Power conversion device and power conversion method capable of realising energy balance and hybrid power supply

Abstract

To provide a power conversion device and a power conversion method capable of realizing energy balance and a hybrid power supply.SOLUTION: A power conversion device is connected to a power supply and a plurality of loads, and includes a first switch module. The switch module includes: an inductor; a first switching element; a second switching element; a third switching element; and a fourth switching element. The first, second, third and fourth switching elements are switched to ON or OFF so that the inductor accumulates or discharges energy for converting the power supply into a plurality of voltages and supplying the voltages to the plurality of loads.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an energy balance circuit and a capacitor voltage adjustment method, and to a power converter having a plurality of output capacitors and a power conversion method. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, non-isolated power converters, such as bidirectional power converters and one-to-many power converters, have been widely used in uninterruptible power supplies, renewable energy systems, fuel cells, hybrid vehicles, etc. Power converters provide a single power source to multiple loads or transfer power from one load to another, thereby achieving energy balance or hybrid power supplies. In these cases, the design goals of power converters include at least (1) high conversion efficiency, (2) ability to withstand large currents, (3) low input current ripple, and (4) small size and low cost. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] Therefore, how to design a one-to-multiple power converter that can be applied to the above applications and achieve the design goals is one of the important issues in the industry.

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a power converter and a power conversion method that can achieve energy balance and a hybrid power supply. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to achieve the above object, a power converter according to the present invention is connected to a power source and a plurality of loads, and includes a first switch module, the first switch module including: an inductor; a first switching element having a first end connected to a first input terminal and a second end connected to the first end of the inductor; a second switching element having a first end connected to the second end of the inductor and a second end connected to a second input terminal; a third switching element having a first end connected to a first output terminal and a second end connected to the first end of the second switching element and the second end of the inductor; and a fourth switching element having a first end connected to the second end of the first switching element and the first end of the inductor and a second end connected to a second output terminal, wherein the first switching element, the second switching element, the third switching element and the fourth switching element are switched on or off such that the inductor stores or releases energy to convert the power source into a plurality of voltages for supplying to the plurality of loads.

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, a power conversion method according to the present invention includes the steps of: detecting voltages of a plurality of loads; and determining which of a first operation mode to a sixth operation mode is to be executed; and controlling on / off of a first switching element, a second switching element, a third switching element, and a fourth switching element based on one of the first operation mode to the sixth operation mode, to store or release energy in an inductor, thereby generating a first voltage, a second voltage, and a third voltage in the plurality of loads, respectively. Effect of the Invention

[0007] The features and advantages of the power converter and power conversion method according to the present invention are as follows: (1) By adjusting the duty cycle of the switching elements, the voltage of the capacitor unit can be controlled, and the number of components can be reduced, thus achieving the advantages of small size and low cost. (2) By controlling the energy storage and release of the inductor and the multiple switching elements, the energy transfer between the voltages of the capacitor cells can be controlled, and the voltage of the capacitor cells can be adjusted to meet the demands of different loads.

[0008] In order to better understand the techniques, means, and advantages of the present invention achieved to achieve the objects of the present invention, it is believed that the objects and features of the present invention will be better understood by referring to the detailed description of the invention and the accompanying drawings, which are provided for reference and explanation only and are not intended to limit the present invention. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a circuit diagram of a power converter according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a power converter of the present invention in a first mode of operation. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a power converter of the present invention in a second mode of operation. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a power converter of the present invention in a third mode of operation. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a power converter of the present invention in a fourth mode of operation. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a power converter of the present invention in a fifth mode of operation. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a power converter of the present invention in a sixth mode of operation. [Figure 8] FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram of a power converter according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram of a power converter according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10]FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram of a power converter according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram of a power converter according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a circuit diagram of a power converter according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 2 is a flowchart of a power conversion method according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] The technical contents and detailed description of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram of a power converter 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, the power converter 10 is connected to a power source 11 and a plurality of loads (including a first load 91, a second load 92, and a third load 93). The power converter 10 includes a first switch module 12. As shown in FIG. 1, the first switch module 12 includes an inductor L 1 , the first switching element S 1 , the second switching element S 2 , the third switching element S 3 and the fourth switching element S 4 A first load 91 of the multiple loads is connected between the first input terminal IN1 and the first output terminal OUT1, a second load 92 of the multiple loads is connected between the first output terminal OUT1 and the second output terminal OUT2, and a third load 93 of the multiple loads is connected between the second input terminal IN2 and the second output terminal OUT2.

