Power Converter Frequency Stepping to Cut Controller Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power conversion devices face increased processing load on controllers due to high switching frequencies and complex control requirements, especially when multiple devices are controlled by a single microcomputer.
Innovation Solution
A power conversion device with a controller that determines the switching frequency based on magnetic or electric parameters of the converter, allowing the frequency to change stepwise in intervals, reducing the processing load by dividing the switching frequency by an integer P greater than 2.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the switching frequency is increased to achieve size reduction and weight reduction, then the power conversion device becomes more compact, but the switching loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the switching frequency variable rather than fixed. The controller dynamically adjusts the switching frequency based on operation conditions (light load vs. heavy load), allowing the system to optimize between size reduction benefits and switching loss minimization in real-time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of switching frequency from a constant value to a variable parameter that adapts to different operating conditions. By changing the frequency parameter based on load conditions, the system achieves both compact size and reduced energy loss
2Volume of moving object
If the switching frequency is constantly fixed to be high, then the power conversion device achieves compact size, but the switching loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static high-frequency operation to a dynamic frequency adjustment mechanism that responds to load conditions, maintaining compact size while reducing losses during light load operation
3Loss of energy
If the switching frequency is changed changeably in accordance with operation condition, then the switching loss is reduced, but the processing load of the controller increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the continuous frequency adjustment range into M discrete intervals (M≥2). This segmentation allows the controller to select from predefined frequency levels rather than calculating continuous values, reducing computational complexity while maintaining adaptive frequency control benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by using stepwise frequency changes rather than continuous adjustment. This partial approach to frequency control reduces the processing burden on the controller while still achieving the primary goal of reducing switching losses under light load conditions
4Volume of moving object
If high switching frequency is used, then size reduction is achieved, but the processing load on the controller increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the high switching frequency operation into manageable intervals and uses stepwise adjustment, reducing the computational burden on the controller while maintaining the size reduction benefits of high-frequency operation
Data Source
AI summary
In a controller for a power converter, a switching frequency of a switching element is determined on the basis of at least one of a magnetic parameter of a magnetic component and an electric parameter of the power converter, and the switching frequency changes stepwise in each of M intervals on the basis of one of a predetermined time width and a predetermined electric quantity width, M being an integer not less than 2. A control frequency is a value obtained by dividing the switching frequency by an integer P not less than 2.