Power Converter Efficiency via Dynamic Sharing Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical power conversion apparatuses with multiple electric power converter units of different capacities face inefficiencies when trying to optimize electric power sharing, as previous methods are not suitable for handling variations in converter capacities, leading to suboptimal efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An electrical power conversion apparatus with a regulator that adjusts electric power sharing among multiple converter units based on their efficiency characteristics and operating priorities, using threshold values to determine optimal operation modes and prioritize power distribution to achieve higher overall efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a plurality of electric power converters with different electric-power capacity is used, then the adaptability to different power requirements is improved, but the efficiency optimization becomes more difficult due to varying operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power sharing regulation where the regulator continuously adjusts the power distribution ratio among parallel converters based on real-time operating conditions and efficiency characteristics. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to varying power requirements while automatically optimizing efficiency, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and optimization complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The regulator receives efficiency information from each converter and uses this feedback to determine optimal power sharing ratios. The system monitors operating conditions and adjusts power distribution accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that simplifies efficiency optimization while maintaining adaptability to different power requirements.
2Ease of operation
If electric power sharing is uniformly determined by rated electric power ratio, then the control simplicity is improved, but the overall efficiency is reduced due to mismatched operating points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameter from fixed rated power ratios to dynamic power sharing ratios based on actual efficiency characteristics and operating conditions. The regulator adjusts power distribution to maintain each converter at its optimal efficiency point, significantly reducing energy loss while maintaining manageable control complexity through automated regulation.
3Ease of operation
If all electric energy storage devices charge or discharge at the same ratios, then the operational simplicity is improved, but the efficiency is reduced when devices have different optimal operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power sharing control for each converter unit, allowing individualized power ratio assignment based on each device's efficiency characteristics. The regulator divides the total power demand among converters in optimized ratios rather than equal proportions, enabling each device to operate at its optimal efficiency point while maintaining simplified centralized control.
Data Source
AI summary
In an electrical power conversion apparatus including DC power sources, electric power converter units, and an electric power sharing regulator for regulating electric power on a basis of individual electric power converter units, when the plurality of electric power converter units connects thereto a plurality of DC power sources on their input sides, and is connected in parallel with one another on their output sides, three threshold values of rated electric power, electric power of the highest efficiency, and electric power of allowable efficiency receive attention from an efficiency characteristic of each of the electric power converter units, and the adjustment of electric power shared by each of the electric power converter units is performed by the electric power sharing regulator so that better efficiency is achieved when the apparatus is viewed in its entirety.