Parallel DC-DC Converter Control for Module Overload Limiting
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Solution Overview
Problem
DC-DC voltage converters with multiple modules connected in parallel face limitations in maximum output power, leading to potential overloading and damage to individual modules.
Innovation Solution
A control device comprising a feedforward control device and separate current controllers for each DC-DC voltage converter module, which generates controlled variables to limit the maximum output current of each module, preventing overloading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple DC-DC voltage converter modules are connected in parallel to increase output power, then the power handling capacity is improved, but the risk of overloading and damage to individual modules increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control of each DC-DC voltage converter module into independent segments by providing separate current controllers for each module. This segmentation allows individual monitoring and control of current in each module, preventing overload conditions while maintaining the parallel configuration for increased power capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control through current sensors that continuously monitor the current in each DC-DC voltage converter module and feed this information back to the respective current controllers. This feedback mechanism enables real-time adjustment of control variables to prevent overloading while maintaining optimal power distribution across modules.
2Reliability
If separate current controllers are provided for each DC-DC voltage converter module to prevent overloading, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device is segmented into modular current controllers, each dedicated to a specific DC-DC voltage converter module. This modular segmentation simplifies the overall control architecture by making each controller independent and standardized, reducing the complexity of coordination while improving reliability through individual module protection.
Solution Approach 2:
Each current controller is designed as a universal module that can be applied to any DC-DC voltage converter module in the parallel configuration. This universality reduces design complexity by using identical control logic and hardware templates across all modules, making the system easier to implement and maintain despite having multiple controllers.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a control of a DC converter (10) comprising a plurality of DC converter modules (4-1, 4-2). For this purpose, a central control variable is generated for all DC converter modules for a voltage-controlled control of the DC converter. Moreover, a current-based control variable can additionally be generated for each DC converter module. The output power, in particular the output current of each DC converter module can be individually adjusted by combining the voltage-based control variable and the current-based control variable. An overload of the DC converter modules can thus be prevented.