Power Conversion Control Device Dynamic Gate Voltage Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional control devices for electric power conversion circuits with voltage-driven power switching elements face a tradeoff between power loss and heat emission, leading to increased temperature and reduced reliability, necessitating the upsize of switching elements to manage heat, which is inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A control device that estimates power loss using sensor signals and adjusts the voltage difference between turn-on and turn-off voltages applied to switching elements to reduce power loss without upsizing, by increasing the absolute value of these voltages when power loss exceeds a certain threshold, and differentiates between conduction and switching losses to optimize voltage settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the size of power switching elements is increased to reduce power loss and heat emission, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the gate voltage applied to power switching elements based on real-time power loss estimation. When power loss exceeds a threshold, the gate voltage is increased to reduce conduction loss, thereby maintaining reliability without requiring larger switching elements. This dynamic parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by optimizing performance through control rather than hardware scaling.
2Loss of energy
If conventional control methods are used without power loss estimation, then device complexity is low, but power loss management is ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by introducing a power loss estimation function that continuously monitors operational parameters (current, voltage, temperature) and feeds this information back to the control unit. Based on this feedback, the system adjusts gate voltage to optimize power loss. This feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by providing intelligent power loss management that justifies the increased control complexity through significant energy efficiency improvements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the control system to automatically estimate power loss and adjust gate voltage without external intervention. The power loss estimation function and control unit work autonomously to optimize switching element performance, reducing the need for external power loss management systems. This self-service approach resolves the contradiction by making the system self-regulating, where the complexity is internalized and the benefits are automatic.
Data Source
AI summary
The control device for controlling a power conversion circuit having voltage-controlled type switching elements includes a control unit generating conduction control signals for controlling conduction states of the switching elements in accordance with an external command, and a driver circuit applying a conduction control terminal of each of the switching elements with one of a first voltage having a value to turn on the switching elements and a second voltage having a value to turn off the switching elements in accordance with the conduction control signals. The driver circuit is configured to change at least one of the value of the first voltage and the value of the second voltage so that a voltage difference between the first and second voltages becomes large when the power loss of the switching elements is estimated to exceed a certain value.