Bi-Directional Single-Phase PFC Circuit With Dual-Inductor Power Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing single-phase power factor correction (PFC) circuits in electric vehicles are inefficient in bidirectional power transfer, resulting in reduced power density when transferring electrical power between the vehicle and the electrical grid.
Innovation Solution
A bi-directional PFC module with six switches, including two primary switches and two rectifying switches, and two inductors, controlled by a microprocessor to alternately open and close switches to distribute current through both inductors simultaneously, enhancing power density during both grid-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-grid power transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If existing single-phase PFC circuits are used for bidirectional power transfer, then the circuit can transfer power between vehicle and grid, but the power density is reduced and efficiency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The PFC circuit is segmented into two separate inductors (first inductor and second inductor) with dedicated switch pairs, allowing independent current paths for bidirectional power flow. This segmentation enables simultaneous operation of both inductors during power transfer, doubling the effective power handling capacity compared to single-inductor designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit employs dynamic switching control where a microprocessor concurrently opens two primary switches and one rectifying switch while closing two other primary switches and another rectifying switch. This dynamic switching configuration allows the circuit to adapt its topology for optimal power density during both grid-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-grid power transfer modes.
2Productivity
If single-phase PFC circuit transfers power bidirectionally, then power can flow between grid and vehicle, but the power transfer capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit merges two inductor-based power transfer paths into a single bidirectional PFC module. Both inductors operate simultaneously during power transfer, with their combined capacity enabling higher power density while maintaining bidirectional functionality. The merging of both inductors' capabilities doubles the power transfer capability compared to using a single inductor.
Solution Approach 2:
The PFC circuit is designed with universal functionality to handle both grid-to-vehicle charging and vehicle-to-grid power delivery through the same hardware architecture. The dual-inductor configuration with controlled switching enables the circuit to efficiently perform both power transfer directions without requiring separate dedicated circuits, maximizing power transfer capability across different operating modes.
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 solution increases power density by allowing simultaneous current flow through both inductors, improving efficiency and power transfer capabilities in bidirectional power transactions.
Implementation Method 1
a first inductor electrically connected to a first primary switch and a second primary switch; a second inductor electrically connected to a third primary switch and a fourth primary switch
Data Source
AI summary
A power factor correction module bi-directionally communicates single¬ phase alternating current (AC) between an electrical grid and the electrically-propelled vehicle and includes a first inductor electrically connected to a first primary switch and a second primary switch; a second inductor electrically connected to a third primary switch and a fourth primary switch; a first rectifying switch electrically connected to the first primary switch and the third primary switch; and a second rectifying switch electrically connected to the second primary switch and the fourth primary switch, wherein a microprocessor concurrently opens two primary switches and one rectifying switch while closing two other primary switches and another rectifying switch during communication of single-phase electrical current from the electrical grid through the first inductor and the second inductor to the electrically-propelled vehicle or during communication of single-phase electrical current from the vehicle through the first inductor and the second inductor to the electrical grid.