Battery-Based DC-DC Conversion With Closed-Cycle Charge Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing DC-DC voltage converters face challenges in miniaturization and energy efficiency due to the limitations of capacitive energy storage elements, with micro-batteries exhibiting optimal performance only within a narrow voltage range and requiring complex load rebalancing schemes, while inductive converters are difficult to integrate into microelectronic circuits.
Innovation Solution
The operation of a DC voltage converter is organized using a cycle with controlled polarization and closed cycle load balancing, maintaining the polarization voltage of micro-batteries within an optimal range and ensuring that the charge stored at the start of a cycle equals the charge at the end, with the output nodes connected to energy storage elements throughout, reducing voltage variations and eliminating the need for decoupling capacitance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If capacitive energy storage elements are used in DC-DC converters, then the converters can be integrated into microelectronic circuits, but the energy density per unit volume remains limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of energy storage mechanism from electrostatic (capacitive) to electrochemical (battery-based). By using rechargeable solid electrolyte batteries instead of traditional capacitors, the system achieves much higher energy density while maintaining integrability through systematic voltage management across multiple battery cells
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the battery system into multiple discrete energy storage elements (battery cells) that can be independently managed. Each cell operates within its optimal voltage range, and the segmented architecture allows for flexible configuration to achieve desired output voltages while maintaining high energy density
2Quantity of substance
If micro-batteries are used to increase energy density, then the converter size is reduced, but the batteries exhibit optimal performance only within a narrow voltage range requiring complex load rebalancing schemes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration of battery cell connections through switching networks. The system dynamically adjusts which cells are in series or parallel based on real-time voltage requirements, allowing each cell to operate within its optimal voltage range while providing flexible output voltage adjustment without complex external rebalancing circuits
Solution Approach 2:
The switching network serves multiple functions simultaneously: it configures battery cells in series or parallel to achieve different output voltages, balances the operation of multiple battery cells, and maintains optimal voltage ranges for each cell. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate complex load rebalancing schemes
3Use of energy by moving object
If inductive converters are used for DC-DC conversion, then energy can be stored and exchanged in magnetic flux, but the inductors are difficult to integrate into microelectronic circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/magnetic field-based energy storage (inductors) with electrochemical energy storage (batteries). This substitution enables energy storage functionality to be integrated using standard semiconductor manufacturing processes for solid-state batteries, eliminating the difficulty of integrating bulky inductive components into microelectronic circuits
4Loss of energy
If the polarization voltage of micro-batteries is maintained within a narrow optimal range, then energy efficiency is improved, but the converter design becomes more constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the battery system into multiple cells, each operating independently within its optimal voltage range. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high energy efficiency for each cell while providing flexible combination options to achieve various output voltages, thus preserving design versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically reconfigures the connection topology of battery cells through switching networks, allowing flexible adjustment of output voltage while maintaining each cell's polarization voltage within its optimal range. This dynamic capability provides both high efficiency and design adaptability
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 enhances energy efficiency, reduces the size of the converter, and stabilizes operation by minimizing voltage variations and switching losses, while allowing for the integration of solid electrolyte batteries in microelectronic circuits.
Implementation Method 1
the electrochemical volume reactions, in the electrolyte between the two electrodes, give the batteries volume energy densities much higher than the electrostatic capacitive elements
Implementation Method 2
A switching matrix, configured to connect the elementary components together according to a periodic cycle composed of a plurality of phases
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for converting a DC input voltage into a DC output voltage of a predetermined value, comprising a set of elementary components including: an input voltage source; two output nodes; and a plurality of energy storage elements, each consisting of one or more batteries connected in series or parallel. The conversion device further includes a switching matrix configured to connect the elementary components according to a periodic cycle composed of a plurality of phases such that, for each cycle: Each phase is associated with a different connection configuration chosen so that, in each energy storage element, the amount of charge at the beginning of the cycle is equal to the amount of charge at the end of the cycle.