Buck-Boost Topology With Active Negative Holdup Voltage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power conversion systems lack an efficient method to provide negative holdup voltage in modular power supplies, especially in applications where power input is interrupted, such as in aircraft, where certain components require a guaranteed voltage like 28 Volts.

Innovation Solution

A buck-boost power converting system with a voltage source input, multiple switches controlled by a controller, and a holdup capacitor that provides negative holdup voltage, capable of switching between non-inverted and inverted modes to ensure power delivery regardless of the input power availability, utilizing a single inductor and six switches with specific switching sequences for PWM control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional power conversion topologies are used, then the system can operate in standard modes, but the system cannot provide negative holdup voltage when power input is interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveholdup voltage availabilityVSAvoidvoltage mode flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The power conversion system is designed with a universal buck-boost topology that can operate in multiple modes (inverted and non-inverted) and provides negative holdup voltage capability. The same circuit architecture handles both standard power conversion and holdup voltage generation, making the system multi-functional and adaptable to different operating conditions including power interruptions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between different operating modes (inverted, non-inverted, holdup) based on real-time conditions. The controller adjusts the switching states of the six switches to transition the circuit between modes, enabling the system to adapt its behavior dynamically rather than being fixed in a single configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If custom magnetics are used to provide negative holdup voltage, then the holdup voltage requirement is met, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenegative holdup voltage provisionVSAvoidmagnetics configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the holdup voltage generation function with the existing buck-boost power conversion circuitry. The same inductor and six switches used for primary power conversion are also utilized for generating negative holdup voltage during power interruptions. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate custom magnetics or additional holdup circuitry, reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The existing power conversion components are designed to serve multiple functions: the inductor and switch network handle both standard voltage conversion and negative holdup voltage generation. This multi-functionality approach avoids adding dedicated components for holdup voltage, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If a single inductor and six switches are used, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the switching control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent quantityVSAvoidswitching control logic
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller implements dynamic switching control that adapts the circuit operation based on real-time conditions. The switching logic transitions between different state configurations (inverted mode, non-inverted mode, holdup mode) by controlling the six switches in specific sequences. This dynamic control approach manages the complexity through programmable logic rather than fixed complex circuitry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system manages complexity by changing operational parameters (switching states, duty cycles, mode selection) rather than increasing hardware complexity. The controller adjusts switching parameters to achieve different operating modes using the same physical components, thereby managing control complexity through parameter variation rather than structural complexity.

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

The system effectively generates and maintains negative holdup voltage, ensuring continuous power to critical components by charging a holdup capacitor and switching between modes to provide either non-inverted or inverted output voltage as needed, reducing the need for custom magnetics and enhancing reliability with dual switches in the forward power path.

Implementation Method 1

A holdup capacitor with a holdup voltage output is operatively connected to the plurality of switches to provide negative holdup voltage for output if power to the voltage source input is interrupted

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

An inductor can be connected in series along the first line

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic Induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4270758A1Universal buck-boost topology with an active negative holdup voltage
Publication Date: 2023.11.01 HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORP
  • EP4270758A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4270758A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4270758A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A buck-boost power converting system (100) includes a voltage source input (102) for connecting a voltage source for power conversion. A plurality of switches (S 1-S6) are electrically connected to the voltage source input (102). Each switch is connected to a controller (106) configured for control of the switches. A load output is operatively connected to the switches to provide non-inverted output voltage relative to the voltage source input (102) in a non-inverted mode and to provide inverted output voltage relative to the voltage source input (102) in an inverted mode. A holdup capacitor (C2) with a holdup voltage output is operatively connected to the plurality of switches (S 1-S6) to provide negative holdup voltage for output if power to the voltage source input is interrupted, regardless of whether the load output is in the inverted mode or the non-inverted mode.