Power Conversion Controller Mode Transition for Harmonic Suppression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power conversion circuits face challenges in efficiently improving power factor and reducing harmonic content to meet stringent regulatory standards, particularly as regulations become stricter, and existing active and passive solutions have limitations in adaptability and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A power conversion controller that seamlessly transitions between variable frequency mode and fixed frequency mode based on power levels, utilizing boundary conduction mode (BCM) for low power and continuous conduction mode (CCM) for high power, with the ability to change modes during a half-wave signal, allowing for efficient operation across different power requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-generated harmful factors

If a passive solution using a choke/inductor is used to improve power factor, then harmonic content is suppressed below regulation limit, but device complexity and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveharmonic contentVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces passive mechanical/physical filtering components (choke/inductor) with an active electronic control system that uses PWM switching and frequency modulation to achieve power factor correction. This substitution reduces device complexity while maintaining harmonic suppression effectiveness.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically changes the switching frequency parameter of the power conversion circuit, transitioning between fixed frequency mode (at minimum threshold) and variable frequency mode (above minimum threshold) to optimize power factor and harmonic content suppression without requiring additional passive components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If a fixed frequency mode is used for power conversion, then switching frequency is stable at minimum threshold, but efficiency decreases at low power levels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching frequency stabilityVSAvoidenergy loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic switching frequency control system that adapts between fixed frequency mode (providing stability) and variable frequency mode (optimizing for low power conditions). The controller seamlessly transitions between modes based on operating conditions, minimizing energy loss while maintaining frequency stability when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the operating range into two distinct modes: fixed frequency mode for high power levels where stability is prioritized, and variable frequency mode for low power levels where efficiency is optimized. This segmentation allows each mode to operate in its optimal performance region.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Loss of energy

If a variable frequency mode is used for power conversion, then efficiency is improved at low power levels, but switching frequency stability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy lossVSAvoidswitching frequency stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic control system that adjusts switching frequency based on real-time operating conditions. The controller monitors power levels and seamlessly transitions between variable frequency mode (for efficiency at low power) and fixed frequency mode (for stability at high power), optimizing both efficiency and stability across the full operating range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the controller monitors the operating state and automatically transitions between fixed and variable frequency modes. This feedback ensures that the system maintains optimal efficiency while preserving frequency stability when operating conditions require it.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Adaptability or versatility

If seamless mode transition is implemented between fixed and variable frequency modes, then adaptability to different power levels is improved, but control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to power levelsVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic mode transition control system that automatically adapts between fixed and variable frequency modes based on operating conditions. The seamless transition mechanism is integrated into the controller, which monitors power levels and switches modes without disrupting operation, providing high adaptability with manageable control complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs a universal controller that performs multiple functions: it operates in both fixed frequency mode and variable frequency mode, manages seamless transitions between modes, and maintains power factor correction across all operating conditions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control circuits for different operating modes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2360824B1Controller for a power conversion circuit
Publication Date: 2015.08.26 NXP BV
  • EP2360824B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2360824B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2360824B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A power conversion controller (402) for controlling the operation of a switch (404) in a power conversion circuit (400), wherein the power conversion controller (402) is configured to operate the switch (404) according to: a variable frequency mode of operation for switching frequencies greater than a minimum threshold value; and a fixed frequency mode of operation at a switching frequency equal to the minimum threshold value.