[0012] First switching element S 1 includes a first terminal and a second terminal, and a first switching element S 1 The first end of the first switching element S 1 The second end of the inductor L 1 The second switching element S 2includes a first terminal and a second terminal, and a second switching element S 2 The first end of the inductor L 1 A second switching element S 2 The second end of the third switching element S is connected to the second input terminal IN2. 3 includes a first terminal and a second terminal, and a third switching element S 3 The first terminal of the third switching element S 3 The second end of the second switching element S 2 and the first end of the inductor L 1 The fourth switching element S 4 includes a first terminal and a second terminal, and a fourth switching element S 4 The first terminal of the first switching element S 1 and the second end of the inductor L 1 and a fourth switching element S 4 The second end of the transistor is connected to the second output terminal OUT2.

[0013] First switching element S 1 , the second switching element S 2 , the third switching element S 3 and the fourth switching element S 4 In order to convert the power supply 11 into multiple voltages and supply them to multiple loads 91, 92, and 93, an inductor L 1 is switched on or off to store or release energy.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the power converter 10 includes a first capacitor C 1 and the second capacitor C 2 and the third capacitor C 3 The first capacitor C 1 is connected between the first input terminal IN1 and the first output terminal OUT1, and outputs a first voltage V 1 The second capacitor C 2 is connected between the first output terminal OUT1 and the second output terminal OUT2, and outputs a second voltage V 2The third capacitor C 3 is connected between the second input terminal IN2 and the second output terminal OUT2, and outputs a third voltage V 3 occurs.

[0015] In one embodiment, the power supply 11 may be a DC power supply, and is connected between the first input terminal IN1 and the second input terminal IN2, and includes a first switching element S 1 , the second switching element S 2 , the third switching element S 3 and the fourth switching element S 4 is an N-channel synchronous rectification type.

[0016] In one embodiment, the power converter 10 is controlled by a controller (not shown), such as a digital signal processor, a programmable logic controller, or a microcontroller. The controller is arranged to measure the voltage change rates of the multiple loads (or capacitors) and determine that the power converter 10 executes one of the first to sixth operation modes. Specifically, if the energy drop rate of one of the multiple loads is significantly lower than the energy drop rate of the other loads, the energy stored in the load with the lowest energy drop rate needs to be transferred to the load with the highest energy drop rate. In other words, the energy stored in the load that consumes the least power can be transferred to the load that consumes the most power, thereby achieving energy balance and hybrid power supply. In another embodiment, the controller receives user commands to control which operation mode the power converter 10 executes to enable energy scheduling.

[0017] 2 is a schematic diagram of the power converter 10 of the present invention in a first mode of operation. As shown in FIG. 2, the first switching element S 1 When the first capacitor C 1 The energy stored in the inductor L 1 (the first energy storage path Ps1 in the figure). At this time, the inductor L1 The voltage across both ends is the first voltage V 1 The first switching element S 1 When the inductor L 1 The energy stored in the second capacitor C 2 (the first energy release path Pr1 in the figure) to the second capacitor C 2 to the second voltage V 2 In the first mode of operation, the power converter 10 generates a first capacitor C 1 to the second capacitor C 2 and transfers the energy to the second capacitor C 2 In one embodiment, the conditions for the power converter 10 to execute the first operation mode include at least one of E1>E3>E2 and E1>>E2 (i.e., the energy stored in the first load 91 is much greater than the energy stored in the second load 92), where E1, E2, and E3 are the energies stored in the first load 91, the second load 92, and the third load 93, respectively. In the first operation mode, the first energy storage path Ps1 and the first energy release path Pr1 are connected to the third switching element S 3 Since the current passes through the body diode of the third switching element S 3 can be replaced with a synchronous rectifier switch or diode.

[0018] 3 is a schematic diagram of the power converter 10 of the present invention in a second mode of operation. As shown in FIG. 3, the third switching element S 3 and the fourth switching element S 4 When the second capacitor C 2 The energy stored in the inductor L 1 (the second energy storage path Ps2 in the figure). At this time, the inductor L 1 The voltage across both ends is the second voltage V 2 The fourth switching element S 4 is turned off, and the third switching element S 3 remains on, the inductor L 1The energy stored in the first capacitor C 1 (the second energy release path Pr2 in the figure) 1 to the first voltage V 1 In the second mode of operation, the power converter 10 generates a second capacitor C 2 From the first capacitor C 1 and transfers energy to the first capacitor C 1 In one embodiment, the conditions under which the power converter 10 executes the second operation mode include at least one of E2>E3>E1 and E2>>E1 (i.e., the energy stored in the second load 92 is much greater than the energy stored in the first load 91). In the second operation mode, the second energy release path Pr2 is connected to the first switching element S 1 Since the current passes through the body diode of the first switching element S 1 can be replaced with a synchronous rectification switching element or a diode.

