Bidirectional DC-DC Converter Using Low-Voltage Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles in traffic systems face challenges due to the high cost and expense of electric components with high withstand voltage, which are typically used in railway vehicles. These components are more expensive than those used in electric vehicles and general-purpose applications, leading to a demand for a technology that can replicate the function of high withstand voltage components using lower voltage components.
Innovation Solution
A bidirectional DC-DC converter is introduced, comprising a first circuit with a high withstand voltage electronic component and a second circuit with a lower withstand voltage electronic component. A control circuit manages the switching of switching elements in both circuits to convert voltages bidirectionally, allowing the converter to function similarly to a high withstand voltage system even when using lower voltage components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high withstand voltage electric components are used in electric vehicles, then the system can handle higher voltages, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the voltage handling function into two separate circuits: a first circuit with high withstand voltage components for processing high voltage, and a second circuit with low withstand voltage components for processing low voltage. This segmentation allows each circuit to use appropriately rated components, reducing overall cost while maintaining high voltage capability where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a bidirectional DC-DC converter as an intermediary device between the high voltage first circuit and the low voltage second circuit. This converter acts as a mediator that safely transforms voltage levels, enabling the use of cheaper low withstand voltage components in the second circuit while still allowing the system to handle high voltages through the first circuit.
2Ease of manufacture
If low withstand voltage electric components are used to reduce cost, then the system becomes more economical, but the system cannot directly handle high voltages
Solution Approach 1:
The bidirectional DC-DC converter serves as a protective intermediary that shields the low withstand voltage second circuit from high voltage exposure. When high voltage needs to be processed, the first circuit handles it and the converter transforms it to appropriate levels for the second circuit, allowing cost-effective low voltage components to be used while maintaining high voltage handling capability through the converter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameter through the bidirectional DC-DC converter, which can transform between high voltage and low voltage states. This parameter transformation allows the system to adapt to different voltage requirements dynamically, enabling the use of low withstand voltage components in the second circuit while maintaining the ability to process high voltages when needed.
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
The bidirectional DC-DC converter enables the same functional performance as high withstand voltage systems while reducing costs by using lower voltage components, thus addressing the economic and operational challenges faced by electric vehicles in traffic systems.
Implementation Method 1
a control circuit configured to control switching of at least one of the first switching element and the second switching element wherein the bidirectional DC-DC converter is configured to convert the first voltage into the second voltage or convert the third voltage into the first voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A bidirectional DC-DC converter includes a first circuit that is configured to process a first voltage being a DC voltage and that includes a first electronic component including a first switching element; a second circuit that is configured to process a second voltage or a third voltage, the second voltage being a DC voltage supplied to an electric vehicle, the third voltage being a DC voltage generated in an electric vehicle, and that includes a second electric component with a lower withstand voltage than the first electronic component, the second electric component including a second switching element; and a control circuit configured to control switching of at least one of the first switching element and the second switching element wherein the bidirectional DC-DC converter is configured to convert the first voltage into the second voltage or convert the third voltage into the first voltage.