Bootstrap Circuit Reduces Isolated Power Sources in Bidirectional Converters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric power conversion circuits for small-scale renewable energy networks are costly and large due to the need for multiple isolated power sources, which can lead to breakdowns and inefficiencies in bi-directional power transmission.
Innovation Solution
An electric power conversion circuit with a reduced number of isolated power sources, utilizing two isolated power sources to drive eight switches through bootstrap circuits with capacitors and diodes, allowing for efficient bi-directional power conversion while preventing voltage-induced breakdowns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple isolated power sources are used in conventional electric power conversion circuits, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple isolated power sources into a single isolated power source by introducing a bootstrap circuit that generates multiple artificial power sources from one actual power source. The bootstrap circuit includes capacitors and switching elements that synthesize the functions of multiple isolated power sources, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the reliability benefits of having multiple isolated power sources for bidirectional power transmission.
2Reliability
If multiple isolated power sources are used in conventional electric power conversion circuits, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces manufacturing cost by merging multiple isolated power sources into one actual isolated power source supplemented by a bootstrap circuit. The bootstrap circuit uses capacitors and switching elements to generate artificial power sources, eliminating the need to manufacture and install multiple expensive isolated power sources while maintaining system reliability for bidirectional power transmission applications.
3Device complexity
If a reduced number of isolated power sources is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a bootstrap circuit as an intermediary between the single isolated power source and the multiple switches. This bootstrap circuit acts as a mediator that generates artificial power sources to drive the switches during bidirectional power transmission, ensuring that the single isolated power source can reliably control all switches without direct connection to each, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing device complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional electric power conversion circuits are used for bidirectional power transmission, then power transmission capability is improved, but voltage-induced breakdowns occur
Solution Approach 1:
The bootstrap circuit serves as an intermediary that isolates the single isolated power source from direct exposure to high voltage conditions during bidirectional power transmission. By generating artificial power sources through capacitive coupling and switching, the bootstrap circuit protects the isolated power source from voltage-induced breakdowns while enabling full bidirectional power transmission capability between the first and second ports.
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 results in a smaller, cost-effective electric power conversion circuit that efficiently converts and transmits direct-current or alternating-current power, reducing the risk of voltage-induced breakdowns and maintaining high efficiency in power transmission.
Implementation Method 1
a first bootstrap circuit that includes a first voltage source and is connected to the first, second, fourth, and sixth control terminals; and a second bootstrap circuit that includes a second voltage source and is connected to the third, fifth, seventh, and eighth control terminals
Implementation Method 2
a first diode that allows a first electric current to flow from the first port terminal to the third port terminal
Data Source
AI summary
An electric power conversion circuit includes: first through fourth port terminals; first through fourth switches that are connected with each other in a bridge configuration; fifth through eighth switches that are respectively connected in parallel with the first through fourth switches; first through eighth diodes that are respectively connected in series with the first through eighth switches; a first bootstrap circuit that is connected to control terminals of the first, second, fourth, and sixth switches; and a second bootstrap circuit that is connected to control terminals of the third, fifth, seventh, and eighth switches.