Active Clamp Flyback Topology for Reverse DC Power Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing DC-DC converters with active clamp flyback topology struggle to efficiently enable bidirectional power transmission from the secondary side to the primary side with minimal circuit complexity, as they require additional electronic components and high complexity in reversing the power flow.
Innovation Solution
A DC-DC converter with an asymmetrical topology using a single controlled switch on the secondary side, coupled with a regulating device that controls switches to generate AC voltage in the primary coil, allowing power flow from the secondary side to the primary side by setting specific switch-on and switch-off times, minimizing conduction and switching losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a symmetrical extension of the actively clamped flyback converter topology is used to enable bidirectional operation, then power transmission from secondary side to primary side becomes possible, but circuit complexity increases due to additional electronic components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by using a single controlled switch on the secondary side instead of symmetrical bidirectional switching arrangements. This asymmetric configuration simplifies the circuit while enabling bidirectional power flow through clever timing control of the switches, directly resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The controlled switch on the secondary side serves multiple functions: it acts as both a rectifier and a power transmission switch for bidirectional operation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each direction, reducing circuit complexity while maintaining bidirectional capability
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional electronic components are added to enable reverse power flow in actively clamped flyback converters, then bidirectional operation is achieved, but the number of electronic components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing controlled switch on the secondary side is made multi-functional to handle both forward and reverse power flow, eliminating the need for additional switching components. The regulator device also performs multiple control functions with a single unit, reducing the overall component count
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary side controlled switch inherently provides bidirectional functionality through its switching action and the regulator device's timing control, without requiring separate dedicated components for reverse power flow. The system uses its existing components in a more versatile manner
3Loss of energy
If switch timing is optimized to minimize conduction and switching losses, then transmission efficiency improves, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The regulator device employs periodic switching with specific timing patterns to achieve zero-voltage switching and minimize losses. The periodic nature of the switching allows for predictable, optimized timing that reduces complexity compared to continuous complex control algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The regulator device uses feedback from the circuit states to automatically adjust switch timing for optimal efficiency. This closed-loop control achieves minimal losses without requiring complex open-loop timing calculations, as the feedback provides real-time optimization
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
Enables efficient bidirectional power transmission with reduced circuit complexity by using a single controlled switch on the secondary side and a regulating device to manage switch times, achieving minimal losses and adaptable power flow without additional electronic components.
Implementation Method 1
a DC-isolating transformer (5, 6) having a primary-side primary coil (5) and a secondary-side secondary coil (6)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a direct-current voltage converter (10) for electrical power transmission from a secondary side to a primary side of the direct-current voltage converter (10), which has on the primary side an actively clamped flyback converter circuit having a controlled first switch (1) and a controlled second switch (2), and the primary side is inductively coupled to the secondary side. The current of a secondary coil (6) on the secondary side, for inductive coupling to the primary side, is switched by a single controlled third switch (3) on the secondary side, and the direct-current voltage converter has a regulator (12) which, in parts of a regulating cycle, conductively connects the third switch (3) to the first switch (1).