Electric Power Conversion Circuit Bootstrap Switch Driving

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electric power conversion circuits are large and costly due to the need for multiple isolated power sources to drive switches effectively, leading to inefficiencies and potential breakdowns during power transmission in small-scale renewable energy networks.

Innovation Solution

The electric power conversion circuit employs a configuration with two isolated power sources to drive eight switches, reducing the number of power sources and using bootstrap circuits with capacitors to apply voltages to switch control terminals, allowing for efficient bi-directional power conversion while preventing circuit breakdowns.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple isolated power sources are used to drive switches in conventional electric power conversion circuits, then the switches can be driven effectively, but the circuit size and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitch driving effectivenessVSAvoidcircuit size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple isolated power sources into a single isolated power source by using a bootstrap circuit that generates multiple isolated voltages from one input. The bootstrap circuit uses capacitors to store and transfer energy, creating the necessary isolated voltage levels for driving multiple switches without requiring separate power sources for each switch, thereby reducing circuit size while maintaining reliable switch operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single isolated power source in the patent serves multiple functions by providing voltage to multiple switches through the bootstrap circuit. The bootstrap circuit acts as a universal power distribution mechanism that can drive any number of switches as needed, making the power source multi-functional rather than dedicated to a single switch, thus reducing the overall number of power sources required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple isolated power sources are used in conventional electric power conversion circuits, then switch control is reliable, but the system cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitch control reliabilityVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple isolated power sources into one, using the bootstrap circuit to generate the necessary multiple voltage levels from a single input power source. This consolidation reduces the bill of materials and assembly complexity, directly lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining the reliability needed for effective switch control through the bootstrap-generated isolated voltages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If conventional electric power conversion circuits are used, then power transmission can be achieved, but circuit breakdowns may occur during operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transmission capabilityVSAvoidcircuit stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The bootstrap circuit in the patent incorporates capacitors that act as energy buffer and voltage stabilizer, providing beforehand cushioning against voltage fluctuations and transient disturbances. These capacitors store energy and release it when needed, preventing circuit breakdowns caused by voltage spikes or drops during power transmission, thus enhancing circuit stability while maintaining full power transmission capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 results in a smaller, more cost-effective electric power conversion circuit capable of efficient bi-directional power conversion, reducing the size and cost compared to conventional systems while maintaining reliable operation.

Implementation Method 1

a first bootstrap circuit that includes a first voltage source and is connected to the first through fourth control terminals; and a second bootstrap circuit that includes a second voltage source and is connected to the fifth through eighth control terminals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS10014855B2Electric power conversion circuit including switches and bootstrap circuits, and electric power transmission system including electric power conversion circuit

Publication Date: 2018.07.03 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

An electric power conversion circuit includes: first through fourth port terminals; a first diode having an anode connected to the first port terminal; a second diode having a cathode connected to the second port terminal; a third diode having a cathode connected to the first port terminal; a fourth diode having an anode connected to the second port terminal; first through fourth switches that are bridge-connected between a cathode of the first diode and an anode of the second diode; fifth through eighth switches that are bridge-connected between an anode of the third diode and a cathode of the fourth diode; a first bootstrap circuit that is connected to control terminals of the first through fourth switches; and a second bootstrap circuit that is connected to control terminals of the fifth through eighth switches.