Current-Fed Power Converter for High Impedance Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power converters are designed for low source resistance and fail to efficiently operate in high impedance applications, such as wireline logging, where they experience power delivery limitations and instability due to wide downhole cable-head operating voltage ranges and system instability.
Innovation Solution
A current-fed power supply circuit that converts input current into multiple regulated voltages, utilizing a current-to-voltage converter topology suitable for high source impedance environments, which reduces voltage stress on input filter components and provides flexible power delivery with reduced equivalent voltage/current operating range, improving efficiency, power density, and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional voltage-to-voltage power converters are used, then compatibility with most systems is achieved, but power delivery limitations and system instability occur in high impedance applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters of the power converter by switching from voltage-to-voltage conversion to current-to-voltage conversion. This parameter change enables the converter to operate stably in high impedance applications where conventional converters fail, while still providing compatible voltage outputs for various systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by using a current-fed topology instead of a voltage-fed topology. This inversion allows the converter to naturally handle high source impedance conditions, transforming the weakness of high-impedance sources into an operational advantage.
2Power
If conventional voltage-to-voltage power converters operate from high source resistance, then power delivery is attempted, but wide voltage ranges and instability result
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the input parameter from voltage to current, fundamentally altering how the converter interacts with the source. This parameter change enables stable operation across a reduced voltage range while maintaining effective power delivery capability in high impedance environments.
3Productivity
If current-to-voltage converter topology is used, then efficiency and power density improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and utilizes the energy stored in the input filter inductor directly for power conversion purposes. By taking out the energy storage function from a separate component and integrating it into the conversion process itself, the system achieves improved efficiency without proportionally increasing 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 current-fed power supply circuit enhances power delivery in high impedance applications by reducing voltage stress, improving efficiency, and providing flexible power distribution with multiple regulated output voltages, addressing the limitations of conventional converters in such environments.
Implementation Method 1
power switching circuitry coupled to a second end of the energy storage device and including a transformer having a primary winding and a plurality of secondary windings
Data Source
AI summary
A current fed power supply circuit, a method for producing DC voltages from a current source, and a power delivery system are provided herein. One embodiment of a current fed power supply circuit includes: (1) input terminals, (2) an energy storage device having a first end coupled to the input terminals, (3) power switching circuitry coupled to a second end of the energy storage device and including a transformer having a primary winding and a plurality of secondary windings, and (4) multiple output terminals that are each uniquely coupled to one of the plurality of secondary windings, wherein the power switching circuitry converts a current received at the input terminals to a plurality of regulated voltages at the multiple output terminals.