Power Converter Calibration for Adaptive Control Trajectories
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power converters face challenges in maintaining accurate control trajectories due to inaccuracies in estimated electrical parameters, which are affected by industrial tolerances and aging, leading to inefficiencies and reduced reliability.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for calibrating power converters by performing characterization tests to estimate electrical parameters such as inductance, capacitance, and resistance, combining these estimates to form a consolidated set, and computing a control trajectory to ensure optimal performance and adapt to changes in parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional PID controller is used for power converter control, then the control implementation is simple, but the control precision deteriorates due to inaccuracies in estimated electrical parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs characterization tests before normal operation to estimate electrical parameters (inductance, capacitance, resistance) and pre-computes control trajectories. This preliminary calibration ensures accurate control parameters are available before the power converter operates, resolving the contradiction by preparing precise control data in advance without adding complexity to the real-time control implementation.
2Productivity
If control trajectory is computed based on model with estimated parameters, then the control performance is optimized, but the reliability deteriorates due to parameter variations from aging and tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the power converter periodically performs self-characterization tests during operation to re-estimate its electrical parameters. When parameter changes exceed a threshold, the control trajectory is recomputed. This continuous feedback loop maintains control reliability despite aging and manufacturing tolerances by adapting the control model to the actual current state of the converter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static control model into a dynamic one by enabling the power converter to adapt its electrical parameter estimates over time based on self-characterization. The system dynamically updates its model parameters and control trajectories in response to detected changes, ensuring the control remains optimized and reliable throughout the converter's operational life despite component aging.
3Measurement precision
If calibration is performed to improve parameter accuracy, then the control trajectory quality is improved, but the time consumption increases due to characterization tests
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs comprehensive characterization tests and parameter estimation before normal operation begins. This preliminary calibration establishes accurate baseline parameters and control trajectories, eliminating the need for frequent time-consuming calibrations during operation. The initial thorough characterization reduces subsequent calibration needs to only periodic self-tests.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic self-characterization where the power converter performs brief periodic tests during operation to detect parameter drift. Only when changes exceed a threshold does full recalibration occur. This dynamic approach minimizes time loss by performing calibration only when necessary, rather than continuously or at fixed intervals.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is method and system for calibrating power converter. Herein, the method comprises initiating one or more characterization tests for power converter, measurements such as voltage, current waveforms, power dissipation, and efficiency of power converter are taken. The method further comprises estimating set of electrical parameters for power converter for each of one or more characterization tests, to provide estimated sets of electrical parameters which include inductance, capacitance, and resistance. The method further comprises combining estimated sets of electrical parameters, to provide consolidated set of electrical parameters. The method further comprises computing control trajectory for power converter based on consolidated set of electrical parameters and in response to change in set of estimated electrical parameters exceeding predetermined threshold in comparison to set of electrical parameters as measured for last operation of power converter. The method further comprises configuring power converter to implement computed control trajectory for operations thereof.