Two-way DC / DC electronic converter
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/IB2026/052352
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2025-03-12
- Filing Date
- 2026-03-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-17
Smart Images
Figure IB2026052352_17092026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] TWO-WAY DC / DC ELECTRONIC CONVERTER
[0002] Technical Field
[0003] The present invention relates to a two-way DC / DC electronic converter.
[0004] Background Art
[0005] Various types of DC / DC converters are known and used to transform an input DC voltage into a different output DC voltage.
[0006] In particular, these devices are commonly used to connect systems that require different supply voltages.
[0007] As is well known, converters use a primary circuit to receive the input voltage and a secondary circuit to supply the converted voltage. Specifically, the conversion occurs via dedicated switch devices that regulate the power transferred between the primary circuit and the secondary circuit. Two techniques for regulating the transferred power are commonly used including varying the duty cycle of the switches or turning them off for a period or multiples thereof. The second technique, in particular, requires high-frequency operation to facilitate filtering of the output voltage and to reduce the size of the components.
[0008] These converters are often used as power supplies and battery chargers, e.g., for charging electric vehicles.
[0009] However, known converters have room for improvement.
[0010] In fact, such converters are typically one-way and require two separate conversion circuits to charge a battery and to power a load, thus increasing costs, component count, and maintenance. Furthermore, these circuits require complex connection schemes that degrade the performance of the whole converter.
[0011] Furthermore, the integration of multiple conversion circuits takes up space and slows down operating times.
[0012] Furthermore, known converters require the use of a separate converter circuit for each output, thus increasing costs and maintenance requirements.
[0013] Furthermore, known converters prevent the outputs to be regulated independently, thus limiting functionality and application ranges.
[0014] Furthermore, known converters are built on a single circuit. Consequently, it is impossible to replace individual modules or components, the failure of which can shut the entire system down. This drawback is further exacerbated by the widespread use of components particularly prone to degradation, such as electrolytic capacitors, which reduce the converter’s reliability and lifespan, especially under harsh operating conditions, such as high temperatures.
[0015] Furthermore, the protection systems used in converters of known type are slow and irreversible, such as fuses, and require the intervention of specialists in the event of a failure.
[0016] of the InventionThe main object of the present invention is to provide a two-way DC / DC electronic converter that allows integrating the functionality of multiple converters to transfer power along both directions, thereby reducing overall size, cost, complexity, and maintenance compared to the converters of known type.
[0017] Another object of the present invention is to devise a two-way DC / DC converter that offers better performance than the converters of known type.
[0018] A further object of the present invention is to provide a two-way DC / DC converter that allows supplying different output voltages that are independently regulated.
[0019] An additional object of the present invention is to provide a two-way DC / DC converter that is less prone to malfunctions than the converters of known type.
[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide a two-way DC / DC electronic converter that allows the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art to be overcome through a simple, rational, easy and effective to use, as well as affordable solution.
[0021] The aforementioned objects are achieved by the present converter having the characteristics of claim 1.
[0022] The aforementioned objects are achieved by the present method having the characteristics of claim 10.
[0023] Brief Description of the Drawings
[0024] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a two-way DC / DC electronic converter, illustrated by way of an indicative, yet non-limiting example in the attached drawings, in which:
[0025] Figure l is a schematic view of the converter according to the invention;
[0026] Figure 2 is another schematic view of the converter according to the invention.
[0027] Embodiments of the Invention
[0028] With particular reference to these figures, reference numeral 1 globally denotes a two-way DC / DC electronic converter.
[0029] The two-way DC / DC electronic converter 1 comprises at least one primary circuit 2 provided with at least one pair of first branches 3 electrically connected in parallel to each other, each comprising at least a first inductor 4 and at least a first switch device 5 electrically connected in series to each other.
[0030] For the purposes of this description, the term “switch device” conveniently refers to an electrically operable semiconductor device designed to allow or prevent the flow of current, such as e.g. a transistor.
[0031] Preferably, each of the first branches 3 comprises a single first switch device 5.
[0032] It cannot however be ruled out that at least one of the first branches 3 may comprise two or morefirst switch devices 5.
[0033] Preferably, the secondary circuit 2 lacks resonant elements, such as e.g. inductors, capacitors, or equivalent or similar elements, which connect the first branches 3 to each other, e.g. in Alternating Current.
[0034] In particular, the primary circuit 2 lacks direct electrical connections between the first branches 3, with the exception of the connections to the common poles that define the connection in parallel thereof.
[0035] Advantageously, the source of the first switch device 5 of each first branch 3 is connected to the ground.
[0036] According to the invention, the converter 1 comprises at least one power supply source 6 electrically connected to the primary circuit 2 and configured to generate a first DC voltage. In particular, the power supply source 6 is electrically connected in parallel to the first branches 3.
[0037] Conveniently, the first branches 3 have a first common pole connected to the power supply source 6 and a second common pole (opposite the first pole) connected to a reference potential, such as e.g. the ground.
[0038] Preferably, the first common pole of the first branches 3 is connected to the first inductors 4, while the second common pole of the same branches is connected to the first switch devices 5. Preferably, the power supply source 6 comprises a renewable energy generation unit, such as one or more solar panels, wind turbines, and / or hydroelectric generators.
