Dual Power Converter Control for Vehicle Load Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power systems for vehicles face challenges in efficiently distributing power to non-propulsion loads without increasing the weight of the vehicle, as higher power ratings in power electronic components lead to increased weight, which is impractical.
Innovation Solution
A power system comprising two power generating units, each with a power converting subunit and control unit, where the control units regulate voltage and current to share electrical output current between the units, allowing for efficient distribution of head end power to a load without the need for excessive weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the power rating of power electronic components is increased to supply more power to non-propulsion loads, then the power supply capability is improved, but the weight of the vehicle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power system is divided into multiple power generating units (first and second power generating units), each with its own power converting subunit. This segmentation allows the power supply capability to be distributed across multiple lighter components rather than requiring a single high-power component, thus maintaining total power output while reducing individual component weights and overall vehicle weight.
2Weight of moving object
If multiple power generating units are used to share power output, then the weight is reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control units of the multiple power generating units are coordinated to work together as an integrated system. The first control unit regulates voltage of the first power generating unit, while the second control unit controls current sharing between units. This merging of control functions manages the complexity of multiple units through coordinated operation, enabling weight reduction while maintaining system manageability.
Data Source
AI summary
A power system is disclosed. The power system includes a first power generating unit. The first power generating unit includes a first power converting subunit and a first control unit coupled to the first power converting subunit, where the first control unit is configured to regulate a voltage of the first power generating unit. The power system further includes a second power generating unit coupled to the first power generating unit and a load, where the second power generating unit includes a second power converting subunit and a second control unit coupled to the second power converting subunit, wherein the second control unit is configured to control a current of the second power generating unit to share a quantity of electrical output current flowing through the load among the first and second power generating units.