Isolated DC/DC Converter Dual Primary Circuit Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing isolated DC/DC converters face challenges in high-voltage applications, such as automotive systems, due to bulky capacitance requirements, which hinder integration and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a magnetic component with two primary circuits and a secondary circuit separated by an electrical isolation barrier, along with a capacitance in series with the switches, allowing for reduced current flow through the capacitance and improved energy storage, enabling efficient voltage conversion with a constant duty cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a capacitance is used in series with the transformers to eliminate the DC component of the current, then the converter can operate in high-voltage applications, but the capacitance becomes bulky and hinders integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single primary circuit into two separate primary circuits (first primary circuit and second primary circuit). Each circuit handles a portion of the total power transmission, which reduces the current through each individual circuit and the associated capacitance. This segmentation allows the converter to operate in high-voltage applications while using smaller, more compact capacitance components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-primary-circuit architecture to a dual-primary-circuit architecture, adding a dimensional aspect to the circuit design. This dimensional change enables parallel current paths, reducing the current burden on each capacitance and allowing for smaller capacitance values while maintaining the required power transmission capability in high-voltage applications.
2Power
If the current flowing in the transformers is high (e.g., 20 A), then the power transmission capability is sufficient for high-voltage applications, but the capacitance required becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the total current transmission task into two separate primary circuits, each handling a portion of the total power. This segmentation reduces the current through each individual capacitance, allowing for smaller capacitance sizes while maintaining the overall power transmission capability required for high-voltage applications such as 3 kW at 400V to 12V conversion.
3Measurement precision
If the duty cycle is modified to attain the target output voltage, then the output voltage can be regulated, but the converter complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a control system that monitors the output voltage and adjusts the duty cycle of the switches accordingly. The control unit receives feedback about the output voltage and modifies the switching duty cycle to maintain the target output voltage, providing precise voltage regulation while managing the complexity through systematic feedback control.
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 configuration reduces the size and current requirements of the capacitance, enhancing the converter's performance and integration in automotive applications while maintaining efficient energy transfer and voltage regulation.
Implementation Method 1
the magnetic component being configured so as, during the conversion of an input voltage of the isolated DC/DC converter into an output voltage, to operate as a transformer from the primary circuits to the secondary circuit
Implementation Method 2
as an impedance that stores energy in the primary circuits
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns an isolated DC/DC converter comprising an isolated circuit having:a first arm having a first switch, in series with a second switch;a magnetic component having two primary circuits and a secondary circuit that are separated by at least one electrical isolation barrier, said magnetic component being configured so as, during the conversion of an input voltage of the isolated DC/DC converter into an output voltage, to operate as a transformer from the primary circuits to the secondary circuit and as an impedance that stores energy in the primary circuits,and in which:the first arm comprises a first capacitance in series with the two switches and situated between the two switches,one of said primary circuits, called the second primary circuit, is connected between a first end terminal of the first arm and the connection point, called the second connection point, between the second switch of the first arm and the first capacitance, the first end terminal of the first arm corresponding to the terminal of the first switch that is not connected to the first capacitance; andthe other primary circuit, called the first primary circuit, is connected between a second end terminal of the first arm and the connection point, called the first connection point, between the first switch and the first capacitance, the second end terminal of the first arm corresponding to the terminal of the second switch that is not connected to the first capacitance.