Power converter system with high conversion efficiency
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional iron-core transformers used for voltage conversion are bulky, heavy, and inefficient, making them inconvenient for travelers and environmentally unfriendly due to low conversion efficiency and heat issues.
Innovation Solution
A power converter based on power electronics technology, incorporating an input and output electromagnetic interference filter, a type-pi filter and switch, and a digital controller module, which converts AC power efficiently and reduces size and weight, enabling portable use across different voltage standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If iron-core transformers are used for voltage conversion, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the device becomes large in size and heavy in weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional iron-core transformer with a power electronics-based voltage converter that uses solid-state switching devices (MOSFETs or IGBTs), control circuits, and high-frequency transformers. This substitution of mechanical/electromagnetic system with electronic control system dramatically reduces weight and size while maintaining voltage conversion capability, directly resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and device weight.
2Ease of manufacture
If iron-core transformers are used for voltage conversion, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the conversion efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the iron-core transformer with a power electronics system that uses pulse-width modulation (PWM) control and high-frequency switching. This electronic control approach achieves much higher conversion efficiency (typically 90% or higher) compared to traditional transformers, while the modular electronic components remain relatively simple to manufacture and assemble.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic switching of semiconductor devices at high frequencies (typically 20-100 kHz) to achieve voltage conversion. This periodic action allows for efficient energy transfer and reduces losses compared to continuous operation of traditional transformers, while enabling precise control of the conversion process.
3Ease of manufacture
If iron-core transformers are used for voltage conversion, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the device generates excessive heat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the iron-core transformer with a power electronics system that operates at high frequencies with efficient switching devices. This substitution dramatically reduces heat generation through improved conversion efficiency, and the electronic components can be mounted on heat sinks or distributed across a circuit board for better thermal management.
4Device complexity
If iron-core transformers are used for voltage conversion, then the device is simple in structure, but the size and weight make it inconvenient for travel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the bulky iron-core transformer with compact power electronics components including switching devices, control circuits, and high-frequency transformers. This substitution reduces weight by a factor of 5-10 times while the increased electronic control complexity is managed through integrated circuits and microcontrollers, making the device portable for travel.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a high-efficiency, lightweight power converter that allows for seamless use of electronic devices across various voltage standards, reducing electronic waste and environmental impact by eliminating the need for multiple devices and minimizing transportation costs and emissions.
Implementation Method 1
an input electromagnetic interference filter to receive raw AC power and to output filtered AC power
Implementation Method 2
A type-pi filter, and switch, receives the filtered AC power, further filters the received filtered AC power
Implementation Method 3
The power conversion circuit receives a signal from the digital controller, receives the further filtered AC power from the type-pi filter and switch, converts the further filtered AC power to a desired voltage and outputs converted AC power
Implementation Method 4
An output electromagnetic interference filter receives the converted AC power from the output electromagnetic interference filter and outputs the filtered converted AC power
Data Source
AI summary
According to some embodiments, a power converter is disclosed. The power converter includes an input electromagnetic interference filter to receive raw AC power and to output filtered AC power. A type-pi filter, and switch, receives the filtered AC power, further filters the received filtered AC power, and receives an indication from a digital controller module that an amplitude, frequency, and phase information of the filtered AC voltage is within a range of acceptable values and outputs the further filtered AC Power. The power conversion circuit receives a signal from the digital controller, receives the further filtered AC power from the type-pi filter and switch, converts the further filtered AC power to a desired voltage and outputs converted AC power. An output electromagnetic interference filter receives the converted AC power from the output electromagnetic interference filter and outputs the filtered converted AC power.