Power converter

Abstract

A power converter is provided. The power converter includes a main power circuit, a load circuit, a transmission circuit and an energy storage circuit. The main power circuit converts a main power into a transmission power. The load circuit converts the transmission power into a load power. The transmission circuit includes a master coil and a slave coil. The main coil is connected between the main power circuit and the load circuit. The slave coil generates an inductive power supply according to the transmission power located in the master coil by means of inductive coupling. The energy storage circuit is connected to the slave coil. The energy storage circuit receive the inductive power and is charged by using the inductive power.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device, and more particularly to a power converter. [Previous Technology]

[0002] Generally, a power converter can supply electrical energy from the grid to a load. When a power converter is connected to the grid, a load, and an energy storage circuit (e.g., a battery module), the grid's electrical energy may be supplied to either the load or the energy storage circuit. It should be noted that, for example, when the voltage at the load is lower than the voltage at the energy storage circuit, both the grid's and the energy storage circuit's electrical energy will naturally flow to the load. The energy storage circuit is forced to perform a discharge operation. Therefore, the energy storage effect of the energy storage circuit is reduced. As another example, when the voltage at the energy storage circuit is lower than the voltage at the load, the grid's electrical energy will naturally flow to the energy storage circuit. Therefore, the power supply from the power converter to the load will be reduced.

[0003] It can be seen that if it is to be applied between the power grid, load and energy storage circuit, the power converter needs to have multiple power conversion mechanisms. [Summary of the Invention]

[0004] This invention provides a power converter with multiple power conversion mechanisms.

[0005] The power converter of the present invention includes a main power supply circuit, a load circuit, a transmission circuit, and at least one energy storage circuit. The main power supply circuit converts main power into transmitted electrical energy. The load circuit converts transmitted electrical energy into load power. The transmission circuit includes a main coil and at least one slave coil. The main coil is connected between the main power supply circuit and the load circuit. Each of the at least one slave coil generates induced electrical energy based on the transmitted electrical energy located on the main coil using inductive coupling. The at least one energy storage circuit is connected to the at least one slave coil in a one-to-one manner. The at least one energy storage circuit receives the induced electrical energy and charges itself using the induced electrical energy.

[0006] Based on the above, the load circuit receives and transmits electrical energy, and converts the transmitted electrical energy into load power. The energy storage circuit receives the induced electrical energy located in the slave coil and charges it using the induced electrical energy. The power converter supplies power to the load circuit and the energy storage circuit using different power conversion mechanisms. In this way, the power supply of the power converter is not affected by the voltage of the load or the voltage located in the energy storage circuit.

Implementation Method

[0007] Some embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Component symbols used in the following description are considered to be the same or similar components when they appear in different drawings. These embodiments are only a part of the present invention and do not disclose all possible implementations of the invention. More precisely, these embodiments are merely examples within the scope of the present invention's patent application.

[0008] Please refer to Figure 1, which is a schematic diagram of a power converter according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the power converter 100 includes a main power supply circuit 110, a load circuit 120, a transmission circuit 130, and energy storage circuits 140_1 to 140_n. The main power supply circuit 110 converts the main power supply PM into transmitted power PT. The load circuit 120 converts the transmitted power PT into load power PL. The transmission circuit 130 includes a main coil LM and slave coils LS1 to LSn. The main coil LM is connected between the main power supply circuit 110 and the load circuit 120. "n" can be a positive integer greater than 1.

[0009] In this embodiment, the slave coils LS1 to LSn respectively generate induced energy based on the transmitted energy PT located in the main coil LM using inductive coupling. For example, slave coil LS1 generates induced energy PI1 using inductive coupling. Similarly, slave coil LSn generates induced energy PIn using inductive coupling. In this embodiment, energy storage circuits 140_1 to 140_n are connected to slave coils LS1 to LSn in a one-to-one manner. For example, energy storage circuit 140_1 is connected to slave coil LS1. Energy storage circuit 140_1 receives induced energy PI1 and charges itself using induced energy PI1. Similarly, energy storage circuit 140_n is connected to slave coil LSn. Energy storage circuit 140_n receives induced energy PIn and charges itself using induced energy PIn.

[0010] It is worth mentioning that the load circuit 120 receives and transmits electrical energy PT, and converts the electrical energy PT into load power PL. Energy storage circuits 140_1 to 140_n respectively receive the corresponding induced electrical energy located in their respective slave coils and charge them using the corresponding induced electrical energy. Therefore, the power converter 100 supplies power to the load circuit 120 and the energy storage circuits 140_1 to 140_n using different power conversion mechanisms. In this way, the power supply of the power converter 100 is not disturbed by the voltage of the load or the voltage located in the energy storage circuits 140_1 to 140_n.

