Multi-phase Interleaved Converter Current Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-phase interleaved converters face issues with current imbalance between phases, leading to increased load factors in microprocessors (MICOM) and potential overload and damage to power elements, due to the use of multiple current controllers which complicates control processes.
Innovation Solution
A multi-phase interleaved converter design that utilizes a single current controller and a balancing controller to sense phase current values and adjust duty ratios across sub-circuits, ensuring balanced inductor currents and reducing the load factor on MICOM by simplifying the control process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If multiple current controllers are used for each phase, then current balance between phases is improved, but device complexity and microprocessor load factor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple current controllers into a single current controller that processes current values from all phases. Instead of having separate controllers for each phase, one current controller receives current values from all phases, performs current control, and generates duty ratios that are then distributed to respective phases through the balancing controller.
Solution Approach 2:
The balancing controller acts as an intermediary between the single current controller and the phase sub-circuits. It receives the duty ratio from the current controller and phase current values, then adjusts and distributes appropriate duty ratios to each phase sub-circuit, enabling centralized control while maintaining phase-specific optimization.
2Device complexity
If one current controller is used for all phases, then device complexity is reduced, but current balance between phases deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The balancing controller serves as an intermediary that receives phase current values and the duty ratio from the single current controller, then adjusts and distributes phase-specific duty ratios to maintain current balance across all phases while using centralized control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring phase current values and using them in the balancing controller to adjust duty ratios. The balancing controller receives real-time current information and modifies duty ratios accordingly to maintain current balance, creating a closed-loop control system.
3Productivity
If phase-shifting signals with same duty ratio are used, then microprocessor load factor is reduced, but instantaneous current changes are not reflected accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The balancing controller continuously receives phase current values as feedback and uses this information to adjust duty ratios dynamically. This ensures that instantaneous current changes are detected and reflected in the control signals, maintaining accurate current control while using a single current controller.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static phase-shifting with fixed duty ratios to dynamic duty ratio adjustment. The balancing controller dynamically modifies duty ratios based on real-time phase current values, enabling the system to respond to instantaneous current changes while maintaining reduced microprocessor load.
Data Source
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Figure 3(a)~4(b)
AI summary
A multi-phase interleaved converter includes n sub-circuits of phases, a current controller and a balancing controller. The n sub-circuits of phases have inputs connected in parallel and outputs connected in parallel in order to convert a direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC) input voltage of one level into a DC or AC output voltage of another level. The current controller receives a current control command and a phase current value of a particular sub-circuit of a particular phase among the n sub-circuits of the respective phases to output a control signal for controlling the particular sub-circuit of the particular phase. The balancing controller receives phase current values of the n sub-circuits of the respective phases and receives a control signal output from the current controller to adjust the duty ratios of control signals applied to the other sub-circuits.