Power Converter Temperature-Based Rectification Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional DC-DC and AC-DC converters with synchronous rectification circuits face efficiency loss at high temperatures, requiring over-rating and advanced thermal management, which increases bulkiness and cost, and compromises reliability and lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A power conversion system with a first controlling unit that determines the temperature of controllable switches and compares it with a transition temperature where power losses equal those of the diode, controlling the switching state to optimize operation over a wide temperature range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If converters are designed for high temperature operations using components capable of withstanding high temperature, then reliability at high temperature is improved, but the converter becomes bulkier and costlier due to over-rating and advanced thermal management solutions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between synchronous rectification mode and diode rectification mode based on real-time temperature conditions. The controller monitors temperature and dynamically adjusts the operating mode, transitioning from synchronous rectification at low temperatures to diode rectification at high temperatures, thereby adapting the system to varying thermal conditions without requiring specialized high-temperature components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the rectification circuit based on temperature. By monitoring temperature and switching between different rectification modes (synchronous vs. diode), the system adjusts its electrical parameters dynamically. This allows standard components to operate within their optimal ranges across different temperature conditions, eliminating the need for over-rated high-temperature components
2Temperature
If converters designed for high temperature are operated at higher temperatures, then operating range is improved, but efficiency is lost due to semiconductor device performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches rectification modes based on temperature. Below a threshold temperature, synchronous rectification is used for high efficiency. Above the threshold, the system transitions to diode rectification mode, preventing efficiency degradation at high temperatures while maintaining a wide operating temperature range
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of high temperature on semiconductor devices into a control signal. By monitoring temperature, the system detects when conditions become unfavorable for synchronous rectification and automatically switches to diode rectification, thereby eliminating efficiency loss. The temperature condition that would normally cause harm is instead used as the trigger for mode transition
3Power
If synchronous rectification is used at high temperature, then conversion capability is maintained, but power loss increases due to semiconductor device characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors temperature and uses this feedback to determine the appropriate rectification mode. When temperature exceeds the threshold, the feedback signal triggers a switch from synchronous rectification to diode rectification, thereby preventing increased power loss while maintaining conversion capability across the full temperature range
Data Source
AI summary
A system including a converter is disclosed. The converter includes a first switch having one or more first controllable switches coupled in parallel across at least one diode. A first controlling unit is operatively coupled to the converter. The first controlling unit is configured to determine a temperature of the one or more first controllable switches. The first controlling unit is further configured to compare the determined temperature of the one or more first controllable switches with a transition temperature at which a first power loss of the one or more first controllable switches is equal to a second power loss of the at least one diode and control a switching state of the one or more first controllable switches based on the comparison of the determined temperature with the transition temperature.