Multi-Phase Bidirectional DC/DC Converter for Dynamic Phase Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bidirectional DC/DC converters in hybrid electric and electric vehicles face challenges in efficiently managing power transfer between 48 V and 12 V batteries, particularly in dynamically adjusting the number of active phases to optimize efficiency and reliability, especially during varying load conditions.
Innovation Solution
A multi-phase bidirectional DC/DC converter with autonomous phase circuits and dynamic phase management, where the number of active phases can be programmatically adjusted based on load conditions, utilizing a synchronization circuit to determine the start time of switching cycles and control the timing of the bidirectional output stage, allowing for optimized power transfer in both buck and boost modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the number of active phases is fixed, then the device complexity is reduced, but the efficiency cannot be optimized under varying load conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic phase management where the number of active phases can be adjusted based on load conditions. The controller dynamically selects between different phase configurations (e.g., single-phase, two-phase, three-phase) to optimize efficiency under varying operating conditions while maintaining manageable device complexity through systematic control strategies.
2Loss of energy
If the number of active phases is increased, then the efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The converter is divided into multiple independent phase modules, each capable of operating autonomously. This segmentation allows the system to activate only the necessary number of phases based on load requirements, improving efficiency without proportionally increasing overall system complexity since inactive phases can be completely disabled.
Solution Approach 2:
The system activates only the partial number of phases needed for current operating conditions rather than running all phases continuously. This partial action approach improves efficiency by reducing losses in inactive components while keeping the device complexity manageable by deactivating unnecessary phases.
3Loss of energy
If dynamic phase adjustment is implemented, then the efficiency is optimized, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system uses feedback from load conditions and efficiency metrics to dynamically adjust the number of active phases. The controller monitors operating parameters and automatically selects the optimal phase configuration, optimizing efficiency while managing control complexity through closed-loop control strategies.
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, a phase circuit includes: a bidirectional output stage configured to be coupled between a first battery and a second battery; a memory configured to store a number of active phases, and an identifier; and a synchronization circuit configured to receive a first clock signal and determine a start time of a switching cycle of the bidirectional output stage based on the number of active phases, the identifier, and the first clock signal, where the phase circuit is configured to control the timing of the switching of the bidirectional output stage based on the start time.