[0011] In this embodiment, the main power supply PM and the load power supply PL can be DC power supplies, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0012] In this embodiment, the main power supply circuit 110 converts the main power supply PM into transmitted power PT. The main power supply circuit 110 provides the transmitted power PT to the main coil LM. The load circuit 120 receives the transmitted power PT located in the main coil LM and converts the transmitted power PT into load power PL. At this time, the slave coils LS1~LSn respectively generate induced power PI1~PIn based on the transmitted power PT located in the main coil LM using inductive coupling. Therefore, the energy storage circuits 140_1~140_n can be charged using the induced power PI1~PIn. In other words, the power converter 100 can use the main power supply PM to charge the energy storage circuits 140_1~140_n.

[0013] In this embodiment, the load power supply PL can be a redundant power supply. For example, the load power supply PL can be the power generated by the back electromotive force of a motor. The motor is, for example, a motor used in an electric vehicle or elevator. The load circuit 120 receives the load power supply PL, converts the load power supply PL into transmitted electrical energy PT, and provides the transmitted electrical energy PT to the main coil LM. The main power supply circuit 110 receives the transmitted electrical energy PT located in the main coil LM and converts the transmitted electrical energy PT into main power PM. Therefore, the power converter 100 can feed the energy of the load power supply PL back to the main power supply PM. At this time, the slave coils LS1~LSn respectively generate induced electrical energy PI1~PIn based on the transmitted electrical energy PT located in the main coil LM using inductive coupling. Therefore, the energy storage circuits 140_1~140_n can be charged using the induced electrical energy PI1~PIn. In other words, the power converter 100 can charge the energy storage circuits 140_1~140_n using the load power supply PL.

[0014] In this embodiment, energy storage circuits 140_1 to 140_n are powered. For example, energy storage circuit 140_1 can provide battery energy PB1. Similarly, energy storage circuit 140_n can provide battery energy PBn. Energy storage circuits 140_1 to 140_n can respectively provide battery energy PB1 to PBn to the corresponding slave coil. Therefore, slave coil LS1 receives battery energy PB1. Similarly, slave coil LSN receives battery energy PBn. Transmission circuit 130 uses inductive coupling to generate transmission energy PT in main coil LM based on battery energy PB1 to PBn.

[0015] The main power supply circuit 110 receives the transmitted energy PT located at the main coil LM and converts the transmitted energy PT into main power PM. At the same time, the load circuit 120 can also receive the transmitted energy PT located at the main coil LM and convert the transmitted energy PT into load power PL. In other words, the power converter 100 can use battery energy PB1~PBn to generate at least one of the main power PM and the load power PL.

[0016] In some embodiments, the power converter 100 may include a single energy storage circuit 140_1. The invention is not limited to the number of energy storage circuits.

[0017] Based on the above, the power converter 100 can provide a variety of power conversion mechanisms.

[0018] Please refer to Figure 2, which is a circuit diagram of a power converter according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the power converter 200 includes a main power supply circuit 210, a load circuit 220, a transmission circuit 130, and energy storage circuits 240_1 to 240_n. The main power supply circuit 210 includes a capacitor C1 and power switches SW1 to SW3. The capacitor C1 is connected between the positive power supply terminal and the negative power supply terminal. The first terminal of the power switch SW1 is connected to the positive power supply terminal. The control terminal of the power switch SW1 receives a switch signal S1. The first terminal of the power switch SW2 is connected to the first terminal of the main coil LM. The second terminal of the power switch SW2 is connected to the second terminal of the power switch SW1. The control terminal of the power switch SW2 receives a switch signal S2. The first terminal of the power switch SW3 is connected to the negative power supply terminal. The second terminal of the power switch SW3 is connected to the first terminal of the power switch SW2. The control terminal of the power switch SW3 receives a switch signal S3.

[0019] The load circuit 220 includes a capacitor C2 and power switches SW4-SW6. Capacitor C2 is connected between the positive load terminal and the negative load terminal. The first terminal of power switch SW4 is connected to the positive load terminal. The control terminal of power switch SW4 receives a switch signal S4. The first terminal of power switch SW5 is connected to the second terminal of the main coil LM. The second terminal of power switch SW5 is connected to the second terminal of power switch SW4. The control terminal of power switch SW5 receives a switch signal S5. The first terminal of power switch SW6 is connected to the negative load terminal. The second terminal of power switch SW6 is connected to the first terminal of power switch SW5. The control terminal of power switch SW6 receives a switch signal S6.

[0020] It should be noted that the circuit configuration of the main power supply circuit 210 and the load circuit 220 is based on the symmetry between the transmission circuit 130 and each other. Therefore, the complexity of the circuit design of the power converter 200 can be reduced.

[0021] The energy storage circuit 240_1 includes a battery 241_1 and power switches SW7_1 and SW8_1. The first terminal of power switch SW7_1 is connected to the first terminal of the slave coil LS1. The second terminal of power switch SW7_1 is connected to the positive terminal of battery 241_1. The control terminal of power switch SW7_1 receives switch signal S7_1. The first terminal of power switch SW8_1 is connected to the second terminal of slave coil LS1. The second terminal of power switch SW8_1 is connected to the negative terminal of battery 241_1. The control terminal of power switch SW8_1 receives switch signal S8_1.

