DC/DC Converter Input Voltage Regulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional DC/DC converters fail to maintain power sources like solar cells or thermoelectric generators at their maximum power biasing point, leading to reduced power transmission and efficiency in power systems, and cause conflicts with existing power management circuits when used for battery charging or electronic function supply.

Innovation Solution

A power system with a DC/DC converter that includes a control loop, controller, and power switch for input voltage regulation, allowing the system to optimize power sources by maintaining them at maximum power biasing points, and integrating multiple power sources in parallel without conflicts with other power management circuits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If conventional DC/DC converter operates by regulating output voltage, then output voltage is maintained, but power source cannot be kept at maximum power biasing point

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transmissionVSAvoidvoltage regulation

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional DC/DC converter operation by regulating the input voltage instead of the output voltage. This allows the power source to be maintained at its maximum power biasing point while still achieving proper voltage conversion to the load, thereby resolving the contradiction between maximizing power transmission and maintaining operational control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the regulated parameter from output voltage to input voltage. By regulating the input voltage to match the power source's optimal operating point, the system maximizes power extraction from solar cells or thermoelectric generators while maintaining compatibility with the load requirements through the DC/DC conversion process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If another SMPS with output voltage regulation is added to power management tree, then power source management is enhanced, but conflicts are generated with existing power management circuits

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower source managementVSAvoidcircuit conflicts

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By inverting the regulation point from output to input, the patent eliminates conflicts with existing power management circuits. The input-voltage-regulated DC/DC converter does not interfere with other SMPS operations in the power management tree, as it operates independently at the input stage without imposing voltage regulation requirements on shared output nodes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Loss of energy

If conventional DC/DC converter regulates output voltage, then voltage stability is achieved, but power efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower efficiencyVSAvoidvoltage stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the regulated parameter from output voltage to input voltage, which improves power efficiency by ensuring the power source operates at its maximum power point. The DC/DC converter still maintains voltage stability for the load through its conversion function, but the primary regulation focus shifts to maximizing input power extraction, thereby reducing overall energy loss in the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9537391B2Voltage regulation of a DC/DC converter

Publication Date: 2017.01.03 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

Power system includes at least one power source and a DC/DC converter with an input coupled to the power source, and an output coupled to a load, for allowing power transfer from the power source to the load, the DC/DC converter including means for regulating an input voltage of the DC/DC converter.