PWM Control for Electric Heating Power Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electric heating systems in vehicles face inefficiencies due to all-or-nothing control methods, leading to instability in electrical consumption networks, reduced heating quality, and increased costs, weight, and bulk from using more powerful energy producers.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for controlling electric power supply to multiple heating means by generating interrupt commands based on available power and priority, allowing for pulse-width modulation to optimize power distribution between heating means and the electrical consumption network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If all-or-nothing control mode is used for electric heating means, then device complexity is reduced, but electrical network stability deteriorates and heating quality is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static all-or-nothing switch control to dynamic PWM (pulse width modulation) control. The control unit dynamically adjusts the duty cycle of interrupt commands sent to switching devices, enabling continuous modulation of heating power between 0% and 100%. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt to varying power availability and heating requirements, maintaining electrical network stability while providing precise heating control.
2Power
If more powerful electrical energy producers are used, then power supply capacity is improved, but cost, weight, and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing PWM modulation to vary the effective power delivery parameter. Instead of requiring a larger power producer to meet peak heating demands, the system maintains a smaller power producer and uses parameter modulation (duty cycle adjustment) to deliver the required average power. This allows the electrical energy producer to be sized for the minimum required power while still meeting heating demands through temporal modulation, thereby reducing weight, cost, and bulk.
3Ease of operation
If all-or-nothing control is used, then ease of operation is improved, but heating quality and power utilization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action through PWM control, where interrupt commands are sent at regular intervals to switching devices. The control unit generates a series of periodic pulses with varying duty cycles, creating a rhythmical on-off pattern that averages to the desired power level. This periodic modulation maintains heating efficiency by delivering power in optimized bursts rather than continuous fixed increments, while the automated nature of the periodic control preserves ease of operation.
4Power
If maximum electrical power is supplied to heating means, then heating power is improved, but electrical network stability deteriorates due to flapping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by having the control unit continuously monitor the available electrical power from the producer and the state of the electrical network. Based on this feedback information, the control unit dynamically adjusts the duty cycle of interrupt commands to switching devices, modulating heating power to match available capacity. This closed-loop feedback control prevents flapping by ensuring heating power demand never exceeds supply capacity, maintaining both heating effectiveness and electrical network stability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach maximizes electrical power supply while maintaining it below the maximum producer capacity, optimizing heating power and reducing the need for more powerful energy producers, thus improving heating quality and reducing costs and system weight.
Implementation Method 1
at least two electrical heating means, such as for example heating resistors
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method (10-40) which controls the electric power supply of a system, comprising an electric energy producer coupled with an electricity consumption grid and with electric heating means of power components, and comprising a step of generating, for interrupting means installed between the electric energy generator and the heating means and which can each be placed according to a command in a first off-state and a second on-state, commands as a function of first and second values defining electric power needs for the grid and the heating means, and a maximum electric power that can be supplied. A command imposing the first state is generated for the heating means, having minimum priority among the priorities attributed to the heating means needing to be used, when the sum of the first and second values is strictly higher than the maximum electric power.