[0022] The energy storage circuit 240_n includes a battery 241_n and power switches SW7_n and SW8_n. The first terminal of power switch SW7_n is connected to the first terminal of the slave coil LSN. The second terminal of power switch SW7_n is connected to the positive terminal of battery 241_n. The control terminal of power switch SW7_n receives a switch signal S7_n. The first terminal of power switch SW8_n is connected to the second terminal of slave coil LSN. The second terminal of power switch SW8_n is connected to the negative terminal of battery 241_n. The control terminal of power switch SW8_n receives a switch signal S8_n.

[0023] In this embodiment, power switches SW1~SW6, SW7_1~SW7_n, and SW8_1~SW8_n each include a transistor and a diode. The first terminal of the transistor is connected to the first terminal of the corresponding power switch. The second terminal of the transistor is connected to the second terminal of the corresponding power switch. The control terminal of the transistor is connected to the control terminal of the corresponding power switch. The transistor is, for example, an N-type transistor. The anode of the diode is connected to the first terminal of the corresponding power switch. The cathode of the diode is connected to the second terminal of the corresponding power switch.

[0024] In this embodiment, the switching signals S1~S6, S7_1~S7_n, and S8_1~S8_n are provided by the control circuit CC. The control circuit CC can use the switching signals S1~S6, S7_1~S7_n, and S8_1~S8_n to enable the power converter 200 to enter different power conversion modes. The switching signals S1~S6, S7_1~S7_n, and S8_1~S8_n can be pulse width modulation (PWM) signals. The duty cycle of the switching signals S1~S6, S7_1~S7_n, and S8_1~S8_n is greater than or equal to 0 and less than or equal to 100.

[0025] Batteries 241_1 to 241_n are implemented, for example, by aluminum-ion batteries, but the present invention is not limited to the battery embodiments. In some embodiments, batteries 241_1 to 241_n are implemented, for example, by lithium-ion batteries.

[0026] Please refer to Figures 3A and 3B, which are schematic diagrams illustrating the operation of a power converter according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, when the power converter 200 charges the battery 241_1 using the main power supply PM, power switches SW1, SW2, and SW6 together form a primary circuit connected to the main coil LM. The main coil LM and the slave coil LS1 together form a transformer. Power switches SW7_1 and SW8_1 together form a secondary circuit connected to the slave coil LS1.

[0027] For example, power switches SW1, SW6, and SW7_1 are continuously turned on in response to the high voltage levels of switching signals S1, S6, and S7_1. Power switches SW2 and SW8_1 perform switching operations in response to the duty cycles of switching signals S2 and S8_1. The remaining power switches are continuously turned off in response to the low voltage levels of the received switching signals. Therefore, the power flow path of the power converter 200 is shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 3A.

[0028] It should be noted that the power converter 200 can adjust the charging power of battery 241_1 by utilizing the duty cycles of switching signals S2 and S8_1 based on the voltage value of battery energy PB1 of the regulating battery 241_1. For example, when the voltage value of battery energy PB1 is lower than the cutoff voltage value, the longer the duty cycle of switching signal S8_1, the higher the charging power of battery 241_1. Therefore, the charging speed of battery 241_1 is also faster. The shorter the duty cycle of switching signal S8_1, the lower the charging power of battery 241_1. The charging speed of battery 241_1 is also slower.

[0029] Please refer to Figures 4A and 4B, which are schematic diagrams illustrating the operation of a power converter according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, when the power converter 200 charges batteries 241_1 to 241_n using the main power supply PM, power switches SW1, SW2, and SW6 together form a primary circuit connected to the main coil LM. The main coil LM and the slave coil LS1 together form a transformer. Power switches SW7_1 and SW8_1 together form a secondary circuit connected to the slave coil LS1. Similarly, power switches SW7_n and SW8_n together form a secondary circuit connected to the slave coil LSN.

[0030] For example, power switches SW1, SW6, and SW7_1~SW7_n are continuously turned on in response to the high voltage levels of switch signals S1, S6, and S7_1~S7_n. Power switches SW2, SW8_1~SW8_n perform switching operations in response to the duty cycles of switch signals S2, S8_1~S8_n. The remaining power switches are continuously turned off in response to the low voltage levels of the received switch signals. Therefore, the power flow path of the power converter 200 is shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 4A.

[0031] It should be noted that the power converter 200 can adjust the charging power of the batteries 241_1 to 241_n by adjusting the voltage values ​​of the battery energy PB1 to PBn of the batteries 241_1 to 241_n using the working cycle of the switch signals S8_1 to S8_n.

