Switched-Capacitor Converter Paths That Suppress Rebalancing Currents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Switched-capacitor networks in power converters experience energy loss due to heating caused by charge redistribution between capacitors, which results in inefficiencies in voltage transformation and varying power demands across device components.
Innovation Solution
A power converter design that includes a switching network and a controller forming switched-capacitor circuits with balanced capacitance paths, utilizing balancing capacitors to minimize rebalancing currents and reduce energy loss by ensuring anode voltages are equal before connection, thereby suppressing rebalancing currents and enhancing adiabatic operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If charge moves from one capacitor to another in a switched-capacitor network, then voltage transformation is achieved, but heating occurs resulting in energy loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains equal potentials at the anodes of pump capacitors during switching operations. By ensuring that anodes remain at the same potential level, the invention eliminates potential differences that would otherwise drive harmful rebalancing currents and associated energy losses, thereby achieving voltage transformation without the typical heating penalties.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the switched-capacitor network by maintaining constant anode potentials and using balanced capacitance values in the first and second paths. This parameter control prevents charge redistribution that would cause heating, while still enabling the necessary voltage transformation through controlled charge movement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different components have different power demands, then components can operate at their required voltage levels, but rebalancing currents arise causing energy loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses equipotential connections at the anodes of pump capacitors to serve multiple voltage demands simultaneously. By maintaining equal anode potentials, the system can supply different voltage levels to different components through the capacitor networks without generating rebalancing currents, thus eliminating energy loss while preserving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The switched-capacitor network is designed to perform multiple functions: it can supply different voltage levels to different components (adaptability) while simultaneously maintaining energy efficiency (no rebalancing losses). The first and second paths with balanced capacitances enable this multi-functionality without the typical trade-off of energy waste.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the battery voltage varies with discharge and temperature, then the battery can operate over extended periods, but the voltage supplied to components becomes unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses switched-capacitor networks to transform the varying battery voltage into stable component supply voltages. By controlling the switching operations and maintaining balanced capacitance paths, the system can accommodate wide battery voltage variations (due to discharge or temperature) while delivering stable voltages to components, thus extending battery life without sacrificing voltage stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs dynamic switching control to adapt to changing battery conditions. The controller adjusts the switching network configuration in real-time to maintain stable output voltages despite varying input battery voltage, enabling the system to operate efficiently throughout the battery's discharge cycle and across different temperature conditions.
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 effectively reduces energy losses and improves the efficiency of voltage transformation by minimizing rebalancing currents, ensuring stable voltage supply to device components and promoting adiabatic operation, thus addressing the inefficiencies in existing switched-capacitor networks.
Implementation Method 1
A power converter includes a switching network and a controller to cause the switching network to form a switched-capacitor circuit
Implementation Method 2
charge moves from one capacitor to the other. This movement causes heating, which results in lost energy
Data Source
AI summary
A power converter includes a switched-capacitor circuit that forms different capacitor networks out of a set of capacitors. It does so in a way that avoids losses that can arise when capacitors are connected together.