Booster Circuit Segmentation for Switching Loss and Ripple Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power conversion devices face increased switching loss at high switching frequencies and increased ripple current at low frequencies, leading to larger reactors and higher costs, while control methods that vary carrier frequency linearly result in wider noise frequency ranges and increased filter costs.

Innovation Solution

A power conversion device with a booster circuit that includes a first and second backflow prevention element, switching elements, a reactor, and an intermediate capacitor, where the carrier frequency is adjusted based on the operation state to minimize switching loss and ripple current, allowing for double boosting without increasing ripple current, thus reducing reactor and capacitor size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the switching frequency is increased to reduce the size of the reactor and smoothing capacitor, then the device size and cost are reduced, but the switching loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereactor sizeVSAvoidswitching loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the booster circuit into two independent switching circuits: a first switching circuit with a first switching element and a second switching circuit with a second switching element. Each circuit operates at different switching frequencies, allowing the circuit to benefit from high-frequency operation (smaller components) while minimizing switching losses through coordinated control of the two circuits

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the switching frequency parameter differently for the two switching circuits. The first switching element operates at a higher frequency than the second switching element, optimizing the balance between component size and switching loss by using different frequency parameters in different parts of the system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of energy

If the switching frequency is decreased to reduce switching loss, then energy efficiency is improved, but the ripple current increases requiring larger reactors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching lossVSAvoidripple current
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the switching operation into two independent circuits that can be controlled separately. The first switching circuit handles high-frequency switching with smaller ripple current, while the second switching circuit operates at lower frequency, collectively managing ripple current while maintaining low switching losses

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediate capacitor connected between the two switching circuits. This intermediate capacitor acts as a mediator that filters and stabilizes the voltage between the two circuits, reducing the overall ripple current while allowing the system to operate efficiently at optimized switching frequencies

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the carrier frequency is varied linearly to control the booster circuit, then the output voltage range is expanded, but the noise frequency range increases requiring larger and more expensive filters

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput voltage rangeVSAvoidnoise frequency range
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the frequency control into two independent switching circuits operating at different carrier frequencies. This segmentation allows the system to expand the output voltage range through coordinated operation of the two circuits while each circuit operates within a narrower, more manageable frequency range, reducing the overall noise bandwidth

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the carrier frequency parameter differently for the two switching circuits. By assigning different frequency parameters to each circuit and coordinating their operation, the system achieves expanded output voltage range while keeping the noise frequency range of each individual circuit narrower and more easily filterable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 configuration decreases switching loss and ripple current, minimizing the size of the reactor and smoothing capacitor, achieving cost reduction and improved efficiency in power conversion.

Implementation Method 1

an intermediate capacitor connected in parallel with a series circuit of the second backflow prevention element and the first switching element. The intermediate capacitor is charged via the second backflow prevention element as a result of an ON operation of the second switching element, and the intermediate capacitor is discharged via the second backflow prevention element as a result of an ON operation of the first switching element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

a rectifier configured to rectify an AC voltage supplied from an AC power supply

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRectification: Diode

Implementation Method 3

an inverter connected in parallel with the smoothing capacitor and configured to convert a DC voltage to an AC voltage and drive a motor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInversion:

Data Source

PatentUS9998007B2Boost converter with flying capacitor and refrigeration circuit
Publication Date: 2018.06.12 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP
  • US9998007B2 patent drawing
  • US9998007B2 patent drawing
  • US9998007B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A power conversion device is provided that includes a rectifier, a booster circuit configured to boost an output voltage of the rectifier, a smoothing capacitor configured to smooth an output voltage of the booster circuit, and an inverter circuit configured to convert a DC voltage of the smoothing capacitor to an AC voltage and drive a motor forming a part of a device supplied with the voltage after the conversion. In addition, a reactor, a first backflow prevention element, a second backflow prevention element, a first switching element, a second switching element, an intermediate capacitor, and a controller configured to control the first switching element and the second switching element, are included.