[0039] Advantageously, the first inductors 4 of the primary circuit 2 have reversed polarities with respect to each other.
[0040] Consequently, these first inductors 4, when a current flows through them, are configured to induce opposite currents in a reference inductor (magnetically coupled to the same first inductors).
[0041] In other words, the first inductors 4 are configured to generate opposite magnetic fields, when a current flows through them, e.g., from the first common pole.
[0042] More specifically, the first inductors are connected to the power supply source 6 with reversed polarities with respect to each other.
[0043] Therefore, when powered by the power supply source 6, the first inductors 4 generate opposite magnetic fields.
[0044] Conveniently, the first inductors 4 of the primary circuit 2 have the same number of turns.
[0045] According to the invention, the converter 1 comprises at least one secondary circuit 7 provided with at least one pair of second branches 8 electrically connected in parallel to each other, each comprising at least a second inductor 9 magnetically coupled, contactless, to a corresponding first inductor 4 of the primary circuit 2 for transferring power between the primary circuit 2 andthe secondary circuit 7.
[0046] In other words, each second inductor 9 is magnetically coupled to a corresponding first inductor 4.
[0047] In this way, the primary and secondary circuits 2, 7 are galvanically isolated from each other. Preferably, the secondary circuit 7 lacks resonant elements, such as e.g. inductors, capacitors, or equivalent or similar elements, that connect the second branches 8 to each other, e.g. in Alternating Current.
[0048] In particular, the secondary circuit 7 lacks direct electrical connections between the second branches 8, with the exception of the connections to the common poles that define the connection in parallel thereof.
[0049] Conveniently, the second inductors 9 of the secondary circuit 7 have the same number of turns. Usefully, the inductance value of the first inductors 4 is greater than the inductance value of the second inductors 9.
[0050] For example, the number of turns of the first inductors 4 is greater than the number of turns of the second inductors 9.
[0051] Preferably, the term “inductance value” refers to the equivalent inductance value, that is, the total inductance value of one or more inductors electrically connected to each other.
[0052] For example, it cannot be ruled out that each branch 3, 8 may comprise a plurality of respective inductors 4, 9 connected in series or in parallel to each other in order to obtain an equivalent total inductance value on each branch.
[0053] In particular, in this case, the total inductance value of the first branches 3 is greater than the total inductance value of the second branches 8.
[0054] Usefully, the first inductor 4 and the second inductor 9, which are magnetically coupled to each other, have opposite polarities.
[0055] Consequently, such first inductor 4 and such second inductor 9, through which a current flows, are configured to induce opposite currents in a reference inductor (magnetically coupled to the same inductors).
[0056] More specifically, the first inductor 4 and the second inductor 9, which are magnetically coupled to each other, are connected to the power supply source 6 (described later) and to the storage device 10 (described later) respectively, with substantially reversed polarities with respect to each other.
[0057] Therefore, a current flowing into the pole of the first inductor 4 connected to the power supply source 6 induces in the second inductor 9 an induced current that flows into the pole of the same second inductor connected to the storage device 10, and vice versa.
[0058] According to the invention, the secondary circuit 7 is electrically connected to at least one storage device 10 configured to store electric charge and to generate a second DC voltage as aresult of the stored electric charge.
[0059] Preferably, the secondary circuit 7 comprises the storage device 10.
[0060] Preferably, the storage device 10 comprises one or more chemical cells 11, e.g. of the Li-Ion, LiFePo, Nalon, NaNiC12 type, or the like.
[0061] In particular, the cells 11 of the storage device 10 are electrically connected in parallel to each other and / or in series to each other.
[0062] More specifically, the cells 11 of the storage device 10 are connected solely in parallel to each other.
[0063] It cannot be ruled out that the storage device 10 may coincide with one or more cells 11.
[0064] Conveniently, the second branches 8 have a common first pole connected to the storage device 10 and a common second pole (opposite the first pole) connected to a reference potential, such as e.g. the ground.
[0065] According to the invention, the converter 1 comprises control means 12 operationally connected to the first switch devices 5 to control the operation thereof.
[0066] In particular, the control means 12 are configured to generate at least a first command signal and to transmit such signal to the first switch devices 5 to control the operation thereof.
[0067] More specifically, the first command signal turns the first switch devices 5 on or off to allow or prevent the flow of current through them, respectively.
[0068] According to the invention, each of the second branches 8 comprises a second switch device 14 electrically connected in series to the second inductor 9.
[0069] Preferably, the first common pole of the second branches 8 is connected to the second inductors 9, while the second common pole of the same branches is connected to the second switch devices 14.
[0070] Furthermore, according to the invention, the control means 12 are operationally connected to the second switch devices 14 to control the operation thereof.
[0071] Preferably, each of the second branches 8 comprises a single second switch device 14.
[0072] It cannot however be ruled out that at least one of the second branches 8 may comprise two or more second switch devices 14.
[0073] Advantageously, the source of the second switch device 14 of each second branch 8 is connected to the ground.
[0074] In particular, the control means 12 are configured to generate at least a second command signal and to transmit such signal to the second switch devices 14 to control the operation thereof. More specifically, the second command signal turns the second switch devices 14 on or off to allow or prevent the flow of current through them, respectively.
