High-Voltage Power Supply Series Module Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-voltage power supplies for applications like gyrotrons face challenges in providing stable output voltage with low ripple while handling large, rapid current changes, as existing pulse-step modulators either require pulse-width modulation (PWM) for accurate control, which is difficult to implement without introducing EMC issues, or rely on coarse-step modulation leading to significant voltage ripple.
Innovation Solution
A high-voltage power supply with a series configuration of DC power modules, each equipped with a DC-DC converter and a feedback control circuit that regulates the DC link voltage to a predetermined reference, allowing for rapid response to current changes and minimizing voltage ripple by operating the DC-DC converters as voltage regulators rather than constant power converters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pulse-width modulation (PWM) is used for accurate voltage control, then voltage control precision is improved, but device complexity and EMC issues worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply is divided into multiple independent DC power modules connected in series, each module capable of operating autonomously. This segmentation allows simplified control of individual modules while achieving accurate overall voltage control through the combined effect of multiple modules, avoiding the complexity of PWM switching schemes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic voltage adjustment by selectively switching individual DC power modules on or off based on load requirements. This dynamic configuration allows the total output voltage to be precisely controlled in steps corresponding to the individual module voltages, providing accurate control without complex PWM schemes.
2Measurement precision
If PWM is used for voltage control, then voltage control precision is improved, but voltage ripple worsens
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the power supply into multiple independent modules with their own rectifier and smoothing circuits, the patent distributes the voltage generation across multiple sources. This segmentation naturally reduces voltage ripple through the series combination of multiple stable DC links, eliminating the need for PWM and its associated ripple problems.
Solution Approach 2:
Each DC power module continuously provides a stable DC link voltage through its rectifier and smoothing capacitance. This continuous, stable voltage provision from multiple modules in series ensures low overall voltage ripple without requiring PWM switching, maintaining both precision and stability.
3Device complexity
If coarse-step modulation is used, then device complexity is reduced, but voltage stability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply is segmented into multiple independent DC power modules, each contributing a fixed DC link voltage to the series output. This segmentation enables coarse-step voltage adjustment through simple on/off switching of modules while maintaining voltage stability through the inherent stability of each module's DC link, achieving both simplicity and stability.
4Power
If multiple DC power modules are connected in series, then output voltage is improved, but handling rapid current changes worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control by enabling selective and rapid switching of individual DC power modules in response to load changes. When rapid current changes occur, the control system can quickly turn specific modules on or off to adjust the total output voltage, providing fast response capability while maintaining the high series output voltage.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the power supply into independently controllable modules, the system can respond to current changes by adjusting only the necessary subset of modules rather than controlling the entire system. This segmentation enables faster response times while maintaining the ability to generate high series output voltages.
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
The solution enables a stable total output voltage with low ripple and rapid response to current changes, effectively addressing the limitations of traditional PSM power supplies by eliminating the need for PWM and reducing voltage ripple, thus improving the performance and reliability of high-voltage power supplies for applications like gyrotrons.
Implementation Method 1
each power module comprising a DC voltage source, a DC-DC converter receiving an input voltage from said DC voltage source and providing a DC link voltage
Implementation Method 2
the power supply comprises, for each DC power module, a feedback control circuit operable to provide driving signals to the DC-DC converter of said power module in a manner that regulates said DC link voltage to a predetermined reference voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A stabilized high-voltage power supply is disclosed, having a general setup similar to a pulse-step modulator. The power supply comprises a plurality of DC power modules (40) having their outputs connected in a series configuration. Each power module comprises a DC voltage source (41), a DC-DC converter (42), and an output switching circuit (43). The total output voltage of the power supply is regulated by regulating the DC link voltage at the output of each power module. This is achieved by an appropriate feedback control circuit driving the DC-DC converter of each power module. In this manlier, low output ripple and a rapid response to changes in output current can be achieved. The power supply may be used, e.g., as the cathode power supply of a gyrotron.