Multi-Channel DC-DC Converter Control for Flexible Elevator Power

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing elevator systems require separate DC-DC converters for each power source and storage device, limiting flexibility and necessitating new converters for upgrades or changes, while existing multi-channel DC-DC converters lack adaptability to different power requirements and configurations.

Innovation Solution

A single multi-channel DC-DC converter system with independently connectable channels and a programmable controller that stores information on connected devices, allowing flexible power management and adaptation to various power sources and storage devices, enabling seamless integration of new or upgraded components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate DC-DC converters are used for each power source and storage device, then each device can be independently controlled, but the system complexity increases and flexibility decreases when upgrades or changes are needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent control of each deviceVSAvoidnumber of converters required
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate DC-DC converter functions into a single multi-channel DC-DC converter unit. This single converter can connect to multiple power sources and storage devices simultaneously, reducing the total number of converter units needed while maintaining independent control capability through its multi-channel architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single multi-channel DC-DC converter is designed to serve multiple functions by connecting to different types of devices (power sources and storage devices) through its multiple channels. This universal design allows the same converter unit to handle various device configurations and upgrade scenarios without requiring dedicated converters for each device type

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Power

If existing multi-channel DC-DC converters are used with single device connections, then current drawing capabilities are increased, but adaptability to different power requirements and configurations is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent drawing capabilityVSAvoidadaptability to different power requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control of the multi-channel DC-DC converter channels, allowing the system to adaptively activate or deactivate specific channels based on real-time power requirements and device configurations. This dynamic operation enables the converter to optimize its power drawing capability while adapting to different operational scenarios and device types

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The converter channels are segmented into independently controllable units, allowing selective activation of specific channels based on the connected devices and power requirements. This segmentation enables flexible configuration where different channels can serve different devices or functions, enhancing adaptability while maintaining high current drawing capability when needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4368553B1Elevator system and method of controlling a power control system
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 OTIS ELEVATOR CO
  • EP4368553B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4368553B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4368553B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An elevator system (31) comprising a power control system (16). The power control system (16) includes a multi-channel DC-DC converter (2) including a plurality of parallel channels (4). Each channel (4) of the multi-channel DC-DC converter (2) is independently connectable to a device (18). The power control system (16) also includes a controller (14) configured to control each channel (4) of the multi-channel DC-DC converter (2). The controller (14) is configured to receive and store for each channel (4) of the multi-channel DC-DC converter (2) information (42) on the device (18) connected to that channel (4).