Hybrid Modulation Logic for Power Converter Overcurrent Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power converter modulation methods either face issues with overcurrent leading to shutdowns, resonance, and noise due to their deterministic nature, or suffer from inefficiencies and increased thermal losses due to stochastic current control, making it challenging to achieve optimal performance across various criteria like cost, reliability, and electromagnetic compatibility.
Innovation Solution
A method that combines voltage-impressing and current-impressing modulation by using a control logic to logically link data from both modulation methods, allowing seamless switching between them based on operational conditions, thereby generating control signals that mitigate the disadvantages of each individual method.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If voltage-impressing modulation is used, then deterministic behavior and high control quality are achieved, but overcurrent events and resonance effects occur leading to shutdowns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines voltage-impressing modulation and current-impressing modulation into a hybrid control system. The control logic selectively applies voltage-impressing modulation during normal operation to maintain deterministic behavior, and switches to current-impressing modulation when overcurrent or resonance conditions are detected, thereby merging the advantages of both methods to eliminate shutdowns while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switching between different modulation strategies based on real-time system conditions. The control logic continuously monitors operational parameters and adaptively changes the modulation mode, transitioning from static voltage-impressing control to dynamic hybrid control that responds to changing system states, thereby preventing overcurrent events and resonance while maintaining deterministic behavior
2Reliability
If current-impressing modulation is used, then overcurrent shutdowns are avoided, but thermal losses and switching frequency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies current-impressing modulation only partially, specifically during conditions requiring overcurrent protection or resonance avoidance. During normal operation, voltage-impressing modulation is used for efficient deterministic control. This partial application of current-impressing modulation provides necessary operational continuity without incurring excessive thermal losses during routine operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes control parameters by switching between different modulation strategies. The control logic adjusts the modulation mode based on system conditions, changing from voltage-impressing (efficient but vulnerable to overcurrent) to current-impressing (protective but less efficient) modulation, thereby optimizing the balance between operational continuity and thermal loss minimization
3Manufacturing precision
If voltage-impressing modulation is used, then defined switching frequency and control quality are achieved, but noise pollution and resonance effects require complex filters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful noise and resonance effects generated by voltage-impressing modulation into beneficial operational insights. By monitoring these effects and using them as triggers to switch to current-impressing modulation, the system transforms noise-induced problems into useful feedback signals that initiate protective mode changes, thereby eliminating the need for complex filtering while maintaining control quality
Data Source
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AI summary
The method involves controlling semiconductor switches by a control logic (34) based on generated control signals (32), where the control logic obtains data for voltage-impressing modulation and data for current-impressing modulation. A logic UND-conjunction of the obtained data is carried out by the control logic for generation of the control signals. The data for voltage-impressing modulation are generated based on a voltage reference value (40) that is supplied to a signal generator (36). Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a power converter device comprising a power converter (2) a computer program comprising instructions to perform a method for operating a power converter (3) a storage medium comprising instructions to perform a method for operating a power converter.