Bidirectional Power Converter Circuit Topology
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power converting apparatuses for bidirectional power conversion between alternating-current (AC) and direct-current (DC) power supplies suffer from low efficiency due to multiple stages of conversion, leading to significant power loss and increased size and weight, while also requiring redundant circuits to manage bidirectional conversion and harmonic noise suppression.
Innovation Solution
A power converting apparatus with a bridge configuration of semiconductor switches, inductors, capacitors, and a transformer, controlled by a unit that generates pulse signals to mix high-frequency and low-frequency components in the AC power supply, allowing for efficient bidirectional power conversion and harmonic suppression without the need for separate AC-DC and DC-AC conversion circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple stages of power conversion are used to achieve bidirectional conversion between AC and DC power supplies, then the conversion function is complete, but the power conversion efficiency deteriorates significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the AC-DC conversion circuit and DC-AC conversion circuit into a single integrated power conversion apparatus. The bridge circuit configuration allows the same circuit components to perform both rectification (AC to DC) and inversion (DC to AC) functions by controlling the switching elements in different modes, thereby eliminating the need for separate conversion circuits and reducing cumulative power losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The power conversion apparatus is designed with universal functionality where the same circuit topology and components can operate in multiple modes. The bridge circuit with controllable switching elements can function as a rectifier, inverter, or both simultaneously, allowing one apparatus to replace multiple specialized circuits and improve overall system efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate circuits for AC-DC conversion and DC-AC conversion are provided to achieve bidirectional power conversion, then the conversion function is complete, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines what would traditionally be separate AC-DC and DC-AC conversion circuits into a single unified power conversion apparatus. The bridge circuit configuration shares common components between the two conversion directions, reducing the total number of components and simplifying the overall circuit architecture while maintaining bidirectional functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The power conversion apparatus is designed with universal functionality where the same circuit topology and components can operate in multiple modes. The bridge circuit with controllable switching elements can function as a rectifier, inverter, or both simultaneously, allowing one apparatus to replace multiple specialized circuits and improve overall system efficiency.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional rectification circuits with diodes are used, then the AC to DC conversion is achieved, but power loss occurs due to diode forward voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive diode rectification with active switching element-based rectification. By using controllable switching elements instead of fixed diodes, the system can dynamically adjust the conduction state and minimize voltage drops, thereby reducing power losses associated with diode forward voltage while maintaining the rectification function.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If power factor improvement converter is added to achieve sine wave current control, then current harmonic suppression is improved, but additional power loss and circuit complexity occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the power factor improvement function directly into the main power conversion circuit rather than using a separate PFC converter. The bridge circuit configuration with controlled switching elements inherently shapes the input current waveform to follow the voltage waveform, achieving unity power factor and harmonic suppression without requiring additional dedicated PFC components and their associated losses.
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
This solution enhances conversion efficiency, reduces power loss, and eliminates the need for redundant circuits, achieving stable and efficient power supply to loads while effectively suppressing current harmonics, thereby improving the reliability and energy efficiency of power conversion systems.
Implementation Method 1
there is a method of converting a direct-current voltage into an alternating-current voltage using a pulse width modulation (PWM) inverter circuit
Implementation Method 2
A power converting apparatus with a bridge configuration of semiconductor switches, inductors, capacitors, and a transformer
Data Source
AI summary
A power converting apparatus supplies, on the basis of a power supply voltage of an alternating-current power supply, a circuit current flowing in a power conversion circuit, and a direct current of a direct-current power supply, a pulse signal for alternately opening and closing a pair of a first switch and a fourth switch and a pair of a second switch and a third switch to the pair of the first switch and the forth switch and the pair of the second switch and the third switch such that an electric current in which a high-frequency component is mixed in a low-frequency component of the alternating-current power supply flows to the power conversion circuit.