[0075] Usefully, the converter 1 operates at an operating frequency greater than or equal to 1 MHz. According to the invention, the converter 1 is movable between:at least one charging configuration, wherein the power supply source 6 supplies the primary circuit 2 with the first voltage, the secondary circuit 7 supplies the storage device 10 with a DC charging voltage, thus storing electrical energy in the storage device 10, and the control means 12 command the switch devices 5, 14 to transfer power from the primary circuit 2 to the secondary circuit 7, thus converting the input voltage into the charging voltage;
[0076] at least one supplying configuration, wherein the storage device 10 supplies the secondary circuit 7 with the second voltage, the primary circuit 2 supplies at least one load 13 with a DC supply voltage, enabling the operation thereof, and the control means 12 command the switch devices 5, 14 to transfer power from the secondary circuit to the primary circuit 2, converting the second voltage into the supply voltage.
[0077] In other words, the converter 1 operates in a two-way manner as a result of the command of the switch devices 5, 14.
[0078] Conveniently, the load 13 is electrically connected to the primary circuit 2, preferably in parallel to the first branches 3.
[0079] Preferably, the load 13 coincides with the power supply source 6.
[0080] It cannot however be ruled out that the converter 1 may comprise the load 13.
[0081] Usefully, the load 13 comprises a direct current electrical network, or an H-bridge circuit for generating an alternating voltage connected, e.g., to a domestic and / or industrial electrical network to which one or more appliances to be electrically powered via one or more of the storage devices 10 are connected.
[0082] Conveniently, the secondary circuit 7 comprises:
[0083] at least one output capacitor 15 electrically connected in parallel to the storage device 10; at least one output inductor 16 electrically connected in series to the connection in parallel of the output capacitor 15 and the storage device 10.
[0084] In other words, the output capacitor 15 and the output inductor 16 define a filter.
[0085] Specifically, the output capacitor 15 is electrically connected in parallel to the second branches 8.
[0086] More specifically, the output inductor 16 is connected between the first common pole of the second branches 8 and the connection in parallel between the output capacitor 15 and the storage device 10.
[0087] Usefully, each of the branches 3, 8 is movable between at least one conductive configuration and at least one resonant configuration.
[0088] Accordingly, in the charging configuration and / or in the supplying configuration, the control means 12 are configured to switch on and off the switch devices 5, 14 to move each of the branches 3, 8 between the conductive configuration and the resonant configuration.
[0089] In particular, in the conductive configuration of a branch 3, 8, the switch device 5, 14 of thesame branch is on, thus conducting current, so as to allow the inductor 4, 9 of the same branch to be charged.
[0090] More specifically, in this configuration, the switch device 5, 14 allows current to pass, which therefore flows along the inductor 4, 9. As a result of this current, the inductor 4, 9 is charged, i.e., it accumulates energy in the form of a magnetic field.
[0091] In the resonant configuration of a branch 3, 8, however, the switch device 5, 14 of the same branch is off, substantially preventing the current from flowing, thereby allowing the inductor 4, 9 of the same branch to be discharged.
[0092] Specifically, in this configuration, the switch device 5, 14 prevents the current from flowing, and therefore the energy stored by the inductor 4, 9 is discharged onto the capacitor connected to the same branch.
[0093] In other words, in the resonant configuration, the energy stored in the form of a magnetic field by the inductor 4, 9 during the conductive configuration is discharged.
[0094] More specifically, in this configuration, the voltage across the switch device 5, 14 undergoes a transient in which it rises and then drops to zero.
[0095] Usefully, each of the first branches 3 comprises at least a first capacitive component 17 electrically connected in parallel to the first switch device 5.
[0096] In particular, the first inductor 4 discharges onto the first capacitive component 17 of the same branch in the resonant configuration.
[0097] More specifically, in this configuration, the first inductor 4 and the first capacitive component 17 of the same branch resonate, preferably at the converter’s operating frequency.
[0098] In fact, the first inductor 4 and the first capacitive component 17 are sized to resonate at the operating frequency of the converter 1.
[0099] Preferably, at least the components defining the resonant dynamics of the primary circuit 2, e.g. the first inductor 4 and / or the first capacitive component 17, are positioned entirely within the respective first branch 3.
[0100] In other words, at least the resonant components (the first inductor 4 and / or the first capacitive component 17) are confined within the current path of their respective first branch 3, e.g. without acting as connecting or coupling elements between the first branches themselves.
[0101] Usefully, the first capacitive component 17 comprises at least one of:
[0102] at least a first capacitor 17a electrically connected in parallel to the first switch device 5; at least a first capacitive element 17b electrically connected in parallel to the first switch device 5 to represent its drain-source capacitance.
[0103] In other words, the first switch device 5 defines the drain-source capacitance (i.e., its own parasitic drain-source capacitance) that coincides with or defines the first capacitive element 17b. Advantageously, this drain-source capacitance is schematized in Figure 1 as the first capacitiveelement 17b, which operates in conjunction with the first capacitor 17a to define the first capacitive component 17.
[0104] Usefully, the first capacitive component 17 comprises both the first capacitor 17a and the first capacitive element 17b.