[0032] Please refer to Figures 5A and 5B, which are schematic diagrams illustrating the operation of a power converter according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, when the power converter 200 converts the main power supply PM into the load power supply PL, power switches SW1~SW5 and the main coil LM together form a buck circuit. The voltage value of the main power supply PM is higher than the voltage value of the load power supply PL. Power switches SW1, SW4, and SW5 are continuously turned on in response to the high voltage levels of switch signals S1, S4, and S5. Power switches SW2 and SW3 perform switching operations in response to the duty cycles of switch signals S2 and S3. Power switches SW2 and SW3 are not turned on simultaneously. The remaining power switches are continuously turned off at the low voltage levels of the received switch signals. Therefore, the power flow path of the power converter 200 is shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 5A.

[0033] It should be noted that the power converter 200 can use the duty cycles of the switching signals S2 and S3 to adjust the voltage or power of the load power supply PL. For example, the higher the duty cycle of the switching signals S2 and S3, the higher the voltage of the load power supply PL. The lower the duty cycle of the switching signals S2 and S3, the lower the voltage of the load power supply PL.

[0034] Please refer to Figures 6A and 6B, which are schematic diagrams illustrating the operation of a power converter according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, when the power converter 200 converts the main power supply PM into the load power supply PL, power switches SW1, SW2, SW4~SW6 and the main coil LM together form a boost circuit. The voltage value of the main power supply PM is lower than the voltage value of the load power supply PL. Power switches SW1, SW2, and SW5 are continuously turned on in response to the high voltage levels of switch signals S1, S2, and S5. Power switches SW4 and SW6 perform switching operations in response to the duty cycles of switch signals S4 and S6. Power switches SW4 and SW6 are not turned on simultaneously. The remaining power switches are continuously turned off at the low voltage levels of the received switch signals. Therefore, the power flow path of the power converter 200 is shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 6A.

[0035] It should be noted that the power converter 200 can use the duty cycles of the switching signals S4 and S6 to adjust the voltage or power of the load power supply PL. For example, the higher the duty cycle of the switching signals S4 and S6, the higher the voltage of the load power supply PL. The lower the duty cycle of the switching signals S4 and S6, the lower the voltage of the load power supply PL.

[0036] Please refer to Figures 7A and 7B, which are schematic diagrams illustrating the operation of a power converter according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, when the power converter 200 converts the main power supply PM into the load power supply PL and charges the batteries 241_1 to 241_n using the main power supply PM, the power switches SW1 to SW5 and the main coil LM together form a step-down circuit. Power switches SW7_1 and SW8_1 together form a secondary circuit connected to the slave coil LS1. Furthermore, power switches SW7_n and SW8_n together form a secondary circuit connected to the slave coil LSN. The implementation details of the secondary circuit and the step-down circuit have been clearly explained in the embodiments shown in Figures 4A, 4B, 5A, and 5B, respectively. The power flow path of the power converter 200 is shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 7A.

[0037] Please refer to Figures 8A and 8B, which are schematic diagrams illustrating the operation of a power converter according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, when the power converter 200 converts the main power supply PM into the load power supply PL and uses the main power supply PM to charge the batteries 241_1 to 241_n, the power switches SW1, SW2, SW4 to SW6 and the main coil LM together form a boost circuit. The power switches SW7_1 and SW8_1 together form a secondary circuit connected to the slave coil LS1. Furthermore, the power switches SW7_n and SW8_n together form a secondary circuit connected to the slave coil LSN. The implementation details of the secondary circuit and the boost circuit have been clearly explained in the embodiments shown in Figures 4A, 4B, 6A, and 6B, respectively, and will not be repeated here. The power flow path of the power converter 200 is shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 8A.

[0038] Please refer to Figures 9A and 9B, which are schematic diagrams illustrating the operation of a power converter according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, when the power converter 200 charges the battery 241_1 using the load power supply PL, power switches SW3~SW5 together form a primary circuit connected to the main coil LM. The main coil LM and the slave coil LS1 together form a transformer. Power switches SW7_1 and SW8_1 together form a secondary circuit connected to the slave coil LS1.

[0039] For example, power switches SW3, SW4, and SW7_1 are continuously turned on in response to the high voltage levels of switch signals S3, S4, and S7_1. Power switches SW5 and SW8_1 perform switching operations in response to the duty cycles of switch signals S5 and S8_1. Power switches SW5 and SW8_1 are not turned on simultaneously. The remaining power switches are continuously turned off in response to the low voltage levels of the received switch signals. Therefore, the power flow path of the power converter 200 is shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 9A.

[0040] The power converter 200 can adjust the charging power of battery 241_1 by utilizing the duty cycles of switching signals S5 and S8_1 based on the voltage value of battery energy PB1 of the regulating battery 241_1. For example, when the voltage value of battery energy PB1 is lower than the cutoff voltage value, the longer the duty cycle of switching signals S5 and S8_1, the higher the charging power of battery 241_1. Therefore, the charging speed of battery 241_1 is also faster. The shorter the duty cycle of switching signals S5 and S8_1, the lower the charging power of battery 241_1. The charging speed of battery 241_1 is also slower.

