Inductor Current Mapping Controller for Power Inverters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power inverters face challenges in achieving efficient DC-to-AC conversion with high power quality due to the complexity and performance compromises in digital control methods, particularly at high switching frequencies, which require accurate voltage and current relation definitions and real-time processing, often necessitating additional sensors and management systems.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an Inductor Current Mapping (ICM) controller, which bypasses detailed digital analysis by directly mapping voltage-current relations in filter inductors to the controller's analog integrator, providing a simple, robust, and efficient control method that does not require current sensors or additional start-up management, and can handle a wide range of power factor loads, including nonlinear loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If digital control methods are used for power inverters, then control precision and adaptability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces digital control systems with an analog control circuit that directly processes voltage signals. The analog integrator and comparator circuitry substitute for digital processors, ADCs, and software algorithms, eliminating the need for complex digital processing while maintaining control precision through continuous analog signal processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary components from the control system. By removing current sensors, ADCs, and digital processing units, the design achieves simplified control while maintaining functionality. The essential control function is retained through the analog voltage-based inductor current mapping approach.
2Adaptability or versatility
If digital control methods are used for power inverters, then adaptability to different load conditions is improved, but ease of operation and reliability worsen due to more components
Solution Approach 1:
The analog control circuit performs multiple functions simultaneously: it maps inductor current to control voltage, regulates output voltage, and adapts to different load conditions through the inherent characteristics of the analog components. The single integrated analog circuit replaces multiple specialized digital components, improving reliability while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system uses the existing voltage signals already present in the circuit to generate control actions. By mapping the inductor current through voltage relations that are naturally available in the circuit, the system achieves adaptive control without requiring external sensors or complex processing, thereby improving reliability.
3Power
If high switching frequencies are used, then power density is improved, but device complexity increases due to real-time processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces digital real-time processing with analog real-time processing. The analog integrator continuously integrates the control voltage to generate the PWM signal, providing real-time response at high switching frequencies without the computational overhead of digital processors. This enables high power density applications while maintaining simplicity.
4Measurement precision
If additional sensors and management systems are added, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes current sensors from the system by using the voltage signal already generated by the inductor's inherent electrical characteristics. The analog integrator processes this existing voltage signal to derive inductor current information, eliminating the need for separate sensing components and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to methods and corresponding apparatus for regulation, control, and management of DC-to-AC, AC-to-DC, and/or DC-to-DC switching power conversion.