[0019] 4 is a schematic diagram of the power converter 10 of the present invention in a third mode of operation. As shown in FIG. 4, the third switching element S 3 and the fourth switching element S 4 When the second capacitor C 2 The energy stored in the inductor L 1 (The third energy storage path Ps3 in the figure). At this time, the inductor L 1 The voltage across both ends is the second voltage V 2 The third switching element S 3 is turned off, and the fourth switching element S 4 remains on, the inductor L 1 The energy stored in the third capacitor C 3 (the third energy release path Pr3 in the figure) 3 to the third voltage V 3 In the third mode of operation, the power converter 10 generates a second capacitor C 2 to the third capacitor C 3and transfers the energy to the third capacitor C 3 In one embodiment, the conditions under which the power converter 10 executes the third operation mode include at least one of E2>E1>E3 and E2>>E3 (i.e., the energy stored in the second load 92 is much greater than the energy stored in the third load 93). In the third mode, the third energy release path Pr3 is connected to the second switching element S 2 Since the current passes through the body diode of the second switching element S 2 can be replaced with a synchronous rectification switching element or a diode.

[0020] 5 is a schematic diagram of the power converter 10 of the present invention in a fourth mode of operation. As shown in FIG. 5, the second switching element S 2 When the third capacitor C 3 The energy stored in the inductor L 1 (The fourth energy storage path Ps4 in the figure). At this time, the inductor L 1 The voltage across both ends is the third voltage V 3 The second switching element S 2 Based on the fact that 1 The energy stored in the second capacitor C 2 By releasing energy to the second capacitor C 2 to the second voltage V 2 In the fourth mode of operation, the power converter 10 generates a third capacitor C 3 to the second capacitor C 2 and transfers the energy to the second capacitor C 2 In one embodiment, the conditions under which the power converter 10 executes the fourth operation mode include at least one of E3>E1>E2 and E3>>E2 (i.e., the energy stored in the third load 93 is much greater than the energy stored in the second load 92). In the fourth mode, the fourth energy storage path Ps4 and the fourth energy release path Pr4 are connected to the fourth switching element S 4Since the current passes through the body diode of the fourth switching element S 4 can be replaced with a synchronous rectification switching element or a diode.

[0021] 6 is a schematic diagram of the power converter 10 of the present invention in a fifth mode of operation. As shown in FIG. 6, the third switching element S 3 and the fourth switching element S 4 When the second capacitor C 2 The energy stored in the inductor L 1 (The fifth energy storage path Ps5 in the figure). At this time, the inductor L 1 The voltage across both ends is the second voltage V 2 The third switching element S 3 and the fourth switching element S 4 When the inductor L 1 The energy stored in the first capacitor C 1 , the second capacitor C 2 and the third capacitor C 3 By releasing energy to the first capacitor C 1 to the first voltage V 1 and the second capacitor C 2 to the second voltage V 2 and the third capacitor C 3 to the third voltage V 3 and V is generated in the series path of these three capacitors. 1 +V 2 +V 3 In the fifth operating mode, the power converter 10 generates a voltage across the second capacitor C 2 From the first capacitor C 1 and the third capacitor C 3 and transfers energy to the first capacitor C 1 and the third capacitor C 3In one embodiment, the conditions under which the power converter 10 executes the fifth operation mode include at least one of E2>E1≈E3 (i.e., the energy stored in the second load 92 is greater than the energy stored in the first load 91 and the energy stored in the third load 93, and the energy stored in the first load 91 and the energy stored in the third load 93 are approximately equal) and E2>>E1≈E3 (i.e., the energy stored in the second load 92 is much greater than the energy stored in the first load 91 and the energy stored in the third load 93, and the energy stored in the first load 91 and the energy stored in the third load 93 are approximately equal). In the fifth operation mode, the third energy release path Pr3 is connected to the first switching element S 1 The body diode and the second switching element S 2 Since the current passes through the body diode of the first switching element S 1 and the second switching element S 2 can be replaced with a synchronous rectification switching element or a diode.

