Voltage Converter With Coupled Inductors For Polarity Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voltage converter circuits face issues such as conduction losses, undefined potential references, and limitations in voltage transfer ratios, particularly in DC/DC, AC/DC, and AC/DC conversions, including inefficiencies in power factor correction and bidirectional energy transfer.
Innovation Solution
A power electronic circuitry comprising three switching elements, two magnetically coupled storage inductors, and two sets of electrical terminals, with intermediate potential points connected via capacitors and switching elements to enable flexible and efficient voltage conversion, including protection against reversed polarity and bidirectional operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a diode full bridge rectifier is used for protection against reversed polarity, then protection against reversed polarity is achieved, but conduction losses occur and input voltage must be distinctly above twice the bias voltage of the diodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the rectifier function from the circuit by using the intrinsic body diodes of the switching elements instead of a separate full bridge rectifier. This eliminates the need for additional diodes and their associated conduction losses while maintaining protection against reversed polarity through the natural clamping action of the body diodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching elements utilize their own intrinsic body diodes to provide the rectification and protection function. The body diodes automatically clamp the voltage during reverse polarity conditions without requiring external control or additional components, making the circuit self-protecting.
2Productivity
If a combined diode/transistor full bridge is used for power factor optimized AC/DC conversion, then power factor optimization is achieved, but DC output voltage cannot get lower than the peak value of the input side AC voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic voltage conversion mechanism where the output voltage is not fixed by the input peak voltage but can be dynamically adjusted through the switching action of the elements. The voltage transfer ratio becomes a variable parameter controlled by the switching duty cycle rather than being constrained to a fixed relationship with the input voltage peak.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit changes the operating parameters by using capacitive coupling and resonant operation to decouple the output voltage from the input voltage peak. This allows the output voltage to be independently controlled and adjusted to values below the input peak voltage while maintaining power factor correction functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a four quadrant chopper with full bridge of switches is used, then bidirectional operation is achieved, but output voltage can never exceed the input voltage without a further DC/DC converter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a capacitive coupling dimension between input and output stages, adding a reactive energy storage element that enables voltage transformation beyond the direct switching capability. This capacitive bridge allows the output voltage to exceed the input voltage by utilizing the resonant energy exchange between the capacitor and the inductive elements during bidirectional operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A coupling capacitor is introduced as an intermediary element between the input and output stages. This capacitor mediates the energy transfer and enables voltage transformation by storing and releasing energy during the switching cycles, allowing the output voltage to be higher than the input voltage without requiring a separate DC/DC converter stage.
4Reliability
If a half bridge with split input voltage is used to define potential reference, then potential reference is defined, but output voltage can never exceed the split input voltage and additional effort is necessary for generating the split input voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit uses a single unsplit input voltage source that serves multiple functions: it provides the operating voltage for the switching elements, establishes the potential reference through the switching action, and enables voltage transformation. The coupling capacitor and switching network together create a universal solution that eliminates the need for separate split voltage generation while maintaining defined potential references.
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 circuitry achieves efficient voltage conversion with protection against reversed polarity, optimized power factor correction, and bidirectional energy transfer, allowing operation down to low input voltages and flexible voltage transfer ratios, while minimizing conduction losses and effort.
Implementation Method 1
two magnetically coupled storage inductors
Data Source
AI summary
A circuitry (1) for a voltage converter comprises first, second, and third switching elements (S1, S2, S3), first and second storage inductors (L1, L2), two connector pairs (A, B; D, E), and first and second intermediate potential points (C, F). The second storage inductor (L2) comprises first and second windings (L2a, L2b). The first intermediate potential point (C) is connected to a first connector (A) of the first connector pair via the first storage inductor (L1), to the second connector (B) of the first connector pair via the third switching element (S3), and to the second intermediate potential point (F), either directly or via a capacitor (C3). The second intermediate potential point (F) is connected to the first connector (D) of the second connector pair via a series connection of the first switching element (S1) and the first winding (L2a) of the second storage inductor (L2), and to the second connector (E) of the second connector pair via a series connection of the second switching element (S2) and the second winding (L2b) of the second storage inductor (L2). At least one of a connection between the first connector (A) of the first connector pair and the first connector (D) of the second connector pair and a connection between the second connector (B) of the first connector pair and the second connector (E) of the second connector pair exists and is implemented either directly or via a capacitor (C1, C2). At maximum one of the connections between the first connector (A) of the first connector pair and the first connector (D) of the second connector pair, between the second connector (B) of the first connector pair and the first connector (E) of the second connector pair, and between the first intermediate potential point (C) and the second intermediate potential point (F) is a direct connection.