Parallel Power Device Thermal Balancing Through Loss Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In UPS systems with paralleled power devices, temperature imbalances lead to overheating and reduced lifespan due to differences in electric parameters and layout asymmetry, necessitating active thermal performance balancing to prevent faults and extend system life.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a monitoring unit using thermistors to detect temperature imbalances and a balancing unit that adjusts power loss by modifying switching frequency, gate driving voltage, gate driving resistance, capacitance, and DC bus voltage to achieve thermal equilibrium among paralleled power devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple power devices are connected in parallel to achieve higher power for limited current, then the power capability is improved, but thermal imbalance occurs leading to reduced reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where temperature sensors continuously monitor each paralleled power device, and the control unit adjusts gate driving voltages based on temperature differences to maintain thermal balance, thereby preventing any single device from overheating and failing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes operating parameters (gate driving voltages) based on real-time temperature measurements to redistribute power loss among paralleled devices, ensuring that devices with higher temperatures receive lower gate voltages to reduce their power dissipation
2Device complexity
If passive cooling methods are used for paralleled power devices, then the device complexity is reduced, but thermal imbalance cannot be actively corrected leading to premature failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the power conversion system to self-regulate its thermal performance by automatically detecting temperature imbalances and adjusting gate driving voltages without external intervention, allowing the system to correct its own thermal issues and extend operational life
3Productivity
If gate driving voltages are increased to improve switching performance, then the switching efficiency is improved, but power loss increases leading to higher temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts gate driving voltages based on real-time temperature conditions, reducing gate voltages for overheating devices to decrease their power loss while maintaining adequate switching performance, thereby balancing efficiency and thermal management
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Active thermal balancing prolongs the life of both individual power devices and the UPS system by reducing fault rates and maintaining efficient operation, thereby lowering maintenance and replacement costs.
Implementation Method 1
the monitoring unit includes a thermistor
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an apparatus to actively balance the thermal performance of paralleled power devices, comprising: a monitoring unit for monitoring the temperature of each power device of the paralleled power devices to judge whether the temperature is out of balance; and a balancing unit for adjusting power loss of the power devices with monitored higher temperatures so as to achieve the balance of the thermal performance of the paralleled power devices.