Resonant DC Balancer Circuit for Zero-Voltage Switching Loss Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Switched capacitor circuits experience significant losses due to high-frequency switching, particularly when operating switches at high frequencies, leading to inefficiencies in power conversion.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a resonant switched capacitor converter (SCC) with a controller that switches the converter switches under zero-voltage or zero-current conditions, utilizing a resonant circuit with an inductor and capacitor to reduce switching losses and increase efficiency, and allowing for bidirectional power conversion by configuring nodes as both input and output terminals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If switches are operated at high frequency to increase power conversion speed, then productivity is improved, but switching losses increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from conventional hard switching to soft switching (zero-voltage switching and zero-current switching). This changes the switching parameters (voltage and current conditions) to minimize losses while maintaining high-frequency operation capability, thereby resolving the contradiction between productivity and energy loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes resonant circuits to create oscillating current and voltage waveforms that enable soft switching. The resonant vibration allows switches to turn on/off when voltage or current is naturally zero, reducing switching losses while enabling high-frequency operation
2Loss of energy
If zero-voltage switching is implemented to reduce switching losses, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional resonant circuit components
Solution Approach 1:
The resonant circuit components serve multiple functions: they enable zero-voltage switching for loss reduction, provide voltage transformation through turns ratios, and facilitate bidirectional power flow. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the resonant tank circuit with the transformer structure, combining energy storage and voltage transformation functions into a single integrated component. This merging approach achieves zero-voltage switching while minimizing the increase in overall device 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
This approach significantly reduces switching losses and enhances the efficiency of the SCC by enabling soft switching transitions, allowing the converter to operate at lower switching frequencies and maintain high efficiency, thus improving power conversion performance.
Implementation Method 1
The SCC may include a resonant circuit including an inductor
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are systems and methods for operation of a switched capacitor converter (SCC). In some variations, the SCC includes a resonant circuit including an inductor. Aspects of the disclosure include methods for controlling the SCC switches to decrease switching losses associated with operating the converter and to increase efficiency of the SCC. According to some aspects, a control method is used to switch converter switches under zero-voltage conditions. According to some aspects, a control method is used to switch converter switches under zero-current conditions.