[0105] In particular, the first capacitive component 17 is shown in Figure 2 as a capacitor, the capacitance of which substantially corresponds to the combination of the capacitances of the first capacitor 17a and of the first capacitive element 17b.
[0106] More specifically, the first capacitor 17a and the first capacitive element 17b are electrically connected in parallel with each other.
[0107] In this way, the first capacitive element 17b actively operates in conjunction with the first capacitor 17a to allow the proper operation of the converter 1.
[0108] Conveniently, the connection in parallel between the first capacitive component 17 and the first switch device 5 of each of the first branches 3 is electrically connected in series to the first inductor 4 of the same first branch.
[0109] In other words, one pole of the first capacitive component 17 is connected to the second common pole of its own branch 3, while the other pole of the first capacitive component 17 is connected between the first inductor 4 and the first switch device 5.
[0110] Usefully, the first inductor 4 defines:
[0111] a first coupling inductance indicating the portion of magnetic flux coupled to the second inductor 9;
[0112] a first leakage inductance indicating the portion of magnetic flux decoupled from the second inductor 9.
[0113] These coupling and leakage inductances are schematically shown in Figure 1 as a first coupling inductor 4a and a first leakage inductor 4b respectively, electrically connected in series with each other.
[0114] Conveniently, the first capacitive component 17 is configured and / or sized to resonate with the first leakage inductor 4b.
[0115] In particular, the first capacitive component 17 is configured and / or sized to resonate solely with the first leakage inductor 4b.
[0116] Advantageously, each of the second branches 8 comprises at least a second capacitive component 18 electrically connected in parallel to the second switch device 14.
[0117] In particular, the second inductor 9 discharges onto the second capacitive component 18 of the same second branch 8 in the resonant configuration.
[0118] More specifically, in this configuration, the second inductor 9 and the second capacitive component 18 of the same second branch 8 resonate, preferably at the operating frequency of the converter 1.In fact, the second inductor 8 and the second capacitive component 18 are sized to resonate at the operating frequency of the converter 1.
[0119] Preferably, at least the components that define the resonant dynamics of the secondary circuit 7, e.g. the second inductor 8 and / or the second capacitive component 18, are positioned entirely within the respective second branch 8.
[0120] In other words, at least the resonant components (the second inductor 8 and / or the second capacitive component 18) are confined within the current path of their own second branch 3, e g. without acting as connecting or coupling elements between the second branches themselves. Usefully, the second capacitive component 18 comprises at least one of:
[0121] at least a second capacitor 18a electrically connected in parallel to the second switch device 14;
[0122] at least a second capacitive element 18b electrically connected in parallel to the second switch device 14 to represent its drain-source capacitance.
[0123] In other words, the second switch device 14 defines the drain-source parasitic capacitance (i.e., its own drain-source parasitic capacitance) that coincides with or defines the second capacitive element 18b.
[0124] Advantageously, this parasitic capacitance is shown in Figure 1 as the second capacitive element 18b, which operates in conjunction with the second capacitor 18a to define the second capacitive component 18.
[0125] Usefully, the second capacitive component 18 comprises both the second capacitor 18a and the second capacitive element 18b.
[0126] In particular, the second capacitive component 18 is shown in Figure 2 as a capacitor, the capacitance of which substantially corresponds to the combination of the capacitances of the second capacitor 18a and of the second capacitive element 18b.
[0127] In other words, the capacitance of the second capacitive component 18 substantially corresponds to the combination of the capacitances of the second capacitor 18a and of the second capacitive element 18b.
[0128] More specifically, the second capacitor 18a and the second capacitive element 18b are electrically connected in parallel to each other.
[0129] In this way, the second capacitive element 18b actively operates in conjunction with the second capacitor 18a to allow the proper operation of the converter 1.
[0130] Conveniently, the connection in parallel between the second capacitive component 18 and the second switch device 14 of each of the second branches 8 is electrically connected in series to the second inductor 9 of the same second branch.
[0131] In other words, one pole of the second capacitive component 18 is connected to the second common pole of its own second branch 8, while the other pole of the second capacitivecomponent 18 is connected between the second inductor 9 and the second switch device 14. Usefully, the second inductor 9 defines:
[0132] a second coupling inductance indicating the portion of magnetic flux coupled to the first inductor 4;
[0133] a second leakage inductance indicating the portion of magnetic flux decoupled from the first inductor 4.
[0134] These coupling and leakage inductances are schematically shown in Figure 1 as a second coupling inductor 9a and a second leakage inductor 9b respectively, electrically connected in series to each other.
[0135] Conveniently, the second capacitive component 18 is configured and / or sized to resonate with the second leakage inductor 9b.
[0136] In particular, the second capacitive component 18 is configured and / or sized to resonate solely with the second leakage inductor 9b.
[0137] Preferably, at least one of the capacitors 15, 17, 18 is a capacitor of the ceramic type.
[0138] Advantageously, in the charging configuration, the control means 12:
[0139] alternately switch on and off the first switch devices 5 to move the first branches 3 between the conductive configuration and the resonant configuration respectively, so as to vary the current flowing through the first inductors 4 and to induce an induced current within the second inductors 9;
[0140] alternately switch on and off the second switch devices 14 to move the second branches 8 between the conductive configuration and the resonant configuration, so as to vary the induced current flowing through the second inductors 9 and to generate the charging voltage.
