Active Inductor Device for Compact High-Inductance Power Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
High inductance inductors in power electric systems are expensive, bulky, and contribute significantly to weight, with limited options for adjustable inductance values, especially in high power applications.
Innovation Solution
A two-terminal active inductor device with a controllable inductance value, comprising a power converter, a fixed inductor component, and a processor system that adjusts inductance based on input voltage or current, allowing for programmable and adjustable inductance values, enabling compact and lightweight designs suitable for various power applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional passive inductor with high inductance is used, then the inductance value is achieved, but the device becomes bulky and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical passive inductor structure with an active electronic system consisting of power switches, capacitors, and control circuitry. The inductance function is achieved through active power conversion rather than physical wire windings, eliminating the need for bulky copper coils and magnetic cores.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic adjustment of inductance values through digital control of the power converter switching patterns. The effective inductance can be programmed to different values (e.g., 10µH to 1000µH) by changing control parameters, allowing the same physical device to provide multiple inductance values without physical reconfiguration.
2Reliability
If a traditional passive inductor with high inductance is used, then the inductance value is achieved, but the device occupies significant volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical passive inductor structure with an active electronic system consisting of power switches, capacitors, and control circuitry. The inductance function is achieved through active power conversion rather than physical wire windings, eliminating the need for bulky copper coils and magnetic cores.
Solution Approach 2:
The active inductor device can serve multiple functions: it provides inductance for power factor correction, can be programmed to different inductance values for different applications, and integrates control logic within the same device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components.
3Reliability
If fixed inductance inductors are manufactured for different inductance values, then specific inductance requirements are met, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic adjustment of inductance values through digital control of the power converter switching patterns. The effective inductance can be programmed to different values (e.g., 10µH to 1000µH) by changing control parameters, allowing the same physical device to provide multiple inductance values without physical reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The active inductor device can serve multiple functions: it provides inductance for power factor correction, can be programmed to different inductance values for different applications, and integrates control logic within the same device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components.
4Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable inductors are designed, then inductance adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic adjustment of inductance values through digital control of the power converter switching patterns. The effective inductance can be programmed to different values (e.g., 10µH to 1000µH) by changing control parameters, allowing the same physical device to provide multiple inductance values without physical reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The inductor device includes an integrated processor system that automatically senses operating conditions and adjusts the effective inductance to optimize performance. The device self-regulates based on feedback from voltage and current sensors, eliminating the need for external complex control circuitry.
Data Source
AI summary
An active two-terminal inductor device with a controllable inducitance based on an inductance value input L_I. A processor system PRS executes an algorithm which controls a power converter PCV with controllable electric switches connected to the two external terminals A, B along with a fixed value inductor component L1. Based on sampling of at least a voltage or a current in connection with the inductor component L1, the algorithm controls the power converter PCV to provide a resulting inductance across the external terminals A, B which serves to match the inductance value input L_I.