Parallel Power Conversion Control for Current Balance and Heat Dispersion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power supply systems with large-scale power conversion circuits face challenges in miniaturization and reliability due to large power components and concentrated power loss, and current control methods struggle with high-speed response and cost-effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A power supply system with multiple power conversion circuits, each equipped with an inductor, a switching element, and integrated current detection and balance circuits, using a versatile analog control IC to equalize currents and stabilize output voltage, achieving high-speed response and efficient power loss dispersion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a large-scale power conversion circuit is used to supply a large amount of power, then the power supply capacity is improved, but the size of power components increases and occupies large volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single large-scale power conversion circuit into multiple parallel power conversion circuits. Each circuit handles a portion of the total power, allowing the use of smaller power components (inductors, capacitors, switching elements) in each unit while collectively achieving the required total power output. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling high power capacity without requiring large individual components.
2Power
If a large-scale power conversion circuit is used, then the power supply capacity is improved, but power loss is concentrated on power components causing decreased reliability
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the power conversion system into multiple parallel circuits, the power loss that was previously concentrated in a single large circuit is now distributed across multiple smaller circuits. Each circuit experiences reduced current stress and lower individual power losses, improving overall system reliability and reducing heat concentration at any single component.
3Measurement precision
If a digital control circuit using DSP is used to achieve high-speed response output voltage control, then the control precision is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase due to requiring large-scale processors and multiple AD converters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex digital control circuits (DSP with multiple AD converters) with a simplified control circuit that uses an operational amplifier and a current detection circuit. The control circuit generates a control signal based on the difference between a reference voltage and feedback voltage, directly controlling the switching element without requiring high-speed digital processing. This substitution achieves adequate control precision with significantly reduced complexity and cost.
4Device complexity
If an integrated analog control IC is used to miniaturize the control circuit, then the device complexity is reduced, but the unit cost increases due to dedicated custom design and low production volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal operational amplifier that can be used across multiple power conversion circuits without requiring dedicated custom-designed analog control ICs. The operational amplifier performs multiple functions including voltage comparison, error amplification, and control signal generation. This universal approach enables standard production processes and reduces unit costs while achieving circuit integration and miniaturization.
5Reliability
If multiple power conversion circuits are operated in parallel to disperse power loss, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to requiring current balance control and voltage synchronization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functions of multiple parallel power conversion circuits into a unified control architecture. The control circuits are connected through signal lines that enable automatic current balance and voltage synchronization without requiring complex independent control for each circuit. The operational amplifiers in each circuit work together through feedback connections, achieving coordinated operation with reduced overall control complexity.
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
The system realizes a simple, compact, and efficient power supply with high-speed output voltage control and current balance, reducing Joule loss and heat concentration, while being cost-effective and scalable.
Implementation Method 1
an inductor connected in series to a current path for supplying a current to an output, and a switching element that generates a switching current flowing through the inductor
Implementation Method 2
an individual current detection circuit provided for each of the power conversion circuits and configured to generate an inductor current signal proportional to a magnitude of a current flowing through the inductor
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply system includes a plurality of power conversion circuits, each including an inductor and switching elements. A load distribution controller amplifies an inductor current signal input to a current signal terminal, outputs the amplified signal to a common node terminal, and generates an individual feedback signal to be output to a feedback signal adjustment terminal according to an inductor current signal and a voltage of the common node terminal. A switching control circuit controls the switching elements according to the individual feedback signal input to a feedback terminal.