Balanced Capacitor Converter Topology for Voltage-Preserving Power Draw
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power converter systems face challenges in efficiently drawing power from balanced capacitors without disrupting the energy balance between them, particularly in high-voltage applications like solar inverter circuits.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a power diverting topology that uses a switching circuit connected to balanced capacitors, allowing power to be drawn without affecting the energy balance. This topology includes a controller that operates the switching circuit with open-loop control, ensuring that power is drawn from capacitors with higher voltages when imbalances occur.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If power is drawn from balanced capacitors in a conventional manner, then auxiliary power supply requirements are met, but the energy balance between capacitors is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mediator circuit that selectively connects to capacitors based on their voltage levels. This intermediary mechanism allows power extraction without directly disrupting the balance, as the mediator intelligently selects which capacitor to draw from, preventing direct imbalance that would occur with conventional power drawing methods
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback control by monitoring capacitor voltages and using this information to control the switching circuit. The feedback mechanism ensures that power is drawn only from capacitors with higher voltages, automatically maintaining the energy balance. The controller adjusts switching based on real-time voltage measurements, creating a self-regulating system that prevents imbalance
2Power
If a switching circuit is added to draw power from capacitors, then auxiliary power is provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switching circuit is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a power extraction mechanism and as a balance maintenance device. The same switches and controllers that enable power drawing also perform the function of maintaining capacitor balance through selective connection, eliminating the need for separate balancing circuits and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the power drawing function and the capacitor balancing function into a single integrated switching circuit. By combining these functions, the system avoids the complexity of having separate circuits for each function. The switching circuit simultaneously achieves both objectives: providing auxiliary power while maintaining energy balance through its integrated control mechanism
3Power
If conventional power drawing methods are used, then power is extracted from capacitors, but voltage balance across capacitors is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The switching circuit implements local quality control by treating each capacitor individually based on its voltage state. Rather than applying a uniform power drawing approach to all capacitors, the system selectively connects to specific capacitors that have higher voltages, allowing differentiated treatment that maintains overall voltage balance while enabling continuous power extraction
Data Source
AI summary
A power device may have at least two capacitors in series with each other and in parallel with a DC power source. The power device may have at least a first converter that has at least a controller configured to balance a voltage of the at least two capacitors. The power device may have at least a second converter connected to the at least two capacitors. The second converter may have at least three input conductors, each connected to a terminal of the at least two capacitors. The second converter may have at least two output conductors. The second converter may have at least a switching circuit between the at least three input conductors and at least two output conductors. The second converter may have at least a controller configured to operate the switching circuit. The second converter may passively preserve the voltage balance between the at least two capacitors.