Voltage Regulator for Series-Connected Loads Using Differential Power Converters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power converters face challenges in efficiently regulating voltage across multiple independent loads in series-connected systems, particularly in managing voltage variations and transient conditions without external control, leading to potential overvoltage issues and inefficient power distribution.
Innovation Solution
A power management circuit comprising a voltage sensor and differential power converters (DPCs) connected in series and parallel with loads, which sense voltage across impedance and adjust current supply to regulate voltage across each load, using a voltage sharing ladder circuit and transient compensating capacitors to maintain target voltages and manage line transients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power converters are used to adjust voltage and current characteristics for multiple independent loads, then each load can receive power complying with individual requirements, but voltage variations and transient conditions cause overvoltage issues and inefficient power distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the power distribution into multiple independent voltage domains, each with its own differential power converter and voltage sensor. This segmentation allows each domain to independently regulate voltage for its specific load, preventing overvoltage conditions while maintaining reliability across the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
Voltage sensors continuously monitor the voltage across each load and provide feedback signals to the corresponding differential power converters. This feedback mechanism enables real-time adjustment of current supply to maintain target voltages and prevent overvoltage conditions, directly improving voltage regulation stability.
2Extent of automation
If traditional power converters are used without external control, then the system operates autonomously, but voltage variations and transient conditions lead to inefficient power distribution
Solution Approach 1:
Each voltage domain is equipped with its own voltage sensor and differential power converter that automatically sense voltage conditions and adjust current supply without external control. This self-service capability maintains autonomous operation while improving power distribution efficiency through real-time local adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
Transient compensating capacitors are pre-positioned in each voltage domain to compensate for voltage variations and line transients before they cause inefficiency. This preliminary action enables the autonomous system to maintain efficient power distribution by proactively addressing transient conditions.
3Measurement precision
If voltage sensors are connected in series between high voltage bus and ground bus, then voltage across each load can be sensed, but the system complexity increases with multiple sensors and converters
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage sensing function is segmented into multiple independent voltage sensors, each connected in series between the high voltage bus and ground bus. Each sensor measures voltage across its specific load with high precision, while the modular segmented architecture manages system complexity through standardized repeating units.
Solution Approach 2:
Each voltage sensor serves multiple functions: it senses voltage across its associated load, provides feedback to the differential power converter, and contributes to the overall voltage regulation of the system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components, managing system complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
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
The solution effectively regulates voltage across individual loads, manages transient conditions, and prevents overvoltage by adjusting current supply, ensuring stable power distribution and flexibility in responding to changes in bus conditions and load variations.
Implementation Method 1
The voltage sensor senses a voltage across an impedance and outputs a control signal in response to the sensed voltage
Implementation Method 2
The differential power converter is configured to increase or decrease a supplied current in response to a change in magnitude of the control signal
Data Source
AI summary
In described examples, a power management circuit includes a voltage sensor and a differential power converter. The voltage sensor is coupled in series with other voltage sensors between a high voltage bus and a ground bus. The voltage sensor senses a voltage across an impedance and outputs a control signal in response to the sensed voltage. The differential power converter is coupled in series with other differential power converters and in parallel with a load between the high voltage bus and the ground bus. The differential power converter is configured to increase or decrease a supplied current in response to a change in magnitude of the control signal.