[0141] In particular, in the charging configuration, the first switch devices 5 are switched on and off, substantially in sequence, such that a first switch device 5 is on while the other first switch device 5 is off, and vice versa.
[0142] Similarly, in the charging configuration, the second switch devices 14 are switched on and off, substantially in sequence, such that a second switch device 14 is on while the other second switch device 14 is off, and vice versa.
[0143] Conveniently, in the supplying configuration, the control means 12:
[0144] alternately switch on and off the second switch devices 14 to move the second branches 8 between the conductive configuration and the resonant configuration respectively, so as to vary the current flowing through the second inductors 9 and to induce an induced current within the first inductors 4;
[0145] alternately switch on and off the first switch devices 5 to move the first branches 3 between the conductive configuration and the resonant configuration, so as to vary the inducedcurrent flowing through the first inductors 4 and to generate the supply voltage.
[0146] In particular, in the supplying configuration, the second switch devices 14 are switched on and off, substantially in sequence, such that a second switch device 14 is on while the other second switch device 14 is off, and vice versa.
[0147] Similarly, in the supplying configuration, the first switch devices 5 are switched on and off, substantially in sequence, such that a first switch device 5 is on while the other first switch device 5 is off, and vice versa.
[0148] In other words, in the charging configuration, the first inductors 4 induce an induced current in the second inductors 9 to convert the first voltage into the charging voltage.
[0149] In the supplying configuration, however, the second inductors 9 induce an induced current in the first inductors to convert the second voltage into the power supply voltage.
[0150] Usefully, the converter 1 is movable to an idle configuration wherein:
[0151] the first branches 3 are in the resonant configuration so as to allow the first capacitive components 17 to be discharged; and / or
[0152] the second branches 8 are in the resonant configuration so as to allow the second capacitive components 18 to be discharged.
[0153] Preferably, in the idle configuration, both the first branches 3 and the second branches 8 are in the resonant configuration.
[0154] In particular, the control means 12 are configured to command the switch devices 5, 14 to move the converter 1 to the idle configuration.
[0155] Conveniently, the control means 12 comprise voltage sensing means 19 across the first switch devices 5 and / or the second switch devices 14.
[0156] Furthermore, the control means 12, in the charging configuration and / or in the supplying configuration, are configured to:
[0157] switch on and off the first switch devices 5 depending on the voltage across them to move the first branches 3 between the conductive configuration and the resonant configuration; and / or
[0158] switch on and off the second switch devices 14 depending on the voltage across them to move the second branches 8 between the conductive configuration and the resonant configuration.
[0159] Advantageously, the control means 12, in the charging configuration and / or in the supplying configuration, are configured to switch off a first switch device 5 (moving the corresponding first branch 3 to the resonant configuration) and simultaneously switch on the other first switch device 5 (moving the corresponding first branch 3 to the conductive configuration) depending on the voltage sensed by the sensing means 19 across the latter, and vice versa.
[0160] In particular, the control means 12, in the charging configuration and / or in the supplyingconfiguration, are configured to switch off a first switch device 5 and simultaneously switch on the other first switch device 5 depending on the voltage across the latter (preferably when such voltage reaches a first predefined value) and vice versa.
[0161] Preferably, the first predefined value is substantially zero.
[0162] In particular, in the charging configuration, the first branches 3 are switched on and off (depending on the voltage detected across the respective first switch devices 5) alternately, substantially in sequence, such that a first branch 3 is in the conductive configuration while the other first branch 3 is in the resonant configuration, and vice versa.
[0163] Similarly, in the charging configuration, the second branches 8 are switched on and off (depending on the voltage detected across the respective second switch devices 14) alternately, substantially in sequence, such that a second branch 8 is in the conductive configuration while the other second branch 8 is in the resonant configuration, and vice versa.
[0164] Conveniently, the control means 12, in the charging configuration and / or in the supplying configuration, are configured to switch off a second switch device 14 (moving the corresponding second branch 8 to the resonant configuration) and simultaneously switch on the other second switch device 14 (moving the corresponding second branch 8 to the conductive configuration) depending on the voltage sensed by the sensing means 19 across the latter, and vice versa.
[0165] In particular, in the charging configuration and / or in the supplying configuration, the control means 12 are configured to switch off a second switch device 14 and simultaneously switch on the other second switch device 14 depending on the voltage across the latter (preferably when such voltage reaches a second predefined value) and vice versa.
[0166] Preferably, the second predefined value is substantially zero.
[0167] Conveniently, the first and second predefined values are substantially coincident.
[0168] In particular, in the supplying configuration, the second branches 8 are switched on and off (depending on the voltage detected across the respective second switch devices 14) alternately, substantially in sequence, such that a second branch 8 is in the conductive configuration while the other second branch is in the resonant configuration, and vice versa.
[0169] Similarly, in the supplying configuration, the first branches 3 are switched on and off (depending on the voltage detected across the respective first switch devices 5) alternately, substantially in sequence, such that a first branch 3 is in the conductive configuration while the other first branch 3 is in the resonant configuration, and vice versa.
