Power Converter Impedance Estimation for Adaptive Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Power converters face challenges in maintaining stable control due to varying system impedance, leading to increased component size and cost, as it is difficult to gauge impedance values in future installation environments.

Innovation Solution

A power converter with an impedance estimation unit that injects a disturbance signal into the load, measures the voltage response, and sets control parameters for impedance compensation, allowing for adaptive control based on actual load characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If control parameters are set with a margin built into the inductance value to account for maximum impedance, then control stability is improved, but component size and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol stabilityVSAvoidcomponent size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the control parameters adaptive rather than fixed. The control parameter setting unit dynamically adjusts control parameters based on real-time impedance detection results, allowing the system to optimize performance for the actual installation environment rather than relying on conservative fixed margins that increase component size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes parameters by detecting actual impedance values and adjusting control parameters accordingly. The control parameter setting unit modifies control parameters based on detected impedance, enabling the system to adapt to different installation environments without requiring oversized components designed for worst-case scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If control parameters are set with a margin built into the inductance value to account for maximum impedance, then control stability is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol stabilityVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts control parameters based on detected impedance values, eliminating the need for conservative fixed margins that increase cost. This adaptive approach allows cost-effective component selection while maintaining control stability through real-time parameter optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

By changing control parameters based on actual impedance detection, the system avoids the cost penalty of designing for maximum impedance margins. The control parameter setting unit optimizes parameters for the specific installation environment, reducing overall system cost while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If impedance detection is performed to enable adaptive control, then control accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpedance detection accuracyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by detecting impedance values and using this information to adjust control parameters. The impedance detection unit provides feedback to the control parameter setting unit, creating a closed-loop system that improves control accuracy without requiring complex manual configuration or calibration procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically detecting impedance and adjusting its own control parameters without external intervention. The control parameter setting unit autonomously optimizes parameters based on detected impedance, simplifying the overall system while improving measurement precision through built-in detection capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3499676B1Power converter
Publication Date: 2020.02.26 OMRON CORP
  • EP3499676B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3499676B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3499676B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A power converter (100) is provided with an inverter unit (3) for converting DC power from a DC power supply into AC power, and a control unit (10) that generates a control signal for controlling the inverter unit. The control unit (10) includes an impedance estimation unit (14) that injects a disturbance signal into a load (6) and derives an estimated value of an impedance of the load based on a voltage signal from the load into which the disturbance signal is injected, the impedance compensator unit (13) whose control parameters are set based on the estimated value of the impedance, and that corrects an output current signal in accordance with the control parameters, a command value unit (12) that outputs a command value indicating a control target value, and a control compensator unit (11) that generates a control signal, based on the command value and the current signal.