Bi-directional DC-AC Inverter with Dual-Function H-Bridge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bi-directional DC-AC inverters for vehicles lack efficient conversion capabilities between low voltage DC energy and AC energy for both powering consumer devices and charging vehicle batteries, limiting their effectiveness in managing energy flow between the vehicle's power supply and external AC power sources.
Innovation Solution
A bi-directional power conversion device comprising a DC/DC converter, an inverter, and a bi-directional storage device, which converts low voltage DC energy into AC energy for powering consumer devices and vice versa, utilizing a plurality of switching devices and controllers to manage energy flow and storage efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a bi-directional DC-AC inverter is designed to convert low voltage DC energy to AC energy and vice versa, then the versatility and adaptability of the power conversion device is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for multiple switching elements and control sections
Solution Approach 1:
The H bridge circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can convert AC to DC, convert DC to AC, and the two coils can alternatively function as booster coils. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated circuits for each conversion mode, thereby improving versatility while managing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the AC-DC conversion and DC-AC conversion functions into a single H bridge circuit structure. By merging these functions and allowing the two coils to serve dual purposes (inductors for AC-DC conversion or booster coils for voltage boosting), the overall device complexity is reduced compared to having separate dedicated circuits for each function
2Loss of energy
If the H bridge circuit uses two coils that can function as booster coils during AC to DC conversion, then the energy conversion efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the additional smoothing filter components
Solution Approach 1:
The two coils in the smoothing filter are designed with dual functionality: they serve as inductors during AC-DC conversion and can alternatively function as booster coils during DC-DC voltage boosting. This multi-functionality improves energy conversion efficiency by utilizing existing components for multiple purposes, while the smoothing filter structure itself is optimized to minimize additional complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The smoothing filter inductors are merged with the booster coil functionality, allowing the same physical components to serve both purposes. This merging eliminates the need for separate booster coil components, thereby improving energy efficiency without proportionally increasing device complexity
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 energy conversion and storage, allowing for effective power management between the vehicle's DC power supply and external AC sources, enhancing the vehicle's ability to both power consumer devices and charge batteries from AC grids.
Implementation Method 1
The DC/DC converter includes a first plurality of switching devices and is configured to generate a first direct current (DC) output in response to a first DC input
Implementation Method 2
the inverter is configured to generate an alternating current (AC) output to power at least one consumer device in response to the first DC output
Implementation Method 3
The bi-directional storage device is configured to store the first DC output in the consumer mode and to store the second DC input in the vehicle charge mode
Data Source
AI summary
In at least one embodiment, a bi-directional power conversion device including a DC/DC converter, an inverter, and a bi-directional store device is disclosed. The DC/DC converter is configured to generate a first direct current (DC) output in response to a first DC input in a consumer mode and to receive a second DC input to power the low voltage zone in a vehicle charge mode. The inverter is configured to generate an alternating current (AC) output to power at least one consumer device in response to the first DC output in the consumer mode and to provide the second DC input to the DC/DC converter in response to an AC input signal from an AC power source in the vehicle charge mode. The bi-directional storage device is configured to store the first DC output in the consumer mode and to store the second DC input in the vehicle charge mode.