[0170] In particular, the sensing means 19 are configured to sense the voltage across each switch device 5, 14.
[0171] Furthermore, in the charging configuration and / or in the supplying configuration, the control means 12 are configured both to switch on and off the first switch devices 5 depending on the voltage across the latter and to switch on and off the second switch devices 14 depending on thevoltage across the latter.
[0172] This method of commanding the switch devices 5, 14, depending on the attainment of a voltage (preferably zero) across the switch devices themselves, achieves “natural” switching operations that are intrinsically synchronized with the resonance of the circuit.
[0173] Consequently, power is transferred continuously and substantially without interruption between the primary circuit 2 and the secondary circuit 7.
[0174] In other words, the control means 12 are configured to switch on and off the first switch devices 5 depending on the voltage across the latter and / or to switch on and off the second switch devices 14 depending on the voltage across the latter according to a ZVS (Zero Voltage Switching) and / or ZCS (Zero Current Switching) logic.
[0175] Conveniently, the control means 12 are configured to selectively switch on and off each of the switch devices 5, 14.
[0176] Advantageously, the converter 1 comprises a plurality of secondary circuits 7.
[0177] In particular, each secondary circuit 7 is electrically connected to at least one corresponding storage device 10.
[0178] Furthermore, the control means 12 are operationally connected to the second switch devices 14 of each of the secondary circuits 7.
[0179] In particular, each of the second inductors 9 of each secondary circuit 7 is magnetically coupled to a corresponding first inductor 4 of the primary circuit 2.
[0180] More specifically, in the charging configuration, one or more secondary circuits 7 supply the respective storage devices 10 with a corresponding charging voltage, and the control means 12 command the switch devices 5, 14 to transfer power from the primary circuit 2 to one or more of the same secondary circuits 7, converting the primary voltage into one or more of these charging voltages.
[0181] In other words, in this configuration, power is transferred from the primary circuit 2 to one or more secondary circuits 7, so as to convert the first voltage into one or more charging voltages. This expedient allows for the simultaneous charging of a plurality of storage devices 10 using the first voltage.
[0182] In fact, the primary circuit 2 operates, substantially simultaneously, on a plurality of secondary circuits 7.
[0183] Preferably, the primary circuit 2 operates on each secondary circuit substantially as described previously with reference to a single secondary circuit 7.
[0184] In particular, the control means 12 are configured to selectively switch on and off each of the second switch devices 14 of each secondary circuit 7 independently and differently from the other secondary circuits 7.
[0185] In this way, the control means 12 command each secondary circuit 7 so as to convert the firstvoltage into a charging voltage which is different from the other secondary circuits 7.
[0186] Advantageously, in the supplying configuration, one or more storage devices 10 supply the respective secondary circuits 7 with a corresponding second voltage, and the control means 12 command the switch devices 5, 14 to transfer power from one or more of these secondary circuits to the primary circuit 2, converting these second voltages into the supply voltage with which the primary circuit powers the load 13.
[0187] In other words, in this configuration, power is transferred from one or more secondary circuits 7 to the primary circuit 2, so as to convert one or more second voltages into the supply voltage. This expedient allows for the simultaneous use of a plurality of storage devices 10 to supply the load 13 through the contribution of a plurality of second voltages.
[0188] In fact, a plurality of secondary circuits 7 operate, substantially simultaneously, on the primary circuit 2.
[0189] Preferably, each secondary circuit 7 operates on the primary circuit substantially as described above with reference to a single secondary circuit 7.
[0190] Preferably, the second inductors 9 of the different secondary circuits 7 have the same number of turns.
[0191] It cannot however be ruled out that the second inductors 9 of different secondary circuits 7 may have a different number of turns.
[0192] Furthermore, it cannot be ruled out that the converter 1 may comprise a plurality of primary circuits 2, each supplied by a dedicated power supply source 6 or by the same power supply source 6, wherein each first inductor 4 of each primary circuit 2 is magnetically coupled to a corresponding second inductor 9 of each secondary circuit 7.
[0193] In this way, in the charging configuration, power is transferred from one or more primary circuits 2 to one or more secondary circuits 7, so as to convert one or more first voltages into one or more charging voltages, while in the supplying configuration, power is transferred from one or more secondary circuits 7 to one or more primary circuits 2, so as to convert one or more second voltages into one or more power supply voltages.
[0194] Preferably, the first inductors 4 of different primary circuits 2 have the same number of turns. It cannot however be ruled out that the first inductors 4 of different primary circuits 2 may have a different number of turns.
[0195] In particular, the number of secondary circuits 7 of the converter 1 is proportional to the turn ratio between the first and the second inductors 4, 9.
[0196] Advantageously, the control means 12 are configured to command the second switch devices 14 of each of the secondary circuits 7 independently of the second switch devices 14 of the other secondary circuits 7.
[0197] Conveniently, the control means 12 are configured to command the first switch devices 5 of eachof the primary circuits 2 independently of the first switch devices 5 of the other primary circuits 2.
[0198] Preferably, one or more of the switch devices 5, 14 is of the MOSFET type, e.g. comprising high-bandgap P-N junctions, such as GaN / SiC or the like.