[0041] Please refer to Figures 10A and 10B, which are schematic diagrams illustrating the operation of a power converter according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, when the power converter 200 charges batteries 241_1 to 241_n using the load power supply PL, power switches SW3 to SW5 together form a primary circuit connected to the main coil LM. The main coil LM and the slave coil LS1 together form a transformer. Power switches SW7_1 and SW8_1 together form a secondary circuit connected to the slave coil LS1. Similarly, power switches SW7_n and SW8_n together form a secondary circuit connected to the slave coil LSN.

[0042] For example, power switches SW3, SW5, and SW7_1~SW7_n are continuously turned on in response to the high voltage levels of switch signals S3, S5, and S7_1~S7_n. Power switches SW5, SW8_1~SW8_n perform switching operations in response to the duty cycles of switch signals S5, S8_1~S8_n. The remaining power switches are continuously turned off in response to the low voltage levels of the received switch signals. Therefore, the power flow path of the power converter 200 is shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 10A.

[0043] It should be noted that the power converter 200 can adjust the charging power of batteries 241_1 to 241_n by using the working cycle of switch signals S5, S8_1 to S8_n according to the voltage value of the battery energy PB1 of the battery 241_1.

[0044] Please refer to Figures 11A and 11B, which are schematic diagrams illustrating the operation of a power converter according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, when the power converter 200 converts the load power supply PL into the main power supply PM, the first power switches SW1, SW2, SW4~SW6 and the main coil LM together form a step-down circuit. The voltage value of the load power supply PL is higher than the voltage value of the main power supply PM.

[0045] For example, power switches SW1, SW2, and SW4 are continuously turned on in response to the high voltage levels of switch signals S1, S2, and S4. Power switches SW5 and SW6 perform switching operations in response to the duty cycles of switch signals S5 and S6. Power switches SW5 and SW6 are not turned on simultaneously. The remaining power switches are continuously turned off at the low voltage levels of the received switch signals. Therefore, the power flow path of the power converter 200 is shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 11A.

[0046] It should be noted that the power converter 200 can adjust the power of the main power supply PM using the duty cycles of the switching signals S5 and S6. For example, the longer the duty cycles of the switching signals S5 and S6, the higher the voltage value of the main power supply PM. The shorter the duty cycles of the switching signals S5 and S6, the lower the voltage value of the main power supply PM.

[0047] Please refer to Figures 12A and 12B, which are schematic diagrams illustrating the operation of a power converter according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, when the power converter 200 converts the load power supply PL into the main power supply PM, the power switches SW1~SW5 and the main coil LM together form a boost circuit. The voltage value of the load power supply PL is lower than the voltage value of the main power supply PM.

[0048] For example, power switches SW2, SW4, and SW5 are continuously turned on in response to the high voltage levels of switching signals S2, S4, and S5. Power switches SW1 and SW3 perform switching operations in response to the duty cycles of switching signals S1 and S3. Power switches SW1 and SW3 are not turned on simultaneously. The remaining power switches are continuously turned off at the low voltage levels of the received switching signals. Therefore, the power flow path of the power converter 200 is shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 12A.

[0049] It should be noted that the power converter 200 can adjust the power of the main power supply PM using the duty cycles of the switching signals S1 and S3. For example, the higher the duty cycle of the switching signals S1 and S3, the higher the voltage value of the main power supply PM. The lower the duty cycle of the switching signals S1 and S3, the lower the voltage value of the main power supply PM.

[0050] Please refer to Figures 13A and 13B, which are schematic diagrams illustrating the operation of a power converter according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, when the power converter 200 converts the load power supply PL into the main power supply PM and charges the batteries 241_1 to 241_n using the load power supply PL, the first power switches SW1, SW2, SW4 to SW6 and the main coil LM together form a step-down circuit. Power switches SW7_1 and SW8_1 together form a secondary circuit connected to the slave coil LS1. Furthermore, power switches SW7_n and SW8_n together form a secondary circuit connected to the slave coil LSN. The implementation details of the secondary circuit and the step-down circuit have been clearly explained in the embodiments shown in Figures 10A, 10B, 11A, and 11B, respectively. The power flow path of the power converter 200 is shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 13A.

[0051] Please refer to Figures 14A and 14B, which are schematic diagrams illustrating the operation of a power converter according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, when the power converter 200 converts the load power supply PL into the main power supply PM and charges the batteries 241_1 to 241_n using the load power supply PL, the power switches SW1 to SW5 and the main coil LM together form a boost circuit. Power switches SW7_1 and SW8_1 together form a secondary circuit connected to the slave coil LS1. Furthermore, power switches SW7_n and SW8_n together form a secondary circuit connected to the slave coil LSN. The implementation details of the secondary circuit and the boost circuit have been clearly explained in the embodiments shown in Figures 10A, 10B, 12A, and 12B, respectively, and will not be repeated here. The power flow path of the power converter 200 is shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 14A.

