Interleaved DC Power Supply Channel Activation Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Interleaved n-cell DC switching power supplies with resonant circuits face efficiency degradation at varying power levels due to fixed power losses in resonant elements, leading to reduced efficiency when operating below full power capacity.

Innovation Solution

A control device dynamically activates or inhibits conversion channels based on the power level processed by the power supply, using a calculation circuit to determine the number of active channels and generate corresponding control signals to optimize channel activation and minimize thermal losses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If all conversion channels are activated continuously, then full power capacity is available, but fixed power losses increase at lower power operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower capacityVSAvoidfixed power losses
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The control device dynamically adjusts the number of active conversion channels based on the actual power level processed by the power supply. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain full power capacity when needed while reducing fixed power losses at lower power operations by deactivating unnecessary channels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameter of the number of active channels from a fixed value to a variable parameter that depends on the power level. This parameter change enables the system to optimize the balance between power capacity and fixed power losses by adjusting the number of active channels according to operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of energy

If the number of active channels is reduced at lower power levels, then fixed power losses are minimized, but power processing capability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixed power lossesVSAvoidpower processing capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the number of active channels based on the power level processed, allowing it to minimize fixed power losses at lower power levels by reducing the number of active channels, and to increase power processing capability when needed by activating more channels. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between minimizing losses and maintaining capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control device uses feedback about the power level processed by the power supply to determine the optimal number of active channels. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically adjust its configuration to minimize fixed power losses while maintaining adequate power processing capability for the current operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 approach enhances efficiency by reducing fixed power losses and optimizing channel activation, maintaining high efficiency across varying power levels, including at lower power operations where traditional resonant structures perform poorly.

Implementation Method 1

the switching switch S is placed in a resonant circuit, represented schematically by a simple rectangle referenced 10 on the figure 2

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

The transfer of energy from the input to the output occurs via the energy storage element, which stores the energy and then releases it at the rate of switching the switch to the open state and the closed state

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic energy storage: Inductor

Implementation Method 3

The present invention relates to a system for powering a load comprising a fuel cell

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFuel cell electrochemical conversion: Fuel Cell

Data Source

PatentEP2258036B1Device for controlling a power supply with DC DC splitting of the type including n interlaced paths
Publication Date: 2019.10.09 PSA AUTOMOBILES SA
  • EP2258036B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1c
  • EP2258036B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2258036B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

According to the invention, in a power supply with n interlaced BCi conversion cells, a control device activates m paths among the n paths, with 1= m= n, based on the power (PA) or the current handled by said power supply. The cell may have a boost, buck, buck/boost, Cuk, or SEPIC topology. The invention can be used in fuel cells.