[0199] According to a further aspect, the present invention relates to a process for charging at least one storage device 10 and / or for supplying at least one load 13, comprising at least one phase of providing at least one converter 1.
[0200] Preferably, one or more of the characteristics of the converter 1 and / or of the described above are also considered valid for the converter described with reference to the process, and vice versa. Preferably, according to the invention, the steps or phases comprised in the process are one or more of the operations carried out by one or more of the components of the converter 1 and which are generally indicated in this disclosure by the term “configured to” or equivalent terms. These phases or steps are preferably, but not necessarily, carried out by the same components in question for the performance of the process itself.
[0201] According to the invention, the process comprises:
[0202] at least one phase of charging at least one storage device 10 comprising at least one step of movement of the converter 1 to the charging configuration;
[0203] and / or
[0204] at least one phase of supplying at least one load 13, comprising at least one step of movement of the converter to the supplying configuration.
[0205] Furthermore, according to the invention:
[0206] the phase of charging comprises at least one charging transient step carried out prior to the step of movement of the converter 1 to the charging configuration, the transient step providing:
[0207] the maintenance of one of the first branches 3 in the conductive configuration for a preliminary charging time, while the other first branch 3 and the second branches 8 are maintained in the resonant configuration;
[0208] the reversal of the configuration of the first branches 3 at the end of the preliminary charging time;
[0209] the movement of one of the second switch devices 14 to the conductive configuration, so as to have, on each of the circuits 2, 7 one switch device 5, 14 in the conductive configuration and the other in the resonant configuration;
[0210] and / or
[0211] the phase of supplying comprises at least one transient step carried out prior to the step of movement of the converter 1 to the supplying configuration, the transient step providing: the maintenance of one of the second branches 8 in the conductive configuration for apreliminary power supply time, while the other of the second branches 8 and the first branches 3 are maintained in the resonant configuration;
[0212] the reversal of the configuration of the second branches 8 at the end of the preliminary power supply time;
[0213] the movement of one of the first switch devices 5 to the conductive configuration, so as to have, on each of the circuits 2, 7 one switch device 5, 14 in the conductive configuration and the other in the resonant configuration.
[0214] Preferably, the term “reversal” used with reference to the configuration of one or more branches 3, 8 substantially indicates that the branch 3, 8 in the conductive configuration is moved to the resonant configuration or vice versa.
[0215] Advantageously, the process involves carrying out both one or more phases of charging and one or more phases of power supplying, e.g. alternating between them.
[0216] Usefully, the process comprises at least one phase of transition performed prior to each phase of charging and each phase of supplying.
[0217] In particular, the phase of transition involves moving the converter 1 to the idle configuration. Preferably, a phase of transition is carried out at the end of each phase of charging and power supplying.
[0218] Usefully, one or more phases of the process and / or one or more steps of the same phases are carried out by selectively switching on and off the switch devices 5, 14 through the control means 12.
[0219] It has in practice been ascertained that the described invention achieves the intended objects. In particular, the fact is emphasized that the secondary circuit provided with its own switch devices, allows for the creation of a two-way converter to transfer power along both directions, thereby reducing overall size, cost, complexity, and maintenance compared to the converters of known type.
[0220] In addition, the converter’s structure enables better performance than that of the converters of known type.
[0221] Furthermore, the multiple secondary circuits allow for the provision of different output voltages that are independently regulated.
[0222] Furthermore, the components used to construct the converter make it less prone to malfunctions compared to the converters of known type.
Claims
CLAIMS1) Two-way DC / DC electronic converter (1), comprising:at least one primary circuit (2) provided with at least one pair of first branches (3) electrically connected in parallel to each other and each comprising at least a first inductor (4) and at least a first switch device (5) electrically connected in series to each other; at least one power supply source (6) electrically connected to said primary circuit (2) and configured to generate a first DC voltage;at least one secondary circuit (7) provided with at least one pair of second branches (8) electrically connected in parallel to each other and each comprising at least a second inductor (9) magnetically coupled, contactless, to a corresponding first inductor (4) of said primary circuit (2) for transferring power between said primary circuit (2) and said secondary circuit (7), said secondary circuit (7) being electrically connected to at least one storage device (10) configured to store electric charge and to generate a second DC voltage as a result of the stored electric charge;control means (12) operationally connected to said first switch devices (5) to control the operation thereof;characterized by the fact that:each of said second branches (8) comprises a second switch device (14) electrically connected in series to said second inductor (9);said control means (12) are operationally connected to said second switch devices (14) to control the operation thereof;and by the fact that said converter (1) is movable between:at least one charging configuration, wherein said power supply source (6) supplies said primary circuit (2) with said first voltage, said secondary circuit (7) supplies said storage device (10) with a DC charging voltage, thus storing electrical energy in said storage device (10), and said control means (12) command said switch devices (5, 14) to transfer power from said primary circuit (2) to said secondary circuit (7), thus converting said first voltage into said charging voltage;at least one supplying configuration, wherein said storage device (10) supplies said secondary circuit (7) with said second voltage, said primary circuit (2) supplies a load (13) with a DC supply voltage, enabling the operation thereof, and said control means (12) command said switch devices (5, 14) to transfer power from said secondary circuit (7) to said primary circuit (2), converting said second voltage into said supply voltage.2) Converter (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that each of said branches (3, 8) is movable between:at least one conductive configuration, wherein the switch device (5, 14) of the same branchis switched on, thus conducting current, so as to allow the inductor (4, 9) of the same