Inverter Control Frequency Alternation for Lower Switching Heat

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional power converters experience high switching power consumption and temperature, leading to accelerated component aging and limited module power operation.

Innovation Solution

A power converter design with an inverter module and control module that alternates the frequency of control signals to the first and second arms, ensuring different frequencies in each driving period, thereby reducing switching power consumption and temperature.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If high-frequency switching signals are used for switching operations, then switching speed and power conversion efficiency are improved, but switching power consumption and temperature increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching speedVSAvoidswitching power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by alternating between high-frequency switching mode and low-frequency switching mode in different driving periods. The control module switches between these modes periodically, using high-frequency mode when rapid response is needed and low-frequency mode when reducing power consumption and temperature is prioritized, thus resolving the contradiction between switching speed and power consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Productivity

If high-frequency switching signals are used for switching operations, then power conversion efficiency is improved, but temperature of the switch increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower conversion efficiencyVSAvoidswitch temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The control module implements periodic action by alternately switching between high-frequency and low-frequency modes. During low-frequency periods, the switch operates at reduced frequency to allow cooling and reduce thermal accumulation, while during high-frequency periods, power conversion efficiency is enhanced. This periodic alternation resolves the contradiction between maintaining high conversion efficiency and controlling switch temperature

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Power

If high-frequency switching operations are performed continuously, then power output is maintained, but component aging accelerates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower outputVSAvoidcomponent lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by introducing low-frequency operation periods interspersed between high-frequency operation periods. During low-frequency periods, the reduced switching stress allows components to recover and reduces cumulative damage, thereby extending component lifespan. The system maintains overall power output by alternating between these modes, resolving the contradiction between sustained power delivery and component reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

4Loss of time

If high-frequency switching signals are used, then response time is reduced, but switching power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse timeVSAvoidswitching power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The control module implements periodic action by alternating between high-frequency mode (for fast response) and low-frequency mode (for reduced power consumption). The system dynamically selects between these modes based on operational requirements, achieving fast response when needed while consuming less power during other periods, thus resolving the contradiction between response time and power consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP4576552A1Power converter
Publication Date: 2025.06.25 DELTA ELECTRONICS INC(CN)
  • EP4576552A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4576552A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4576552A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A power converter includes an inverter module and a control module. The inverter module includes a first arm and a second arm. The inverter module receives a first alternating current voltage, a plurality of first and second control signals. The first and second arms transform the first alternating current voltage to a first direct current voltage and a second direct current voltage according to the first and second control signals. The control module generates the first control signals to the first arm and generates the second control signals to the second arm according to the first alternating current voltage and a predetermined voltage. In each of the driving periods, the frequency of the first control signals is different from the frequency of the second control signals. In at least two of the driving periods, the frequencies of the first control signals are different.