[0052] Please refer to Figures 15A and 15B, which are schematic diagrams illustrating the operation of a power converter according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, when the power converter 200 converts battery power PB1~PBn into load power PL, power switches SW7_1 and SW8_1 together form a primary circuit connected to the slave coil LS1. Similarly, power switches SW7_n and SW8_n together form a primary circuit connected to the slave coil LSN. The main coil LM and the slave coil LS1 together form a transformer. Furthermore, power switches SW3~SW5 together form a secondary circuit connected to the main coil LM.

[0053] For example, power switches SW8_1 to SW8_n are continuously turned on in response to the high voltage level of switch signals S8_1 to S8_n. Power switches SW3 to SW5 and SW7_1 to SW7_n perform switching operations in response to the duty cycles of switch signals S3 to S5 and S7_1 to S7_n. The remaining power switches are continuously turned off in response to the low voltage level of the received switch signals. Therefore, the power flow path of the power converter 200 is shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 15A.

[0054] It should be noted that the power converter 200 can adjust the duty cycle of the switching signals S7_1 to S7_n based on the current voltage or current state of charge (SOC) of the battery energy PB1~PBn. Taking battery 241_1 as an example, when the current voltage or current state of charge of battery energy PB1 is higher, it means that the battery 241_1 has a higher charge. The switching signal S7_1 can have a longer duty cycle. The output power of battery energy PB1 is higher. Therefore, the power of the induced energy PI1 located in the slave coil LS1 is also higher. Taking battery 241_n as an example, when the current voltage or current state of charge of battery energy PBn is too low, it means that battery energy PBn is judged to be insufficient to supply power. Therefore, the duty cycle of the switching signal S7_n is equal to 0. Battery energy PBn is not output. Therefore, the power of the induced energy PIn located in the slave coil LSn is equal to 0.

[0055] Furthermore, the power converter 200 can adjust the duty cycles of the switching signals S3~S5 and S7_1~S7_n according to the power demand of the load circuit 220. For example, when the power demand of the load circuit 220 is lower, the duty cycle of at least one of the switching signals S3~S5 and S7_1~S7_n can be reduced. For example, when the power demand of the load circuit 220 is higher, the duty cycles of the switching signals S3~S5 and S7_1~S7_n can be increased.

[0056] Based on the above, the power converter 200 can appropriately adjust the output of the battery power PB1~PBn according to the current voltage or current charge state of the battery power PB1~PBn or the power demand of the load circuit 220. In this way, the service life of the batteries 241_1~241_n can be extended.

[0057] Please refer to Figures 16A and 16B, which are schematic diagrams illustrating the operation of a power converter according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, when the power converter 200 converts battery power PB1~PBn into main power PM, power switches SW7_1 and SW8_1 together form a primary circuit connected to the slave coil LS1. Similarly, power switches SW7_n and SW8_n together form a primary circuit connected to the slave coil LSN. The main coil LM and the slave coil LS1 together form a transformer. Furthermore, power switches SW1, SW2, and SW6 together form a secondary circuit connected to the main coil LM.

[0058] For example, power switches SW2, SW6, and SW8_1~SW8_n are continuously turned on in response to the high voltage levels of switch signals S2, S6, and S8_1~S8_n. Power switches SW1, SW7_1~SW7_n perform switching operations in response to the duty cycles of switch signals S1, S7_1~S7_n. The remaining power switches are continuously turned off in response to the low voltage levels of the received switch signals. Therefore, the power flow path of the power converter 200 is shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 16A.

[0059] It should be noted that the power converter 200 can adjust the operating cycle of the switching signals S7_1 to S7_n according to the current voltage or current charge state of the battery energy PB1~PBn. Taking battery 241_1 as an example, when the current voltage or current charge state of battery energy PB1 is higher, it means that the battery energy 241_1 has a higher charge. The switching signal S7_1 can have a longer operating cycle. The output power of battery energy PB1 is higher. Therefore, the power of the induced energy PI1 located in the slave coil LS1 is also higher. Taking battery 241_n as an example, when the current voltage or current charge state of battery energy PBn is too low, it means that battery energy PBn is judged to be insufficient to supply power. Therefore, the operating cycle of the switching signal S7_n is equal to 0. Battery energy PBn is not output. Therefore, the power of the induced energy PIn located in the slave coil LSn is equal to 0.

[0060] Furthermore, the power converter 200 can adjust the duty cycle of the switching signals S1, S7_1 to S7_n based on the feedback power of the main power supply PM. For example, when the power demand of the load circuit 220 is lower, the duty cycle of at least one of the switching signals S1, S7_1 to S7_n can be reduced. For example, when the power demand of the load circuit 220 is higher, the duty cycle of the power switches S1, S7_1 to S7_n can be increased.

[0061] Based on the above, the power converter 200 can appropriately adjust the output of the battery energy PB1~PBn according to the current voltage or current charge state of the battery energy PB1~PBn or the feedback power of the main power supply PM. In this way, the service life of the batteries 241_1~241_n can be extended.

