Parallel Power Converter Control for EV Loss Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling electric drive vehicles do not effectively maximize energy efficiency and reduce power losses in electric/electronic components across all operating conditions.
Innovation Solution
A control method that determines the optimal use of electric motors and power converters by comparing power losses with single and dual module configurations, switching between them to minimize energy waste and distribute wear and heating, utilizing control units to estimate and manage power losses based on current intensity, temperature, and torque requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single electronic power converter module is used to power the electric motor, then the device complexity is reduced, but the power losses in electric/electronic components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between single-module and dual-module configurations based on real-time operating conditions (current intensity, temperature, torque requirements). The control unit continuously monitors these parameters and adjusts the number of active power converter modules to optimize the trade-off between complexity and energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the power converter system by adjusting the number of active modules based on current intensity, temperature, and torque requirements. This parameter-based control enables the system to adapt to different operating conditions and minimize power losses while managing thermal and electrical constraints.
2Loss of energy
If dual module configuration is used in parallel, then the power losses are reduced and energy efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic control to switch between single-module and dual-module configurations based on real-time monitoring of current intensity, temperature, and torque requirements. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to utilize dual-module operation only when beneficial for reducing power losses, thereby managing the complexity-energy efficiency trade-off.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit adjusts the number of active power converter modules based on changing operational parameters such as current intensity, temperature, and torque requirements. This parameter-driven approach enables the system to activate dual-module configuration selectively under conditions where it provides optimal energy efficiency.
3Power
If higher rated power electric motor is used (greater than 200 kW), then the power and performance are improved, but the power losses in electronic power converter increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic power converter is segmented into multiple independent modules that can operate in parallel. This segmentation allows the system to distribute the power conversion load across multiple modules, thereby reducing the power losses in each individual module while maintaining the high total power output required for motors greater than 200 kW.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of active power converter modules based on the power requirements and operating conditions. For high-power applications exceeding 200 kW, the control unit activates multiple modules in parallel to reduce power losses, while for lower power demands, it switches to single-module operation to minimize complexity.
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
This method significantly reduces power losses in electric/electronic components, achieving up to 200-300 continuous Watts savings in certain conditions while maintaining ease of implementation with minimal computational requirements.
Implementation Method 1
the electronic power converter (namely, an inverter) which performs the conversion of the electric energy from direct (on the side connected to the storage system) to alternating (on the side connected to the electric motor) and vice versa
Implementation Method 2
utilizing control units to estimate and manage power losses based on current intensity, temperature, and torque requirements
Implementation Method 3
distribute wear and heating, utilizing control units to estimate and manage power losses
Data Source
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AI summary
A method to control an electric drive vehicle (1) having at least one electric motor (4) and an electronic power converter (6) provided with at least two power modules (9), which are connected to one another in parallel to power the electric motor (4) together. The control method provides for the steps of: determining an intensity of an electric current (I) to be supplied by the electronic power converter (6) to the electric motor (4); comparing the desired intensity of the electric current (I) with a threshold value; and always using both power modules (9) to supply the electric current (I) to the electric motor (4), if the desired intensity of the electric current (I) exceeds the threshold value.