[0022] 7 is a schematic diagram of the power converter of the present invention in a sixth operating mode. As shown in FIG. 7, the first switching element S 1 and the second switching element S 2 When the first capacitor C 1 The energy stored in the second capacitor C 2 The energy stored in the third capacitor C 3 The energy stored in the inductor L 1 (the sixth energy storage path Ps6 in the figure). At this time, the inductor L 1 The voltage across both ends is V 1 +V 2 +V 3 The voltage of the first switching element S 1 or the second switching element S 2 When the inductor L 1 The energy stored in the second capacitor C 2By releasing energy to it (the sixth energy release path Pr6 shown in the figure), the second capacitor C 2 generates the second voltage V 2 . In the sixth operation mode, the power converter 10 transfers energy from the first capacitor C 1 , the second capacitor C 2 and the third capacitor C 3 to the second capacitor C 2 to stabilize the voltage of the second capacitor C 2 . In one embodiment, the conditions for the power converter 10 to execute the sixth operation mode are E2 < E1 ≒ E3 (that is, the energy stored in the second load 92 is smaller than the energy stored in the first load 91 and the energy stored in the third load 93, and the energy stored in the first load 91 and the energy stored in the third load 93 are approximately equal), and at least one of E2 << E1 ≒ E3 (that is, the energy stored in the second load 92 is much smaller than the energy stored in the first load 91 and the energy stored in the third load 93, and the energy stored in the first load 91 and the energy stored in the third load 93 are approximately equal). In the sixth operation mode, since the sixth energy release path Pr6 passes through the body diode of the third switching element S 3 and the body diode of the fourth switching element S 4 , the third switching element S 3 and the fourth switching element S 4 can be replaced with synchronous rectifier switching elements or diodes.

[0023] FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram of a power converter 20 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The main difference between the second embodiment shown in FIG. 8 and the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is that the second embodiment has a multi-capacitor connection (i.e., multi-capacitor series connection) structure. In the present embodiment, the multi-capacitor series structure includes a first capacitor bank, a second capacitor bank, and a third capacitor bank. The first capacitor bank is connected between the first input terminal IN1 and the first output terminal OUT1, and has a plurality of voltages (for example, voltage V 11 , V 12) first voltage V 1 and a plurality of first capacitors C 11 , C 12 The second capacitor row is connected between the first output terminal OUT1 and the second output terminal OUT2, and is connected to a plurality of voltages (for example, voltage V 21 , V 22 ) the second voltage V 22 and a plurality of second capacitors C 21 , C 22 The third capacitor row is connected between the second input terminal IN2 and the second output terminal OUT2 and is connected to a plurality of voltages (for example, voltage V 31 , V 32 ) the third voltage V 3 and a plurality of third capacitors C 31 , C 32 In this circuit structure, the power source 11 is a DC power source, and is connected between the first input terminal IN1 and the second input terminal IN2, and includes a first switching element S 1 , the second switching element S 2 , the third switching element S 3 and the fourth switching element S 4 is an N-channel synchronous rectification type. FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram of a power converter 30 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the power supply 11 may be an AC power supply. Therefore, the first switching element S 1 , the second switching element S 2 , the third switching element S 3 and the fourth switching element S 4 Since the is a back-to-back bidirectional switch (e.g., two MOSFETs connected in series and in opposite directions), the polarity of the positive and negative half-cycles of the AC power supply is different, and the bidirectional conduction characteristics of the back-to-back bidirectional switch make it possible to adjust the capacitor voltage.

[0024] 10 is a circuit diagram of a power converter 40 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The main difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is that the power converter 40 according to the fourth embodiment has two switch modules, i.e., a first switch module 12-1 and a second switch module 12-2, and a capacitor unit C 1 , C 2 , C 3 , C4 is four, that is, a fourth capacitor C4 is added. In this embodiment, the first switch module 12-1 corresponds to the first switch module 12 in the first embodiment. In addition, the third switching element S 3 The first end of the fourth switching element S of the second switch module 12-2 is connected to the second output terminal OUT2. 4 The second end of the fourth capacitor C4 is connected between the third output terminal OUT3 and the second input terminal IN2, and a fourth voltage V 4 Here, a fourth load 94 of the plurality of loads is connected between the third output terminal OUT3 and the second input terminal IN2.

