DC/DC Converter Phase Arm Driving with Single Shared Reactor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing DC/DC converters face challenges in reducing size and weight due to the need for multiple reactors and poor heat radiation efficiency, especially when operating at high output currents and frequencies.
Innovation Solution
A method of driving a DC/DC converter that involves connecting phase arms in parallel with a series-connected circuit of upper and lower arm switching devices and diodes, alternately turning on the phase arms to prevent simultaneous activation of multiple switching devices, and using a single reactor to reduce size and weight, while enhancing heat radiation capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple reactors are used in parallel phase arms to increase output current capacity, then the output power is improved, but the device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple reactors into a single shared reactor that is commonly connected to all phase arms. This single reactor serves multiple functions by being shared across different phases, eliminating the need for separate reactors in each parallel phase arm while maintaining the required output current capacity and power level.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared reactor performs multiple functions simultaneously - it serves as the energy storage element for all phase arms, acts as a common inductor for voltage balancing, and provides magnetic coupling across phases. This multi-functionality allows one component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate components.
2Power
If multiple reactors are used in parallel phase arms to increase output current capacity, then the output power is improved, but the device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple reactors into a single shared reactor that is commonly connected to all phase arms. This single reactor serves multiple functions by being shared across different phases, eliminating the need for separate reactors in each parallel phase arm while maintaining the required output current capacity and power level.
3Power
If multiple switching devices are turned on simultaneously in parallel phase arms, then the output current capacity is improved, but the heat radiation efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic switching of phase arms where each phase arm is turned on alternately rather than simultaneously. This periodic activation distributes the heat generation over time, allowing heat dissipation between switching cycles and preventing thermal accumulation that would occur with simultaneous switching of all phase arms.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system preliminarily determines the switching sequence of phase arms to ensure that not all devices are activated at once. By pre-planning the activation timing, the system prevents thermal overload while maintaining the required output current capacity through proper timing and sequencing of the switching operations.
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 allows for a significant reduction in size and weight of the DC/DC converter by utilizing a single reactor and improving heat radiation efficiency, making the converter more compact and efficient.
Implementation Method 1
While the transistors 4A, 4B, 4C are being energized, since the terminals of the reactors 2A, 2B, 2C which are connected to the respective transistors 4A, 4B, 4C are grounded, the current from the DC power supply 1 flows through the reactors 2A, 2B, 2C to ground. At this time, the reactors 2A, 2B, 2C store an amount of energy which is proportional to the product of the square of the current flowing therethrough and the inductance of the reactors 2A, 2B, 2C.
Data Source
AI summary
When the three U-, V-, W-phase arms of a DC/DC converter are turned on, they are alternately turned on by gate drive signals. When the U-, V-, W-phase arms are alternately turned on, an upper arm switching device of the U-phase arm, for example, is turned on, and thereafter a lower arm switching device of the U-phase arm is turned on. Thereafter, an upper arm switching device of the V-phase arm which is next to the U-phase arm is turned on, and thereafter a lower arm switching device of the V-phase arm is turned on. The upper and lower arm switching devices are thus turned on in a rotation switching process.