Multilevel Regenerative Drive PWM Strategy for Acoustic Noise and Efficiency

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Elevator regenerative drives face challenges in managing acoustic noise, efficiency, neutral point stability, and thermal balancing, which are not adequately addressed by existing control systems.

Innovation Solution

A control system and method that apply unipolar and bipolar modulation to both the converter and inverter of a multilevel regenerative drive, utilizing a controller to manage power modulation and achieve improved efficiency, acoustic performance, and thermal balancing, while maintaining neutral point stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional PWM control is used in regenerative drives, then the system can operate, but acoustic noise and efficiency are not optimized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveacoustic noiseVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system dynamically selects between unipolar and bipolar PWM modulation modes based on operating conditions. The controller switches between different modulation strategies to optimize acoustic performance across varying load and speed conditions, making the control approach adaptive rather than static

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the PWM modulation parameters (switching patterns, duty cycle calculation methods) between unipolar and bipolar modes to optimize acoustic noise. By varying these control parameters based on operating conditions, the system achieves better acoustic performance without fundamental redesign

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of energy

If conventional PWM control is used, then the system can operate, but efficiency and thermal balancing are not optimized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system adapts its PWM strategy dynamically based on real-time operating conditions including load, speed, and thermal states. This dynamic adjustment optimizes efficiency across the operating range and enables active thermal management by redistributing switching losses

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control system uses feedback from current sensors and temperature sensors to adjust PWM modulation parameters. This closed-loop control optimizes efficiency by adapting to actual operating conditions and manages thermal balance through active redistribution of switching losses among power devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Stability of the object's composition

If conventional PWM control is used, then the system can operate, but neutral point stability is not maintained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveneutral point stabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system continuously monitors the neutral point potential and adjusts PWM switching patterns to maintain stability. When neutral point imbalance is detected, the controller modifies the duty cycles or switching sequences to redistribute currents and restore balance, creating a closed-loop control mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3083468B1PWM strategy for regenerative multilevel drive
Publication Date: 2020.07.08 OTIS ELEVATOR CO
  • EP3083468B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3083468B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3083468B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method (70) for controlling a multilevel regenerative drive (30) having a converter (32) and an inverter (34) is disclosed. The method (70) may include applying at least one of unipolar modulation and bipolar modulation to the converter (32), and applying at least one of unipolar modulation and bipolar modulation to the inverter (34). A control system (52) for a mechanical system (20) having a motor (28) is also disclosed. The control system (52) may comprise a converter (32) operatively connected to a power source (29), and an inverter (34) operatively connected to the motor (28) of the mechanical system (20). At least one controller may be in communication with the converter (32) and inverter (34), and may be configured to apply at least one of unipolar modulation and bipolar modulation to each of the converter (32) and the inverter (34).