Parallel Voltage Converter Control for Thermal Load Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Voltage converters connected in parallel often operate at inefficient points, leading to excessive heating due to limited component dimensions and preset parameters, resulting in poor efficiency and potential overheating.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that dynamically adjust the operating modes of voltage converters based on temperature and current limits, allowing for alternate operation and phase switching to prevent overheating and optimize efficiency, by selecting which converters are active and when, thereby reducing waste heat and current fluctuations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If voltage converters are operated at preset parameters to meet task requirements, then the task is fulfilled, but the converters operate at inefficient points leading to excessive heating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operating mode selection that adapts to real-time temperature and current conditions. The control system continuously monitors converter state and switches between different operating modes (first mode for normal operation, second mode for high temperature/current conditions) to maintain efficient operation while preventing overheating.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters by switching between different operating modes based on temperature and current thresholds. In the first operating mode, converters operate with standard parameters, while in the second operating mode, parameters are adjusted (such as reducing power output or changing switching frequencies) to reduce heating while still meeting task requirements.
2Power
If multiple voltage converters are connected in parallel to increase output power, then the output power increases, but the converters operate at inefficient points due to component dimension limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the total power output requirement among multiple voltage converters operating in parallel. Each converter handles a portion of the total load, allowing them to operate closer to their optimal efficiency points while collectively providing the required total power output.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic load distribution among parallel converters through mode switching. The control system adjusts which converters are active and their individual power contributions based on real-time temperature and current conditions, optimizing overall system efficiency while maintaining required output power.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If voltage converters operate continuously to ensure permanent operation, then availability is maintained, but excessive heating occurs due to inefficient operating points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic monitoring and mode switching based on temperature and current thresholds. The system continuously operates but periodically adjusts its operating mode in response to changing conditions, switching to the second operating mode when thresholds are exceeded and returning to the first mode when conditions improve, thereby preventing sustained overheating while maintaining continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback control by continuously monitoring temperature and current conditions and using this information to dynamically select operating modes. The control system receives feedback from temperature sensors and current measurements, then adjusts converter operation accordingly to prevent overheating while maintaining continuous availability.
4Reliability
If operating parameters are preset to meet task requirements, then task fulfillment is ensured, but converters cannot operate at optimal efficiency points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static preset parameters to dynamic parameter adjustment. The control system continuously monitors temperature and current conditions and switches between operating modes to optimize efficiency while ensuring task fulfillment. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to meet task requirements without being constrained to fixed inefficient operating points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters based on real-time conditions rather than using fixed preset values. By switching between different operating modes with different parameter sets, the system can adapt to varying load and thermal conditions, maintaining both task fulfillment and optimal efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to methods (100) and to a device (200) for operating voltage transformers (210, 220) connected in parallel, wherein the voltage transformers (210, 220) are operated in different operating modes (120, 130) as a function of a determined temperature (Tist) in order to avoid overheating of an individual voltage transformer.