[0025] Fig. 11 is a circuit diagram of a power converter 50 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The power converter 50 shown in Fig. 11 is connected to a power source 11 and a plurality of loads (including a first load 91, a second load 92, a third load 93, and a fourth load 94), and includes a first switch module 12-3. The first switch module 12-3 includes an inductor L 1 and the first switching element S 1 and the second switching element S 2 and the third switching element S 3 and the fourth switching element S 4 The first switching element S 1 has a first end connected to the first output terminal OUT1 and an inductor L 1 and a second terminal connected to the first terminal of the second switching element S. 2 is the first end, inductor L 1and a second terminal connected to the second input terminal IN2. 3 has a first terminal connected to the second output terminal OUT2 and a second switching element S 2 and the first end of the inductor L 1 and a second terminal connected to the second terminal of the fourth switching element S 4 is the first switching element S 1 and the second end of the inductor L 1 and a second terminal connected to the third output terminal OUT3.

[0026] The power converter 50 shown in FIG. 1 , the second capacitor C 2 and the third capacitor C 3 The first capacitor C 1 is connected between the first input terminal IN1 and the first output terminal OUT1, and outputs a first voltage V 1 The second capacitor C 2 is connected between the first output terminal OUT1 and the second output terminal OUT2, and outputs a second voltage V 2 The third capacitor C 3 is connected between the second input terminal IN2 and the second output terminal OUT2, and outputs a third voltage V 3 Here, the power source 11 is a DC power source, and is connected between the first input terminal IN1 and the second input terminal IN2, and includes a first switching element S 1 , the second switching element S 2 , the third switching element S 3 and the fourth switching element S 4 is an N-channel synchronous rectification type.

[0027] The power converter 50 shown in FIG. 11 further includes a second switch module 12-4 and a fourth capacitor C4. The second switch module 12-4 includes a first switching element S 1 and the second switching element S 2 and the third switching element S3 and the fourth switching element S 4 The first switching element S 1 The first end of the second switching element S is connected to the first input terminal IN1. 2 The second end of the third switching element S is connected to the third output terminal OUT3. 3 A first end of the fourth switching element S is connected to the first output terminal OUT1. 4 A second end of the fourth capacitor C4 is connected to the second output terminal OUT2. The fourth capacitor C4 is connected between the third output terminal OUT3 and the second input terminal IN2.

[0028] Here, a first load 91 of the multiple loads is connected between the first input terminal IN1 and the first output terminal OUT1. A second load 92 of the multiple loads is connected between the first output terminal OUT1 and the second output terminal OUT2. A third load 93 of the multiple loads is connected between the second output terminal OUT2 and the third output terminal OUT3. A fourth load 94 of the multiple loads is connected between the third output terminal OUT3 and the second input terminal IN2.

[0029] In a different embodiment, in this embodiment, the power supply 11 may be an AC power supply. Therefore, the first switching element S 1 , the second switching element S 2 , the third switching element S 3 and the fourth switching element S 4 Since the is a back-to-back bidirectional switch (e.g., two MOSFETs connected in series and in opposite directions), the polarity of the positive and negative half-cycles of the AC power supply is different, and the bidirectional conduction characteristics of the back-to-back bidirectional switch make it possible to adjust the capacitor voltage.

[0030] FIG. 12 is a circuit diagram of a power converter 60 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. When a plurality of loads have stored energy and can supply power to the power source 11, one of the plurality of loads is connected as a first power source 51 between the first input terminal IN1 and the first output terminal OUT1. One of the plurality of loads is connected as a second power source 52 between the first output terminal OUT1 and the second output terminal OUT2. One of the plurality of loads is connected as a third power source 53 between the second input terminal IN2 and the second output terminal OUT2. In this embodiment, the power source 11 is connected as a load 90 between the first input terminal IN1 and the second input terminal IN2. Here, the first power source 51 and the first capacitor C 1 may be a battery, such as, but not limited to, a supercapacitor (electric double layer capacitor), a lithium battery, or a lead acid battery. Similarly, the second power source 52 and the second capacitor C 2 and the third power supply 53 and the third capacitor C 3 is a battery. The battery supplies a stable input voltage, and as described above, the switching element S 1 , S 2 , S 3 , S 4 By controlling the above, a bidirectional power flow can be realized, the battery voltage can be stably charged and discharged, and the demand of the power source 11 (i.e., the load 90) can be supplied.

