Modular Power Converter Feedback Control for Fault-Tolerant Voltage Conversion

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power conversion systems are inefficient, bulky, and costly, particularly in space applications, lacking flexibility and resilience to environmental stressors like radiation.

Innovation Solution

A modular configurable electronic power converter (MCEPC) with bidirectional converter modules, a power bus, and a controller module that provides intelligent feedback and control for voltage conversion, allowing for redundancy and easy maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional power conversion systems are used, then power conversion function is provided, but the systems are inefficient, bulky, and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower conversion efficiencyVSAvoidsystem bulk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The power conversion system is divided into multiple independent converter modules (first converter module, second converter module, etc.) that can operate independently. Each module contains its own controller and can be individually managed, allowing the system to achieve high efficiency through optimized modular operation while reducing overall system bulk by only deploying necessary modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The converter modules are designed with universal functionality to perform multiple operations including voltage conversion, power transmission, and fault isolation. The modules can operate in various configurations (series, parallel, or individually) to adapt to different power conversion requirements, eliminating the need for separate specialized equipment and reducing system bulk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If traditional power conversion systems are used, then power conversion function is provided, but they lack flexibility and resilience to environmental stressors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresilience to environmental stressorsVSAvoidsystem flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into independent converter modules with individual controllers that can operate autonomously. This segmentation provides resilience because failure of one module does not compromise the entire system, and healthy modules can continue operating to maintain power conversion functionality under environmental stressors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The controller modules can dynamically change operational parameters such as voltage levels, current distribution, and module configuration based on environmental conditions and system state. This parameter adaptability enhances resilience to environmental stressors while maintaining system flexibility through software-controlled adjustments rather than hardware reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of repair

If modular converter modules are used, then redundancy and maintenance capability are improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance capabilityVSAvoidmodular system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power conversion system is divided into discrete, standardized converter modules that can be independently removed, replaced, or maintained. Each module is designed as a self-contained unit with uniform interfaces, simplifying maintenance procedures despite the increased number of components. The modular architecture allows maintenance personnel to work on individual modules without affecting the entire system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple converter modules are merged into a unified system through standardized power buses and control interfaces. This merging approach maintains ease of repair by preserving individual module independence while managing system complexity through integrated control that treats multiple modules as a coordinated whole, allowing simple swap-out procedures for maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Manufacturing precision

If feedback control is implemented, then voltage conversion precision is improved, but control system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage conversion precisionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Controller modules receive feedback signals from converter modules regarding operational status, voltage levels, and fault conditions. This feedback enables precise voltage conversion control through continuous monitoring and adjustment, achieving high manufacturing precision in voltage conversion while managing control complexity through decentralized control architecture where each controller manages only its associated module.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12362663B2Software defined electronic power converter with feedback control

Publication Date: 2025.07.15 WARD STEVEN R

AI summary

Systems, methods, and devices for converting electric power are disclosed. Converter modules convert power in a configurable manner in conjunction with a controller.