DC-to-AC Power Converter Eliminates Capacitors for PV Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional DC/AC inverters require double-stage conversion, leading to energy consumption and reduced efficiency in PV systems, and they often necessitate a large capacitor array with limited lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A DC-to-AC power converter (DPC) that uses a first and second switching bridge, a patch component, and phase generators to extract and convert DC to multi-phase pseudo or AC power, eliminating the need for capacitance devices and minimizing power loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If double-stage conversion is used in conventional DC/AC inverter, then DC to AC conversion can be achieved, but energy consumption increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the DC-DC conversion and DC-AC conversion stages into a single integrated circuit architecture. The switching bridges and phase generators work together in one unified system, eliminating the separate conversion stages and reducing energy losses associated with multiple conversion processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching bridges in the patent serve multiple functions simultaneously - they perform both DC-DC voltage regulation and DC-AC power conversion. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate conversion stages and their associated energy losses.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional DC/AC inverter is used, then AC power conversion can be achieved, but sizable capacitor array is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the capacitor array from the system by using switching bridges that directly generate AC waveforms through controlled switching. The capacitive energy storage function is replaced by the inductive and resistive elements in the switching network, removing the reliability bottleneck associated with capacitor lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, limited-lifespan capacitor arrays with simpler switching components that have longer operational lifetimes. The switching bridges use solid-state switches and inductive elements that are more durable and require no replacement during normal system operation.
3Power
If conventional DC/AC inverter is used, then power conversion can be achieved, but system power capacity must be doubled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power conversion function into multiple parallel switching bridges, each handling a portion of the total power. This segmentation allows the system to achieve the required power capacity without doubling the overall system complexity, as each bridge operates independently but contributes to the total output.
Data Source
AI summary
A DC/AC power converter (“DPC”) capable of generating multi-phase power supply is disclosed. DPC, in one embodiment, includes a first switching bridge, second switching bridge, patch component, first phase generator, and second phase generator. The first switching bridge is coupled to a DC bus and configured to extract a first portion of the DC bus in accordance with a first phase of DC waveform. The second switching bridge, in one aspect, extracts a second portion of the DC bus in accordance with a second phase of DC waveform. The patch component is capable of generating a first patch waveform in response to a third portion of the DC bus. The first phase generator is configured to generate a first phase AC waveform based on the first portion of the DC bus and a first patch waveform.