Multi-Phase DC-DC Converter Control After Converter Failure
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Solution Overview
Problem
A multi-phase DC/DC converter system fails to maintain a desired output voltage when any of its converters fail, leading to a sudden system shutdown.
Innovation Solution
A multi-phase power source circuit with a control unit that adjusts the operation time or switching period of remaining converters to compensate for the output of a failed converter, ensuring continuous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple DC-DC converters are operated in parallel to generate desired output voltage, then the output power and reliability are improved, but when a failure occurs in any converter, the system cannot maintain the desired output voltage and suddenly shuts down
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the switching period and operation time of DC-DC converters adjustable rather than fixed. When a converter fails, the control unit dynamically changes the switching period or operation time of remaining converters to compensate for the failed unit's output, allowing the system to adapt to failure conditions and maintain continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operating parameters (switching period and operation time) of the DC-DC converters based on system conditions. By detecting converter failures and adjusting these parameters, the system compensates for lost output capacity and maintains the desired output voltage level even when some converters are non-functional.
2Reliability
If the operation time of each DC-DC converter is extended to compensate for a failed converter, then the output voltage is maintained, but the switching frequency and efficiency may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit dynamically adjusts the operation time and switching period based on real-time system conditions. When a converter fails, it extends the operation time of remaining converters while managing the switching period to balance output maintenance with efficiency considerations, rather than using a fixed extended operation time that would always reduce efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic switching action with adjustable periods. By modifying the switching period and operation time cyclically based on system needs, the patent maintains continuous output while managing the trade-off between operation duration and switching frequency efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-phase power source circuit includes: a plurality of DC-DC converters; and a control unit configured to operate each of the plurality of DC-DC converters for a predetermined operation time in a predetermined switching period so that operation periods of the plurality of DC-DC converters are shifted from one another. The control unit is configured, when a failure is detected in any of the plurality of DC-DC converters, to change the predetermined switching period or the predetermined operation time of remaining DC-DC converters other than a failure DC-DC converter so as to compensate for an output of the failure DC-DC converter.