[0062] Please refer to Figures 17A and 17B, which are schematic diagrams illustrating the operation of a power converter according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the power converter 200 converts battery power PB1~PBn into main power PM and load power PL. Power switches SW7_1 and SW8_1 together form a primary circuit connected to the slave coil LS1. Similarly, power switches SW7_n and SW8_n together form a primary circuit connected to the slave coil LSN. The main coil LM and the slave coil LS1 together form a transformer.

[0063] In addition, power switches SW3 to SW5 together form a first secondary measurement circuit connected to the main coil LM. Power switches SW1, SW2, and SW6 together form a second secondary measurement circuit connected to the main coil LM.

[0064] In this embodiment, power switches SW3~SW5 are turned on during the first period. Power switches SW1, SW2, and SW6 are turned on during the second period. The first and second periods do not overlap.

[0065] For example, power switches SW8_1~SW8_n are continuously turned on in response to the high voltage level of switch signals S8_1~S8_n. Power switches SW7_1~SW7_n perform switching operations in response to the duty cycle of switch signals S7_1~S7_n. Power switches SW3~SW5 of the first and second measurement circuits can perform a first switching operation according to the duty cycle of switch signals S3~S5. The operation of the first and second measurement circuits and the operation of the primary measurement circuit are similar to the operations in Figures 15A and 15B. Therefore, the power flow path of the first and second measurement circuits during the first period is shown by the dashed arrow A1.

[0066] The power switches SW1, SW2, and SW6 of the second secondary measurement circuit can perform a second switching operation according to the working cycle of the switch signals S1, S2, and S6. The operation of the second secondary measurement circuit is similar to that of the primary measurement circuit in Figures 16A and 16B. Therefore, the power flow path of the second secondary measurement circuit during the second period is shown by the dashed arrow A2.

[0067] In this embodiment, the power converter 200 can adjust the working cycle of the switching signals S7_1 to S7_n according to the current voltage or current charge state of the battery energy PB1 to PBn.

[0068] The power converter 200 can adjust the duty cycles of the switching signals S3~S5 and S7_1~S7_n according to the power demand of the load circuit 220. For example, when the power demand of the load circuit 220 is lower, the duty cycle of at least one of the switching signals S3~S5 and S7_1~S7_n can be reduced. For example, when the power demand of the load circuit 220 is higher, the duty cycles of the switching signals S3~S5 and S7_1~S7_n can be increased.

[0069] The power converter 200 can adjust the duty cycle of the switching signals S1, S2, S6, S7_1 to S7_n based on the feedback power of the main power supply PM. For example, when the power demand of the load circuit 220 is lower, the duty cycle of at least one of the switching signals S1, S2, S6, S7_1 to S7_n can be reduced. For example, when the power demand of the load circuit 220 is higher, the duty cycle of the switching signals S1, S2, S6, S7_1 to S7_n can be increased.

[0070] In summary, the load circuit receives and transmits electrical energy, and converts the transmitted electrical energy into load power. The energy storage circuit receives induced electrical energy located in the slave coil and charges using the induced electrical energy. The power converter supplies power to the load circuit and the energy storage circuit using different power conversion mechanisms. In this way, the power supply of the power converter is not disturbed by the voltage of the load or the voltage located in the energy storage circuit. In some embodiments, the power converter can convert the battery energy of the energy storage circuit into at least one of the load power and the main power. In some embodiments, the power converter can convert the main power into at least one of the load power and the battery energy. In some embodiments, the power converter can convert the load power into at least one of the main power and the battery energy. Therefore, the power converter can provide multiple power conversion functions.

[0071] Although the present invention has been disclosed above by way of embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Anyone skilled in the art can make some modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be determined by the appended claims. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]

[0072] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a power converter according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG2 is a circuit schematic diagram of a power converter according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG3A and FIG3B are operational schematic diagrams of a power converter according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG4A and FIG4B are operational schematic diagrams of a power converter according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG5A and FIG5B are operational schematic diagrams of a power converter according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG6A and FIG6B are operational schematic diagrams of a power converter according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG7A and FIG7B are operational schematic diagrams of a power converter according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG8A and FIG8B are operational schematic diagrams of a power converter according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG9A and FIG9B are operational schematic diagrams of a power converter according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG10A and FIG10B are operational schematic diagrams of a power converter according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG11A and FIG11B are operational schematic diagrams of a power converter according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 12A and 12B are schematic diagrams illustrating the operation of a power converter according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 13A and 13B are schematic diagrams illustrating the operation of a power converter according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 14A and 14B are schematic diagrams illustrating the operation of a power converter according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 15A and 15B are schematic diagrams illustrating the operation of a power converter according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 16A and 16B are schematic diagrams illustrating the operation of a power converter according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 17A and 17B are schematic diagrams illustrating the operation of a power converter according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Claims