branch to be charged;at least one resonant configuration, wherein the switch device (5, 14) of the same branch is switched off, substantially preventing the current from flowing, so as to allow the inductor (4, 9) of the same branch to be discharged.3) Converter (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that:each of said first branches (3) comprises at least a first capacitive component (17) electrically connected in parallel to said first switch device (5), said first inductor (4) discharging onto said first capacitive component (17) of the same branch in said resonant configuration; and / oreach of said second branches (8) comprises at least a second capacitive component (18) electrically connected in parallel to said second switch device (14), said second inductor (9) discharging onto said second capacitive component (18) of the same branch in said resonant configuration.4) Converter (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that:said connection in parallel between said first capacitive component (17) and said first switch device (5) of each of said first branches (3) is electrically connected in series to the first inductor (4) of the same first branch; and / orsaid connection in parallel between said second capacitive component (18) and said second switch device (14) of each of said second branches (8) is electrically connected in series to the second inductor (9) of the same second branch.5) Converter (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that, in said charging configuration, said control means (12):alternately switch on and off said first switch devices (5) to move said first branches (3) between said conductive configuration and said resonant configuration respectively, so as to vary the current flowing through said first inductors (4) and induce an induced current within said second inductors (9);alternately switch on and off said second switch devices (14) to move said second branches (8) between said conductive configuration and said resonant configuration, so as to vary said induced current flowing through said second inductors (9) and to generate said charging voltage.6) Converter (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that, in said supplying configuration, said control means (12):alternately switch on and off said second switch devices (14) to move said second branches(8) between said conductive configuration and said resonant configuration respectively, so as to vary the current flowing through said second inductors (9) and induce an induced current within said first inductors (4);alternately switch on and off said first switch devices (5) to move said first branches (3) between said conductive configuration and said resonant configuration, so as to vary said induced current flowing through said first inductors (4) and to generate said supply voltage.7) Converter (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said control means (12) comprise voltage sensing means (19) at the ends of said first switch devices (5) and / or of said second switch devices (14) and by the fact that said control means (12), in said charging configuration and / or in said supplying configuration, are configured to: switch on and off said first switch devices (5) depending on the voltage at the ends of the latter to move said first branches (3) between said conductive configuration and said resonant configuration;and / orswitch on and off said second switch devices (14) depending on the voltage at the ends of the latter to move said second branches (8) between said conductive configuration and said resonant configuration.8) Converter (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said control means (12), in said charging configuration and / or in said supplying configuration, are configured to:switch off said first switch device (5) and simultaneously switch on said other first switch device (5) depending on the voltage across the latter and vice versa;and / orswitch off said second switch device (14) and simultaneously switch on said other second switch device (14) depending on the voltage across the latter and vice versa.9) Converter (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said control means (12), in said charging configuration and / or in said supplying configuration, are configured to:switch off said first switch device (5) and simultaneously switch on said other first switch device (5) when the voltage across the latter reaches a first predefined value which is substantially zero and vice versa;and / orswitch off said second switch device (14) and simultaneously switch on said other second switch device (14) when the voltage across the latter reaches a second predefined value which is substantially zero and vice versa.10) Converter (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the factthat it comprises a plurality of secondary circuits (7) and by the fact that said control means (12) are operationally connected to said second switch devices (14) of each of said secondary circuits (7).11) Converter (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that:said first inductors (4) have reversed polarities between them; and / orsaid second inductors (9) have reversed polarities between them.12) Process for charging at least one storage device (10) and / or for supplying at least one load (13), comprising at least one phase of providing at least one converter (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, and:at least one phase of charging at least one storage device (10) which comprises at least one step of movement of said converter (1) in said charging configuration;and / orat least one phase of supplying at least one load (13) which comprises at least one step of movement of said converter (1) in said supplying configuration;wherein:said phase of charging comprises at least one transient step performed prior to said step of movement of said converter (1) in said charging configuration, said transient step providing:the maintenance of one of said first branches (3) in the conductive configuration for a preliminary charging time, while the other of said first branches (3) and said second branches (8) are maintained in said resonant configuration;the reversal of the configuration of said first branches (3) at the end of said preliminary charging time;the movement of one of said second switch devices (14) in the conductive configuration, so as to have, on each of said circuits (2, 7), one switch device (5, 14) in the conductive configuration and the other in the resonant configuration;and / orsaid phase of supplying comprises at least one transient step performed prior to said step of movement of said converter (1) in said supplying configuration, said transient step providing:the maintenance of one of said second branches (8) in the conductive configuration for a preliminary supply time, while the other of said second branches (8) and of said first branches (3) are maintained in said resonant configuration;the reversal of the configuration of said second branches (8) at the end of said preliminary supply time;the movement of one of said first switch devices (5) in the conductive configuration, soas to have, on each of said circuits (2, 7), one switch device (5, 14) in the conductive configuration and the other in the resonant configuration.