Variable Inverter Output Balancing Wear in Electric Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electric vehicle systems, unequal wear and inefficiency among multiple inverters due to uneven power distribution and temperature differences lead to reduced performance and longevity, necessitating a method to balance the load and extend inverter lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A controller adjusts the power output of two inverters differentially based on operational factors like temperature and usage, shutting down or reducing the power of less efficient inverters to ensure demand is met and extend the life of the inverter system by optimizing power distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple inverters are used to operate electric machines, then system reliability and efficiency are improved, but unequal wear and temperature differences among inverters occur
Solution Approach 1:
The controller dynamically adjusts the power distribution among multiple inverters based on real-time operational factors such as temperature differences and accumulated usage. This dynamic load balancing ensures that inverters with higher temperatures or more wear receive reduced power allocation, thereby equalizing wear across all inverters while maintaining system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (power output levels) for each inverter based on monitored conditions. By adjusting power output parameters dynamically according to temperature and usage data, the system optimizes both reliability and wear distribution across the inverter fleet.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If power output is adjusted differentially among inverters, then wear is balanced and lifespan is extended, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements a feedback mechanism that continuously monitors temperature and accumulated usage of each inverter. Based on this feedback, the controller automatically adjusts power distribution to balance wear. This feedback-driven approach extends inverter lifespan while keeping control complexity manageable through automated decision-making algorithms.
3Loss of energy
If inverters operate at reduced power to balance loads, then wear is reduced, but power delivery efficiency may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically optimizes power delivery by adjusting inverter load distribution in real-time. When demand is high, more inverters operate at higher power levels; when demand is low or wear is unbalanced, power is redistributed to reduce wear. This dynamic adjustment minimizes energy loss through wear while maintaining overall power delivery efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes an electric machine. The vehicle includes a controller configured to repeatedly adjust power outputs for the two inverters so that they differ to drive the difference toward zero and such that power provided to the electric machine satisfies demand until the difference falls below a second predetermined threshold. The controller may be configured to adjust responsive to a temperature difference between two inverters associated with the electric machine exceeding a predetermined threshold.