but the low-voltage battery deterioration accelerates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage conversion efficiencyVSAvoidlow-voltage battery lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control device monitors the output current and dynamically changes the operating parameters by switching between different converter configurations. When the output current is in the intermediate range, the system transitions from using only the low-voltage battery to using both converters simultaneously, thereby maintaining high voltage conversion efficiency while preventing excessive discharge and deterioration of the low-voltage battery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enhances voltage conversion efficiency across a wide range of currents and prevents further deterioration of low-voltage batteries by selectively operating converters and managing battery discharge.

Implementation Method 1

a first converter electrically connected between the high-voltage battery and the low-voltage battery, the first converter being configured to perform voltage conversion between the high-voltage battery and the low-voltage battery

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a second converter electrically connected between the high-voltage battery and the low-voltage battery, the second converter being configured to perform voltage conversion between the high-voltage battery and the low-voltage battery

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4636986A1Electric power supply system
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 DENSO CORP
  • EP4636986A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4636986A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4636986A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An electric power supply system includes: a high-voltage battery; a low-voltage battery having a nominal voltage lower than that of the high-voltage battery, the low-voltage battery being electrically connected to a load; a first converter electrically connected between the high-voltage battery and the low-voltage battery, the first converter being configured to perform voltage conversion between the high-voltage battery and the low-voltage battery; a second converter electrically connected between the high-voltage battery and the low-voltage battery, the second converter being configured to perform voltage conversion between the high-voltage battery and the low-voltage battery, the second converter having rated electric power lower than that of the first converter; and a control device that controls operations of the first converter and the second converter. The control device can selectively execute a plurality of operation modes depending on a total value of output currents of the first converter and the second converter.