DC-DC Converter Voltage Gain Range via Multiplier Stage Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing DC-DC power converters struggle to simultaneously achieve a wide input voltage range and a wide voltage gain range, which is essential for efficiently addressing the output voltage variations in photovoltaic systems due to shading effects and mismatches between solar cells.
Innovation Solution
A DC-DC power converter design that includes at least two multiplier stages with interchangeable operation modes, allowing switching devices to connect the stages in series or partly bypass them, thereby increasing the voltage gain range without compromising efficiency, using only two additional switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple multiplier stages are used to increase voltage gain range, then the voltage gain range is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional switches and components
Solution Approach 1:
The same multiplier stages serve multiple functions by being configurable in different connections - they can operate in series for high voltage gain when input voltage is low, or in parallel for lower voltage gain when input voltage is high, making the converter universally adaptable to a wide input voltage range
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of multiplier stages is increased to handle wider input voltage range, then the input voltage range is improved, but the voltage stress on power switches increases
Solution Approach 1:
The converter dynamically switches between operating modes based on input voltage level - using fewer multiplier stages in series when input voltage is high to reduce voltage stress, and more stages when input voltage is low to maintain adequate gain, thereby adapting to wide input voltage range while managing switch stress
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the effective number of multiplier stages in series connection based on input voltage parameters - reducing the series connection count when input voltage is high to lower voltage stress on switches, and increasing it when input voltage is low to maintain required output voltage
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to circuits and methods for increasing the voltage gain range of a DC-DC power converter. In particular, the present invention relates to a DC-DC power converter (200) comprising: two multiplier stages (M1, M2), each comprising two capacitors, each capacitor respectively connected to a diode, said diodes being adapted to charge the capacitors with a voltage; at least two switching devices (S1, S2) arranged to interchangeably operate between the at least two multiplier stages (M1, M2), or arranged to selectively connect the at least two multiplier stages (Ml, M2) in series in a first mode of operation and to at least partly bypass one of the at least two multiplier stages (M2) in a second mode of operation, thereby increasing the voltage gain range of the DC-DC power converter.