Power Converter Control Method Eliminates DCDC Converter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power converter systems using a DCDC converter are bulky and incur energy losses due to routing through the converter during charging and discharging, especially when using a fuel cell as the main power source.
Innovation Solution
A control method for a power converter that utilizes two DC power sources connected in a configuration allowing voltage switching between their poles to directly apply voltage to a load without a DCDC converter, determining switch conductivity based on voltage commands relative to each power source's output, thereby distributing load without routing through a DCDC converter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a DCDC converter is used to control power source output voltage, then the output efficiency of the power source is improved, but the total volume of the system increases and energy loss occurs during battery charging and discharging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the DCDC converter from the system configuration. By directly connecting the battery to the inverter and using the inverter's switching elements to perform both motor control and battery charge/discharge functions, the system eliminates the need for a separate DCDC converter, thereby reducing system volume and removing the energy losses associated with that component
Solution Approach 2:
The inverter is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it controls the motor through its switching elements while also managing battery charging and discharging operations. This multi-functionality allows the system to eliminate the dedicated DCDC converter, as the inverter's switching elements can directly control power flow to and from the battery without requiring an intermediate conversion stage
2Productivity
If a DCDC converter is used to control power source output voltage, then the output efficiency of the power source is improved, but the system generates loss when charging and discharging the battery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the DCDC converter from the system, eliminating the energy losses that occur during battery charging and discharging through that component. The direct connection between battery and inverter, controlled by switching elements, bypasses the conversion losses inherent in DCDC topology
Solution Approach 2:
The inverter performs self-service by using its own switching elements to simultaneously control motor operation and manage battery charge/discharge functions. This eliminates the need for separate control hardware and reduces energy losses by directly managing power flow without intermediate conversion stages
Data Source
AI summary
A control method for a power converter capable of reducing overall volume of a system and energy loss by using a plurality of power sources and distributing loads to them without a DCDC converter. The power converter has DC power sources and poles formed by connecting various poles of the DC sources. Voltage is applied to a load by switching between poles. The method includes operating a switch between poles of the first DC power source when a voltage command is lower than the electric potential of the second DC power source; and operating a switch between the poles of the second DC source when the voltage command is higher than the electric potential of the second DC source.