Bidirectional DC/DC Converter with Galvanic Isolation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing DC/DC converter devices lack flexibility in voltage conversion to meet varying charging requirements of mobile loads, such as e-vehicles, and do not provide adequate galvanic isolation for safety and multiple load connections.
Innovation Solution
A DC/DC converter device with a switch assembly that allows operation in opposite current flow directions, a defined voltage conversion ratio not equal to 1, and a galvanic isolation element, enabling flexible presetting of DC charge voltage and supporting bidirectional energy flow, with a switch assembly having multiple switch positions and a grid regulating device for voltage selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a DC/DC converter with variable voltage conversion ratio is used, then adaptability to different voltage ranges is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pole reversal by switching the current flow direction through the DC/DC converter. Instead of using a variable ratio converter, the invention uses a fixed ratio converter (e.g., 1:2) and reverses its operation direction to achieve different voltage conversions. When current flows in the first direction, it converts 800V to 400V; when reversed, it converts 400V to 800V, effectively doubling the adaptable voltage range without increasing converter complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The DC/DC converter is designed to perform multiple functions through a single device by enabling bidirectional operation. The same converter unit serves both as a step-down converter (800V→400V) and a step-up converter (400V→800V) depending on the current flow direction, eliminating the need for separate converters for different voltage ranges and reducing overall system complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple mobile loads are connected to the DC charge connection unit, then charging versatility is improved, but safety risks increase without galvanic isolation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a galvanic isolation element as an intermediary component between the DC charge connection unit and the connected mobile loads. This isolation element acts as a safety mediator that electrically separates different loads while still allowing energy transfer, enabling multiple loads to be connected simultaneously without direct electrical interference between them, thus maintaining safety while supporting multi-load versatility
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
Enables flexible voltage conversion to cover different voltage ranges, ensuring compatibility with various mobile loads while ensuring safety through galvanic isolation, and allowing bidirectional energy transfer, enhancing the efficiency and safety of DC charging processes.
Implementation Method 1
A DC/DC converter with a defined voltage conversion ratio which does not equal 1
Data Source
AI summary
A DC/DC converter device has a DC/DC converter with a defined voltage conversion ratio which does not equal 1. A switch assembly is used to switch a current flow between a converter input node and a converter out-put node of the DC/DC converter. In a first switch position, the DC/DC converter is operated in a first current flow direction, and in a second switch position, the DC/DC converter is operated in a second, opposite current flow direction. An electric charge connection unit is used for DC charging process of batteries of mobile loads via multiple socket/plug connections. A galvanic isolation element is used to galvanically isolate of the socket/plug connections. The DC/DC converter device can be part of a control/regulating system for a power grid. The result is a DC/DC converter device with which the possibility of a DC charging process for batteries of mobile loads is improved.