Multi-Phase Power Converter Bit Stream Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power converters for controlling electrical machines suffer from fixed switching frequency PWM signals, leading to audible noise, increased switching losses, and non-linear distortions due to voltage drops and temperature variations in semiconductor switches, which cannot be easily compensated for.
Innovation Solution
A multi-phase power converter using space vector modulation with bit streams as input signals, allowing for real-time control and high-frequency clocking, which generates actuation signals for semiconductor switches without a fixed clock frequency, thereby reducing noise and improving accuracy and dynamics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fixed switching frequency PWM signals are used, then control simplicity is maintained, but audible noise and switching losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements variable switching frequency PWM control where the switching frequency dynamically adapts based on operating conditions. The control device adjusts the switching frequency within a range rather than maintaining a fixed value, allowing optimization of noise characteristics and switching losses while preserving control simplicity through automated frequency adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the switching frequency parameter dynamically during operation. By varying the switching frequency within an optimal range, the system avoids audible noise ranges while maintaining efficient power conversion, resolving the contradiction between control simplicity and noise reduction.
2Ease of operation
If fixed switching frequency PWM signals are used, then control implementation is simplified, but switching losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control device dynamically adjusts the switching frequency to optimize the trade-off between switching losses and control simplicity. By varying the frequency based on load conditions and device characteristics, the system minimizes switching losses while maintaining simplified control architecture through automated parameter adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent varies the switching frequency parameter within an optimal range to reduce switching losses. The control device automatically adjusts this parameter based on operating conditions, achieving energy optimization without complicating the control implementation.
3Device complexity
If fixed compensation values are used, then device complexity is reduced, but voltage accuracy deteriorates due to temperature and current variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback-based compensation where the control device continuously monitors actual voltage conditions and adjusts compensation values dynamically. This feedback mechanism maintains voltage accuracy under varying temperature and current conditions without requiring complex pre-programmed compensation tables, as the system adapts in real-time based on actual measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The compensation values transition from static fixed values to dynamic adjusted values. The control device dynamically modifies compensation parameters based on real-time operating conditions, maintaining voltage accuracy while avoiding the complexity of extensive lookup tables through adaptive adjustment.
4Productivity
If high switching frequency is used, then control accuracy and dynamics are improved, but switching losses and noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic switching frequency adjustment where the frequency is optimized for each operating condition. During transient states requiring fast response, higher frequencies improve control dynamics, while during steady-state operation, lower frequencies reduce switching losses, achieving optimal balance through real-time adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching frequency parameter is varied within an optimal range based on operating conditions. The control device adjusts this parameter dynamically to achieve high control dynamics when needed while minimizing switching losses during normal operation, resolving the contradiction between productivity and energy efficiency.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Multi-phase electronic power converter (50) for outputting multi-phase alternating current, wherein for every phase the current converter (50) comprises a power output (52) controlled via at least two semiconductor switches (51) connected in a half-bridge circuit, wherein the electronic power converter (50) has a control device (53) which is configured for processing a target value signal of the control device (53) supplied as an input signal, each in the form of a bit stream (1, 2, 3, 30, 31, 32) of one or more bits for every phase, characterised in that the control device (53) is configured by means of space-vector modulation to generate actuation signals (P1, P2, P3) of the semiconductor switches (51) in relation to the bit streams (1, 2, 3, 30, 31, 32) supplied as an input signal.