Bi-directional DC to DC Power Converter with Neutral Terminal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional DC to DC power converters lack bi-directional energy transmission capability, limiting their application in systems requiring both voltage boost and buck functions, especially in uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems where energy needs to be transmitted in both directions.
Innovation Solution
A bi-directional DC to DC power converter with a neutral terminal, comprising multiple DC power circuits and switches, allowing selective operation in boost and buck modes by controlling the switches to alternately turn on and off, enabling energy transmission in both directions through capacitors and inductors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional DC to DC power converter is used, then the circuit structure is simple, but it only permits unidirectional energy transmission and lacks voltage buck function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a boost converter circuit and a buck converter circuit into a single integrated power converter system. The boost converter includes inductors L1 and L2, switches S1 and S2, and diodes D1 and D2, while the buck converter includes inductors L3 and L4, switches S3 and S4, and diodes D3 and D4. Both converters share common DC sources (positive and negative) and common capacitors (C1 and C2), enabling bidirectional energy transmission while maintaining a unified circuit structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated power converter is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate as a boost converter for voltage step-up and unidirectional energy transmission, or as a buck converter for voltage step-down and bidirectional energy transmission. The controller selectively activates different switch combinations to achieve the desired operating mode, making the device universal for various power conversion requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a DC to DC boost power converter with neutral terminal is used in UPS system, then voltage can be stepped up to supply DC capacitors, but energy cannot be transmitted in opposite direction to charge battery module
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates both boost and buck converter circuits into a single power converter unit. The boost converter path enables energy transmission from DC sources through inductors L1-L2 to capacitors C1-C2, while the buck converter path enables reverse energy transmission from capacitors C1-C2 through inductors L3-L4 back to DC sources. This merged structure allows the UPS system to charge battery modules during normal operation and discharge during power failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The power converter employs dynamic switching control where the controller selectively turns on and off different switch combinations (S1-S4) depending on the operating mode required. During charging mode, switches S3 and S4 are activated for buck operation; during discharging mode, switches S1 and S2 are activated for boost operation. This dynamic reconfiguration enables flexible bidirectional energy transmission.
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 efficient bi-directional energy transmission, supporting UPS systems by providing stable output AC voltage and prolonging the life of battery modules by preventing frequent charging and discharging, while meeting different power system requirements.
Implementation Method 1
Electric energy output from the bridge rectifier (100) is temporarily stored in the two inductors (L1, L2) and then transmitted to the two capacitors (C1, C2) to accomplish the voltage boost operation as the switch (T1) is alternately turned on and off.
Data Source
AI summary
A bi-directional DC to DC power converter includes two DC sources, two inductors respectively connected to the two DC sources, a first switch and a second switch respectively connected to the two inductors, two capacitors respectively connected to the two switches, and a third switch connected between the two inductors. The first, second and third switches are respectively connected reversely with a diode in parallel. When the third switch is alternately turned on and off and the first and second switches are always turned off, the power converter operates as a boost power converter and electric energy flows from the two DC sources to the two capacitors. When the third switch is always turned off and the first and second switches are synchronously turned on or off, the power converter operates as a buck power converter and electric energy flows from the two capacitors to the two DC sources.