Coupled Flying Capacitor Converter for Wide-Range 12V Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power conversion techniques in data centers and other energy systems face inefficiencies, particularly in converting wide input voltage ranges to desired output voltages, leading to increased energy consumption and carbon footprint, and fail to efficiently balance flying capacitor voltages in multi-level switched capacitor converters.
Innovation Solution
A non-resonant power converter with a network of switches and flying capacitors, coupled by an inductor, which balances flying capacitor voltages and regulates output voltage by controlling energy conveyance between capacitors, ensuring average voltages are equal to half the input voltage, thereby improving power conversion efficiency and reducing energy losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a 4:1 fixed-ratio converter is used to cover wide input range from 40V to 60V, then the converter can operate over a broad voltage range, but the output voltage changes from 9V to 15V causing considerable conduction losses and reduced efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a fixed-ratio converter to a regulated IBC that dynamically adjusts the conversion ratio. The regulated IBC maintains a constant 12V output voltage across the full input voltage range (40V-60V) by actively controlling the switching elements, thereby preventing the output voltage variation and associated conduction losses that occur in fixed-ratio converters.
2Device complexity
If an unregulated IBC converter is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the output voltage is unregulated causing inefficient operation of subsequent PoLs and inability to supply regulated 12V rail for peripherals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control in the regulated IBC converter by monitoring the output voltage and adjusting the switching duty cycle to maintain a constant 12V output. This feedback mechanism ensures that the output voltage remains regulated across varying input conditions, enabling efficient operation of subsequent PoLs and providing stable power for peripherals requiring regulated 12V rail.
3Stability of the object's composition
If flying capacitor voltages are not balanced in multi-level switched capacitor converters, then the converter operation becomes unstable, but achieving voltage balance requires additional control mechanisms increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing the regulated IBC converter to automatically balance the flying capacitor voltages through its inherent control mechanism. The unified control structure monitors and adjusts the switching elements to maintain equal voltage levels across flying capacitors, achieving stable operation without requiring separate balancing control circuits or additional complexity.
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 achieves high efficiency in converting input voltage to output voltage by balancing flying capacitor voltages, reducing energy losses, and enhancing power conversion efficiency, thus minimizing the carbon footprint and improving energy utilization in data centers and similar systems.
Implementation Method 1
an inductor providing coupling between the first flying capacitor and the second flying capacitor; The inductor may convey energy between the first flying capacitor and the second flying capacitor
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus such as a power converter includes a first flying capacitor operative to store a first flying capacitor voltage; a second flying capacitor operative to store a second flying capacitor voltage; an inductor providing coupling between the first flying capacitor and the second flying capacitor; and a network of switches operative to, in accordance with control signals, produce an output voltage via the first flying capacitor voltage and the second flying capacitor voltage.