[0031] FIG. 13 is a flow chart of a power conversion method according to the present invention. It will be described with reference to one of the different power converter embodiments described above. The power converter includes a first switching element S 1 and the second switching element S 2 and the third switching element S 3 and the fourth switching element S 4 and inductor L 1 and the first capacitor C 1 and the second capacitor C 2 and the third capacitor C 3The power conversion method includes detecting the voltages of a plurality of loads and determining which of the first to sixth operation modes is to be executed (step S10). Then, based on one of the first to sixth operation modes, the first switching element S 1 , the second switching element S 2 , the third switching element S 3 and the fourth switching element S 4 By controlling the on / off of the inductor L 1 By storing or releasing energy in the 1 , the second voltage V 2 and the third voltage V 3 is generated (step S20).

[0032] Here, in the first operating mode, the first switching element S 1 By turning on the first capacitor C 1 The energy stored in the inductor L 1 By storing the current in the inductor L 1 to the first voltage V 1 and generating a first switching element S 1 By turning off the inductor L 1 The first voltage V stored in 1 The second capacitor C 2 The second capacitor C 2 to the second voltage V 2 and generating a signal.

[0033] Here, in the second operation mode, the third switching element S 3 and the fourth switching element S 4 By turning on the second capacitor C 2 The energy stored in the inductor L 1 By storing the current in the inductor L 1 to the second voltage V 2 and generating a fourth switching element S 4 is turned off, and the third switching element S 3 By turning on the inductor L 1The second voltage V stored in 2 The first capacitor C 1 The first capacitor C 1 to the first voltage V 1 and generating a signal.

[0034] Here, in the third operation mode, the third switching element S 3 and the fourth switching element S 4 By turning on the second capacitor C 2 The energy stored in the inductor L 1 By storing the current in the inductor L 1 to the second voltage V 2 and generating a third switching element S 3 is turned off, and the fourth switching element S 4 By turning on the inductor L 1 The second voltage V stored in 2 The third capacitor C 3 The third capacitor C 3 to the third voltage V 3 and generating a signal.

[0035] Here, in the fourth operation mode, the second switching element S 2 By turning on the third capacitor C 3 The energy stored in the inductor L 1 By storing the current in the inductor L 1 to the third voltage V 3 and generating a second switching element S 2 By turning off the inductor L 1 The third voltage V stored in 3 The second capacitor C 2 The second capacitor C 2 to the second voltage V 2 and generating a signal.

[0036] Here, in the fifth operation mode, the third switching element S 3 and the fourth switching element S 4By turning on the second capacitor C 2 The energy stored in the inductor L 1 By storing the current in the inductor L 1 to the second voltage V 2 and generating a third switching element S 3 and the fourth switching element S 4 By turning off the inductor L 1 The energy stored in the first capacitor C 1 , the second capacitor C 2 and the third capacitor C 3 The first capacitor C 1 to the first voltage V 1 and the second capacitor C 2 to the second voltage V 2 and the third capacitor C 3 to the third voltage V 3 and generating a signal.

[0037] Here, in the sixth operation mode, the first switching element S 1 and the second switching element S 2 By turning on the first capacitor C 1 The energy stored in the second capacitor C 2 The energy stored in the third capacitor C 3 The energy stored in the inductor L 1 By storing the current in the inductor L 1 Total voltage V 1 +V 2 +V 3 (That is, the first voltage V 1 , the second voltage V 2 , the third voltage V 3 a step of generating a first switching element S 1 or the second switching element S 2 By turning off the inductor L 1 The total voltage stored in the second capacitor C 2 The second capacitor C 2 to the second voltage V 2 and generating a signal.

[0038] In summary, the features and advantages of the present invention are as follows: (1) By adjusting the duty cycle of the switching elements, the voltage of the capacitor unit can be controlled, and the number of parts can be reduced, thereby achieving the advantages of small size and low cost. (2) By controlling the energy storage and release of the inductor and the multiple switching elements, the energy transfer between the voltages of the capacitor cells can be controlled, and the voltage of the capacitor cells can be adjusted to meet the demands of different loads.

