Power Factor Correction Circuit Using Voltage Derivative Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Power factor correction circuits face challenges in effectively suppressing harmonics and reducing current peaks when input voltage rises, especially without modifying capacitances in the input region.

Innovation Solution

A power factor correction circuit that adjusts the switching time based on the sign of the input voltage's time derivative, extending the Ton time by different additional intervals depending on whether the input voltage is increasing or decreasing, thereby controlling current consumption and reducing current peaks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-generated harmful factors

If conventional power factor correction circuits are used with fixed switching time, then the circuit structure remains simple, but current peaks occur when input voltage rises and harmonics are not effectively suppressed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent peak and harmonic distortionVSAvoidswitching control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the switching time (Ton) variable instead of fixed. The control device adjusts Ton based on the time derivative of the input voltage, allowing the circuit to adapt its switching behavior dynamically to changing voltage conditions, thereby suppressing current peaks and harmonics effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by using the time derivative of the input voltage as a control signal. The control device continuously monitors the input voltage, calculates its time derivative, and uses this information to adjust the switching time, creating a closed-loop control system that actively suppresses harmful current characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Object-generated harmful factors

If input capacitances are increased to reduce current peaks, then current peak amplitude decreases, but the circuit complexity and component changes increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent peak amplitudeVSAvoidinput circuit modification
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the switching time parameter (Ton) based on the time derivative of the input voltage. Instead of changing physical component values like capacitances, the patent changes the operational parameter (switching duration) to achieve current peak suppression, avoiding additional components and circuit modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the mechanical approach of increasing capacitance values with an electronic control approach. Rather than physically modifying the input circuit with larger capacitors, the patent uses electronic switching control based on voltage derivative detection to achieve the same current peak suppression effect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Object-generated harmful factors

If the switching time is extended uniformly to reduce harmonics, then harmonic suppression improves, but the response to changing voltage conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveharmonic contentVSAvoidresponse to voltage changes
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the switching time dynamic by basing it on the time derivative of the input voltage. This allows the circuit to automatically adapt its switching behavior to changing voltage conditions, achieving both harmonic suppression and good adaptability to voltage variations without uniform extension.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by detecting the time derivative of the input voltage in advance and using this information to preemptively adjust the switching time. This allows the control device to counteract upcoming current peaks and harmonic generation before they occur, improving both suppression effectiveness and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentEP2859652B1Power factor correction circuit, control unit for an illuminant and method for controlling a power factor correction circuit
Publication Date: 2017.09.06 TRIDONIC GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2859652B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2859652B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2859652B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A power factor correction circuit (11) comprises an input for receiving an input voltage (UIN), an inductance (21) coupled to the input, a switching means (24) that is coupled to the inductance (21) and that is controllable in order to either charge or discharge the inductance (21), and a control device (14). The control device (14) is set up in order to produce a control signal (Ctrl) for controlling the switching means (24) on the basis of a parameter value. The control device (14) is set up in order to ascertain the parameter value on the basis of an arithmetic sign of a time derivation for the input voltage (UIN).