Simultaneous AC DC Power Converter with Coupled Windings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current electric and hybrid-electric vehicle (EV and HEV) and photovoltaic (PV) solar systems require separate power converter and inverter systems for DC and AC loads, leading to increased cost, size, and complexity, with inefficiencies due to the use of different circuits for AC and DC power transmission.

Innovation Solution

A power converter or inverter circuit that utilizes a magnetic device with inductively coupled windings to simultaneously transfer and regulate both AC and DC power, leveraging the direct current (DC) component for DC output and the alternating current (AC) ripple component for AC output, with a controller for independent regulation of both power types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate power converter and inverter systems are used for DC and AC loads, then reliable power delivery is ensured, but system cost and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower delivery reliabilityVSAvoidsystem size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines separate DC-DC power converter and AC-DC inverter systems into a single integrated power conversion system. The same power processing circuitry, including switches, inductors, and control logic, is used to simultaneously deliver both DC power to DC loads and AC power to AC loads, eliminating the need for separate converter and inverter modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The power conversion system is designed with multi-functionality to handle both DC and AC power delivery through the same circuitry. The controller can operate in different modes (DC conversion mode, AC inversion mode, or both simultaneously) using the same physical components, making the system universal for both DC and AC load requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If separate power converter and inverter systems are used for DC and AC loads, then dedicated control for each load type is achieved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller is designed as a universal control unit that can perform both DC-DC conversion control and AC-DC inversion control functions. It includes control logic for regulating DC output voltage/current and separate control logic for generating AC output waveforms, all within a single controller entity, reducing the need for multiple dedicated controllers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The controller internally segments different control functions for DC and AC outputs while maintaining a unified control architecture. Separate control loops and algorithms are implemented for DC power regulation and AC power inversion, but they share the same hardware platform and coordinate through a common control interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Volume of stationary object

If the same power converter circuit is used to deliver both AC and DC power, then cost and size are reduced, but control and regulation difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem sizeVSAvoidcontrol difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The control system segments the power delivery into independent DC and AC control channels. The controller can independently regulate DC output parameters (voltage, current) and AC output parameters (frequency, voltage, phase) through separate control algorithms, even though they share the same physical power circuitry. This segmentation simplifies the control complexity despite the integrated hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

This approach reduces the need for separate controllers and circuits, minimizing size, cost, and complexity while maintaining high efficiency and reliability, enabling simultaneous AC and DC power delivery.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic device with inductively coupled windings to simultaneously transfer and regulate both AC and DC power

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11233397B2Systems, methods, and devices for simultaneous conversion and inversion of electrical power

Publication Date: 2022.01.25 UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA

AI summary

An example device for simultaneous transfer of alternating current (AC) and directed current (DC) power includes a power converter or inverter circuit having a switch, a power magnetic device comprising a coupled winding, a DC power output loop for delivering DC power to a DC load, and an AC power output loop for delivering AC power to an AC load. The DC power can be a function of a direct current (DC) component of a current of the power inductor, and the AC power can be a function of an induced and/or switching alternating current (AC) ripple component of the current of the power inductor. In addition, the device can include a controller operably coupled to the power converter or inverter circuit. The controller can include a processing unit and a memory and can be configured to independently regulate the DC power and the AC power.