Power Converter Control for Efficiency and Lifespan Balancing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical systems in vehicles and mobile platforms face inefficiencies and reduced lifespan due to unoptimized power conversion and utilization of power converters, leading to increased energy loss and operational costs.

Innovation Solution

A controller selectively manages a plurality of power converters based on efficiency and operating lifespan to minimize power loss and extend system lifespan by optimizing power conversion, using equations to balance the use of converters and reduce switching frequency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If power converters are operated without optimization, then system simplicity is maintained, but power conversion efficiency deteriorates and energy loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower lossVSAvoidcontroller complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller dynamically adjusts power converter selection and operation based on real-time efficiency data and operating conditions. The system continuously monitors and adapts which converters are active, transitioning from static to dynamic operation to maximize efficiency while managing complexity through algorithmic control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms by collecting efficiency data from power converters and using this information to make informed decisions about converter selection and operation. The controller receives efficiency metrics and adjusts its control strategy accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that reduces energy loss through data-driven decisions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Duration of action of stationary object

If power converters are used without lifespan consideration, then productivity is maintained, but operating lifespan deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating lifespanVSAvoidpower conversion output

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by collecting and analyzing efficiency and lifespan data before making converter selection decisions. The controller proactively identifies converters with optimal remaining lifespan and efficiency characteristics, preventing premature failure while maintaining productivity through advance planning and data-driven selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by adjusting which power converters are active based on their efficiency metrics and lifespan status. The controller modifies the operating state of the power conversion system, transitioning between different converter configurations to extend overall system lifespan while maintaining required power output levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Power

If multiple power converters are operated simultaneously, then power output is sufficient, but power conversion efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower outputVSAvoidpower conversion loss

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The controller extracts and identifies the most efficient subset of power converters from the available pool. By selecting only the necessary number of converters with the highest efficiency ratings, the system removes unnecessary converters from operation, reducing overall power conversion losses while maintaining sufficient power output through optimized selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies local quality by assigning different operational roles to different converters based on their individual efficiency characteristics. High-efficiency converters are prioritized for operation, while lower-efficiency converters are kept idle or used only when necessary, creating a differentiated operational strategy that minimizes energy loss while meeting power demands.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Adaptability or versatility

If power converters are frequently switched, then adaptability is improved, but operating lifespan deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconverter selection flexibilityVSAvoidconverter lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains continuity of useful action by keeping the same power converters operating for extended periods rather than frequently switching between them. The controller prioritizes stability in converter selection, maintaining continuous operation of selected converters to extend their lifespan while still achieving adaptability through periodic reevaluation based on efficiency data and changing operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS12583327B2System and method for power conversion in an electrical system

Publication Date: 2026.03.24 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

An electrical system having a plurality of power converters each having an input in electrical communication with a power source and an output in electrical communication with a load. A controller is configured to receive an output power request for the plurality of power converters. The controller can then select at least one power converter of the plurality of power converters to satisfy the output power request based on an efficiency of power conversion of each of the plurality of power converters and an operating lifespan of each of the plurality of power converters and direct the at least one power converter to produce power to satisfy the output power request.