Multiphase Power Management with Phase Tuning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power conversion systems face inefficiencies due to intermittent current from switched mode power supplies, requiring extensive and costly filtering techniques, and struggle to optimize power transfer across imbalanced energy sources.
Innovation Solution
The method involves a control module and circuitry that manage the phase tuning of power sources, such as photovoltaic cells or batteries, to transfer power to a load while minimizing output voltage transients by adjusting duty cycles and timing based on input voltage, output voltage, and current levels, thereby reducing the need for output filtering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If switched mode power supplies are used for power conversion, then power can be increased in electrical circuits, but intermittent current requires extensive and expensive filtering techniques
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides power conversion into multiple interleaved phases, where each phase operates at a different timing. This segmentation of the power conversion process smooths the overall current waveform, reducing ripple and minimizing the filtering requirements while maintaining high power capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic switching action across multiple phases with different duty cycles. By coordinating the periodic operation of multiple phases, the system achieves continuous power delivery with reduced current ripple, eliminating the need for extensive filtering components
2Productivity
If duty cycles are adjusted to optimize power transfer from imbalanced sources, then power conversion efficiency improves, but output voltage transients increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback control that continuously monitors output voltage and adjusts the duty cycles of individual phases accordingly. This feedback mechanism allows the system to optimize power transfer from imbalanced sources while actively compensating for voltage transients, maintaining stable output voltage despite varying input conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the duty cycles of each phase based on real-time operating conditions and source imbalances. This dynamic control enables the system to adapt to changing load and source conditions, optimizing efficiency while minimizing voltage transients through coordinated phase switching
3Stability of the object's composition
If extensive filtering techniques are used to smooth intermittent current, then output voltage stability improves, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the power conversion into multiple interleaved phases that operate at different timings, the system inherently smooths the output current waveform. This reduces the magnitude of voltage transients and ripple, allowing for minimal or no additional filtering components while maintaining stable output voltage
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprises a plurality of power sources, one or more processors embedded with the plurality of power sources, and memory storing processor executable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus to modify duty cycles of the power sources, and to modify timing for each phase of a multiphase cycle. In some cases, the apparatus: transfers, for each phase of the multiphase cycle, power from a different power source of a plurality of power sources to a load; determines, for each phase of the multiphase cycle, an input voltage associated with the transferred power, an output voltage associated with the transferred power, and current from the power source associated with the transferred power; determines a duty cycle associated with the power source; modifies duty cycles of the power sources; and modifies timing for each phase of the multiphase cycle.