Class-E Rectifier Capacitor Control for Thermal Impedance Stability

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional class-E rectifier circuits experience changes in capacitor impedance due to temperature characteristics, leading to increased voltage peak values and decreased impedance, resulting in overtemperature issues.

Innovation Solution

A power conversion device and method that regulate the AC wave input to a rectifier capacitor based on detected impedance changes, using a controller to adjust the drive frequency of the switching element to maintain optimal impedance and prevent overtemperature.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a rectifier capacitor is used in a class-E rectifier circuit, then rectification function is achieved, but impedance changes with temperature causing overtemperature

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverectification functionVSAvoidcapacitor temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The control circuit detects the capacitance value of the rectifier capacitor and feeds back this information to adjust the drive frequency of the AC wave generation circuit. This closed-loop feedback mechanism dynamically compensates for temperature-induced capacitance changes, preventing thermal runaway while maintaining reliable rectification function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the drive frequency parameter of the AC wave generation circuit based on detected capacitance variations. When capacitance decreases due to temperature rise, the drive frequency is adjusted to compensate, thereby maintaining stable impedance and preventing further temperature increase while preserving rectification performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If capacitance of rectifier capacitor decreases with temperature increase, then voltage peak value increases, but impedance decreases causing thermal runaway

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage peak valueVSAvoidimpedance stability
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The control circuit continuously monitors the capacitance value and adjusts the drive frequency in real-time based on this feedback. This dynamic adjustment compensates for impedance changes caused by temperature-induced capacitance variations, maintaining stable operating conditions and preventing thermal runaway.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system takes preliminary action by detecting capacitance changes before thermal runaway occurs and adjusting the drive frequency in advance to counteract the impending impedance decrease. This preventive approach stops the vicious cycle before it escalates into dangerous overtemperature conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Power

If drive frequency is increased to compensate for capacitance decrease, then voltage peak is maintained, but power loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput voltageVSAvoidpower loss
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of dramatically increasing drive frequency to fully compensate for capacitance changes, the control circuit applies partial adjustment - just enough to maintain acceptable voltage peak values and impedance stability. This moderate correction approach minimizes additional power loss while still preventing thermal runaway.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 effectively suppresses impedance changes in the rectifier capacitor, stabilizing input current, output voltage, and input impedance, thereby preventing thermal runaway and overtemperature in the power conversion device.

Implementation Method 1

the capacitance value of the capacitor constituting the rectifier circuit changes depending on the temperature characteristics

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

regulate an alternating-current wave input to a rectifier capacitor depending on a change in impedance of the rectifier capacitor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical impedance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentEP4220922B1Method for controlling power conversion device and power conversion device
Publication Date: 2024.12.11 NISSAN MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP4220922B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4220922B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4220922B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A method for controlling a power conversion device can prevent over temperature by suppressing a change in impedance of a capacitor included in a rectifier circuit. The power conversion device (1) includes an AC wave generation circuit (5) for generating an AC wave, and a rectifier circuit (7) for rectifying the AC wave generated by the AC wave generation circuit (5) with a configuration including a rectifier capacitor (73) and a diode (71) connected in parallel. The method for controlling the power conversion device (1) regulates the AC wave input to the rectifier capacitor (73) depending on a change in impedance of the rectifier capacitor (73) so as to suppress the change in the impedance of the rectifier capacitor (73).