[0039] The above describes in detail the preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such examples, and does not limit the scope of the present invention. The entire scope of the present invention is based on the following claims. The spirit and similar modifications that are consistent with the scope of the claims of the present invention should be included in the scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can easily think of modifications and amendments within the technical scope of the present invention, and such modifications and amendments are also included in the scope of the following claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0040] 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 Power Converter 11 Power supply 12, 12-1, 12-3 First switch module 12-2 Second switch module 12-4 Second switch module S 1 First Switching Element S 2 Second Switching Element S 3 Third Switching Element S 4 Fourth Switching Element L 1 Inductors IN1 First input terminal IN2 Second input terminal OUT1 First output terminal OUT2 Second output terminal OUT3 Third output terminal C 1 First Capacitor C 2 Second Capacitor C 3 Third Capacitor C4 4th capacitor 51 1st power supply 52 2nd power supply 53 Third power supply V 1 First Voltage V 2 Second Voltage V 3 Third Voltage V 4 4th Voltage 91 1st load 92 2nd load 93 Third load 94 4th load Ps1 First energy storage pathway Ps2 Second energy storage pathway Ps3 Third energy storage pathway Ps4 Fourth energy storage pathway Ps5 5th energy storage pathway Ps6 6th energy storage pathway Pr1 First energy release pathway Pr2 Second energy release pathway Pr3 Third energy release pathway Pr4 4th energy release pathway Pr5 5th energy release pathway Pr6 6th energy release pathway

Claims

1. A power converter coupled to a power source and a plurality of loads, the power converter including a first switch module; The first switch module is An inductor; a first switching element having a first end connected to the first input terminal and a second end connected to the first end of the inductor; a second switching element having a first end connected to the second end of the inductor and a second end connected to the second input terminal; a third switching element having a first end connected to a first output terminal and a second end connected to the first end of the second switching element and the second end of the inductor; a fourth switching element having a first end connected to the second end of the first switching element and the first end of the inductor, and a second end connected to a second output terminal; The first switching element, the second switching element, the third switching element, and the fourth switching element are switched on or off such that the inductor stores or releases energy to convert the power source into multiple voltages and supply them to the multiple loads.

2. a first capacitor connected between the first input terminal and the first output terminal for generating a first voltage of the plurality of voltages; a second capacitor connected between the first output terminal and the second output terminal for generating a second voltage of the plurality of voltages; a third capacitor connected between the second input terminal and the second output terminal for generating a third voltage of the plurality of voltages; the power supply is a DC power supply and is connected between the first input terminal and the second input terminal; 2. The power converter according to claim 1, wherein the first switching element, the second switching element, the third switching element and the fourth switching element are of an N-channel synchronous rectification type.

3. a first capacitor row configured with a plurality of first capacitors connected in series, the first capacitor row being connected between the first input terminal and the first output terminal, for generating a first voltage among the plurality of voltages; a second capacitor row configured with a plurality of second capacitors connected in series, the second capacitor row being connected between the first output terminal and the second output terminal, for generating a second voltage of the plurality of voltages; a third capacitor row configured with a plurality of third capacitors connected in series, the third capacitor row being connected between the second input terminal and the second output terminal, for generating a third voltage of the plurality of voltages, the power supply is a DC power supply and is connected between the first input terminal and the second input terminal; 2. The power converter according to claim 1, wherein the first switching element, the second switching element, the third switching element and the fourth switching element are of an N-channel synchronous rectification type.

4. 2. The power converter according to claim 1, wherein a first load of the plurality of loads is connected between the first input terminal and the first output terminal, a second load of the plurality of loads is connected between the first output terminal and the second output terminal, and a third load of the plurality of loads is connected between the second input terminal and the second output terminal.

5. 2. The power converter of claim 1, wherein the power source is an AC power source, and the first switching element, the second switching element, the third switching element, and the fourth switching element are back-to-back bidirectional switches.

6. a second switch module and a fourth capacitor; a first end of a third switching element of the second switch module is connected to the second output terminal, and a second end of a fourth switching element of the second switch module is connected to the third output terminal; the fourth capacitor is connected between the third output terminal and the second input terminal and generates a fourth voltage among the plurality of voltages; The power converter according to claim 1 , wherein a fourth load of the plurality of loads is connected between the third output terminal and the second input terminal.

7. If the plurality of loads have stored energy and can supply power to the power source, one of the plurality of loads is connected as a first power supply between the first input terminal and the first output terminal; one of the plurality of loads is connected as a second power supply between the first output terminal and the second output terminal; one of the plurality of loads is connected as a third power supply between the second input terminal and the second output terminal; The power converter according to claim 1 , wherein the power supply is connected as a load between the first input terminal and the second input terminal.

