Resonant Power Converter Control for Zero-Voltage Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional resonance-type power transmission apparatuses experience a decrease in power conversion efficiency when output power deviates from its rating, due to non-uniform current phases.

Innovation Solution

Simultaneously adjusting the switching frequency and time ratio of the switching element to satisfy the condition of zero-voltage switching, thereby maintaining high efficiency across varying output power levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the output power is changed from near the rating in a conventional resonance-type power transmission apparatus, then the output power varies, but the power conversion efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput powerVSAvoidpower conversion efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the switching frequency parameter dynamically according to the output power level. When output power changes from near the rating, the switching frequency is adjusted to maintain the resonant condition and zero-voltage switching, thereby preventing degradation of power conversion efficiency while allowing output power variation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of energy

If the switching frequency is adjusted to maintain zero-voltage switching when output power changes, then power conversion efficiency is maintained, but the control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower conversion efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device monitors the output power level and uses this feedback to adjust the switching frequency accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that the switching frequency is continuously optimized to maintain zero-voltage switching conditions, thereby preserving high power conversion efficiency across varying output power levels without requiring complex additional circuitry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Prevents a decrease in power conversion efficiency and maintains high efficiency even when output power changes, reducing switching loss and ensuring efficient operation over a wide power range.

Implementation Method 1

a resonance circuit including a resonance coil Lr and a resonance capacitor Cr connected in series

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic resonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

a switching element S and a control device 9. The switching element S switches an input to the resonance circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSemiconductor switching:

Data Source

PatentEP3998699B1Power conversion device and method for controlling same
Publication Date: 2023.08.30 RENAULT SA
  • EP3998699B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3998699B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3998699B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A method for controlling a power conversion device for converting power from a power supply by controlling an input to a resonance circuit comprising a resonance coil and a resonance capacitor, with a switching element, the method comprising simultaneously changing a switching frequency and a time ratio of the switching element so that the switching element satisfies a condition of zero-voltage switching when an output power of the power conversion device is changed.