1. A power converter, comprising: A main power supply circuit, configured to convert a main power supply into a power transmission circuit; A load circuit configured to convert the transmitted electrical energy into a load power source; A transmission circuit includes: a main coil connected between the main power supply circuit and the load circuit; The system includes at least one slave coil, each configured to generate induced energy from the transmitted power located in the main coil via inductive coupling; and at least one energy storage circuit, connected one-to-one with each of the at least one slave coil, and configured to receive and charge the induced energy. The main power supply circuit provides the transmitted power to the main coil. The load circuit receives the transmitted power located in the main coil and converts it into load power. The load circuit converts the load power into the transmitted power and provides it to the main coil. The main power supply circuit receives the transmitted power located in the main coil and converts it into main power. Each of the at least one energy storage circuits provides battery power to the corresponding slave coil. The transmission circuit generates the transmitted power in the main coil via inductive coupling based on the battery power, and the main power supply circuit receives the transmitted power located in the main coil and converts it into main power.

2. The power converter as claimed in claim 1, wherein the load circuit receives the transmitted electrical energy located at the main coil and converts the transmitted electrical energy into the load power supply.

3. The power converter as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main power supply circuit includes: A first capacitor is connected between a positive power supply terminal and a negative power supply terminal; a first power switch has its first terminal connected to the positive power supply terminal, and its control terminal receives a first switching signal; a second power switch has its first terminal connected to the first terminal of the main coil, its second terminal connected to the second terminal of the first power switch, and its control terminal receives a second switching signal; and a third power switch has its first terminal connected to the negative power supply terminal, its second terminal connected to the first terminal of the second power switch, and its control terminal receives a third switching signal.

4. The power converter as claimed in claim 3, wherein the load circuit includes: A second capacitor is connected between a positive load terminal and a negative load terminal; a fourth power switch has its first terminal connected to the positive load terminal and its control terminal receives a fourth switch signal; a fifth power switch has its first terminal connected to the second terminal of the main coil and its second terminal connected to the second terminal of the fourth power switch, and its control terminal receives a fifth switch signal; and a sixth power switch has its first terminal connected to the negative load terminal and its second terminal connected to the first terminal of the fifth power switch, and its control terminal receives a sixth switch signal.

5. The power converter as claimed in claim 4, wherein when the main power supply is converted to the load power supply, the first power switch, the second power switch, the third power switch, the fourth power switch, the fifth power switch, and the main coil together form a step-down circuit.

6. The power converter as claimed in claim 4, wherein when the main power supply is converted to the load power supply, the first power switch, the second power switch, the fourth power switch, the fifth power switch, the sixth power switch, and the main coil together form a boost circuit.

7. The power converter as claimed in claim 4, wherein when the load power supply is converted to the main power supply, the first power switch, the second power switch, the fourth power switch, the fifth power switch, the sixth power switch, and the main coil together form a step-down circuit.

8. The power converter as claimed in claim 4, wherein when the load power supply is converted to the main power supply, the first power switch, the second power switch, the third power switch, the fourth power switch, the fifth power switch, and the main coil together form a boost circuit.

9. The power converter as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first switch signal, the second switch signal, the third switch signal, the fourth switch signal, the fifth switch signal, and the sixth switch signal are pulse width modulation signals.

10. The power converter of claim 4, wherein a first energy storage circuit in the at least one energy storage circuit comprises: A battery, configured to store battery energy; A seventh power switch, the first end of which is connected to the first end of a first slave coil among the at least one slave coil, the second end of which is connected to the positive terminal of the battery, and the control terminal of which receives a seventh switch signal; and an eighth power switch, the first end of which is connected to the second end of the first slave coil, the second end of which is connected to the negative terminal of the battery, and the control terminal of which receives an eighth switch signal.

11. The power converter of claim 10, wherein when the battery is charged using the main power supply: the first power switch, the second power switch, and the sixth power switch together form a primary circuit connected to the main coil; the main coil and the first slave coil together form a transformer; and the seventh power switch and the eighth power switch together form a secondary circuit connected to the first slave coil.

12. The power converter of claim 10, wherein when the battery is charged using the load power supply: the third power switch, the fourth power switch, and the fifth power switch together form a primary circuit connected to the main coil; the main coil and the first slave coil together form a transformer; and the seventh power switch and the eighth power switch together form a secondary circuit connected to the first slave coil.

13. The power converter of claim 10, wherein when the battery power is converted into the load power: the seventh power switch and the eighth power switch together form a primary circuit connected to the first slave coil, the main coil and the first slave coil together form a transformer, and the third power switch, the fourth power switch and the fifth power switch together form a secondary circuit connected to the main coil.

14. The power converter of claim 10, wherein when the battery power is converted into the main power supply: the seventh power switch and the eighth power switch together form a primary circuit connected to the first slave coil, the main coil and the first slave coil together form a transformer, and the first power switch, the second power switch and the sixth power switch together form a secondary circuit connected to the main coil.

15. The power converter as claimed in claim 10, wherein the battery is implemented by an aluminum-ion battery.

16. The power converter as claimed in claim 10, wherein the seventh switch signal and the eighth switch signal are pulse width modulation signals.

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