8. A power converter coupled to a power source and a plurality of loads, the power converter including a first switch module; The first switch module is An inductor; a first switching element having a first end connected to the first output terminal and a second end connected to the first end of the inductor; a second switching element having a first end connected to the second end of the inductor and a second end connected to the second input terminal; a third switching element having a first end connected to a second output terminal and a second end connected to the first end of the second switching element and the second end of the inductor; a fourth switching element having a first end connected to the second end of the first switching element and the first end of the inductor, and a second end connected to a third output terminal.

9. a first capacitor connected between a first input terminal and the first output terminal for generating a first voltage among a plurality of voltages; a second capacitor connected between the first output terminal and the second output terminal for generating a second voltage of the plurality of voltages; a third capacitor connected between the second input terminal and the second output terminal for generating a third voltage of the plurality of voltages; the power supply is a DC power supply and is connected between the first input terminal and the second input terminal; The power converter according to claim 8 , wherein the first switching element, the second switching element, the third switching element and the fourth switching element are of an N-channel synchronous rectification type.

10. a second switch module and a fourth capacitor; a first end of a first switching element of the second switch module is connected to the first input terminal, a second end of a second switching element of the second switch module is connected to the third output terminal, a first end of a third switching element of the second switch module is connected to the first output terminal, and a second end of a fourth switching element of the second switch module is connected to the second output terminal; The power converter according to claim 9 , wherein the fourth capacitor is connected between the third output terminal and the second input terminal.

11. 10. The power converter according to claim 9, wherein a first load of the plurality of loads is connected between the first input terminal and the first output terminal, a second load of the plurality of loads is connected between the first output terminal and the second output terminal, a third load of the plurality of loads is connected between the second output terminal and the third output terminal, and a fourth load of the plurality of loads is connected between the third output terminal and the second input terminal.

12. 9. The power converter of claim 8, wherein the power source is an AC power source, and the first switching element, the second switching element, the third switching element, and the fourth switching element are back-to-back bidirectional switches.

13. A power conversion method for the power converter according to claim 1, comprising: the power converter includes a first switching element, a second switching element, a third switching element, a fourth switching element, an inductor, a first capacitor, a second capacitor, and a third capacitor; detecting voltages of the plurality of loads to determine whether a first mode of operation, a second mode of operation, a third mode of operation, a fourth mode of operation, a fifth mode of operation, or a sixth mode of operation is to be implemented; and controlling on / off of the first switching element, the second switching element, the third switching element, and the fourth switching element based on one of the first operating mode to the sixth operating mode, thereby storing or releasing energy in the inductor, thereby generating a first voltage, a second voltage, and a third voltage to the multiple loads, respectively.

14. In the first mode of operation: turning on the first switching element to cause the energy stored in the first capacitor to be stored in the inductor, thereby generating a first voltage in the inductor; and turning off the first switching element to release a first voltage stored in the inductor to a second capacitor, thereby generating a second voltage in the second capacitor.

15. In the second mode of operation, turning on the third switching element and the fourth switching element to cause the energy stored in the second capacitor to be stored in the inductor, thereby generating the second voltage in the inductor; and turning off the fourth switching element and turning on the third switching element to release the second voltage stored in the inductor to the first capacitor, thereby generating the first voltage in the first capacitor.

16. In the third mode of operation, turning on the third switching element and the fourth switching element to cause the energy stored in the second capacitor to be stored in the inductor, thereby generating the second voltage in the inductor; and turning off the third switching element and turning on the fourth switching element to release the second voltage stored in the inductor to the third capacitor, thereby generating the third voltage in the third capacitor.

17. In the fourth mode of operation, turning on the second switching element to cause the energy stored in the third capacitor to be stored in the inductor, thereby causing the third voltage to be generated in the inductor; and turning off the second switching element to release the third voltage stored in the inductor to the second capacitor, thereby generating the second voltage in the second capacitor.

18. In the fifth mode of operation, turning on the third switching element and the fourth switching element to cause the energy stored in the second capacitor to be stored in the inductor, thereby generating the second voltage in the inductor; and turning off the third switching element and the fourth switching element to release energy stored in the inductor to the first capacitor, the second capacitor, and the third capacitor, thereby generating the first voltage in the first capacitor, generating the second voltage in the second capacitor, and generating the third voltage in the third capacitor.

19. In the sixth mode of operation, turning on the first switching element and the second switching element to store the energy stored in the first capacitor, the energy stored in the second capacitor, and the energy stored in the third capacitor in the inductor, thereby generating a total voltage in the inductor; and turning off the first switching element or the second switching element to release the total voltage stored in the inductor to the second capacitor, thereby generating the second voltage in the second capacitor.

Images