DC-Link Voltage Transformer With Integrated Third DC Output
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voltage transformers lack an efficient and cost-effective means to provide electrical energy in the form of direct voltage at a high voltage level, particularly for charging electric vehicles, and conventional designs do not easily accommodate a third direct voltage for consumer connection.
Innovation Solution
A decoupling circuit is integrated into the DC-to-DC converter of the voltage transformer, allowing for the provision of a third direct voltage, which can be used to supply consumers efficiently with minimal hardware effort, and the transformer can be designed as an upconverter, downconverter, or separator, with modular DC-DC converter modules and a multiple active bridge topology for high-frequency energy transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a voltage transformer is designed to convert between different voltage levels using a direct voltage intermediate circuit, then voltage conversion efficiency is improved, but the device cannot provide a third direct voltage for additional consumers without adding significant hardware complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The decoupling circuit is integrated into the existing DC-to-DC converter structure, allowing the same hardware components to serve multiple functions: maintaining the primary voltage conversion function while simultaneously providing a third direct voltage output for additional consumers. This multi-functionality approach enables the voltage transformer to serve diverse electrical loads without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The decoupling circuit is merged with the DC-to-DC converter by utilizing the same intermediate circuit components, switching elements, and magnetic components. The third direct voltage is derived by tapping appropriate points within the existing circuit topology, combining multiple voltage output functions into a single integrated device rather than using separate independent circuits.
2Adaptability or versatility
If commercially available voltage transformers are used, then cost is reduced, but they lack the capability to efficiently provide a third direct voltage for consumer connection
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage transformer is divided into functional modules: the existing DC-to-DC converter module and the decoupling circuit module. The decoupling circuit is implemented as a distinct functional segment that can be integrated into the existing transformer design. This modular segmentation allows for easier implementation and modification of commercial transformers by adding the decoupling functionality as a separate but integrated component.
Solution Approach 2:
The decoupling circuit is designed to utilize the intermediate circuit that already exists in commercial voltage transformers for voltage conversion. By preparing the circuit topology in advance to include decoupling capabilities through proper component selection and arrangement, the transformer can provide third direct voltage functionality without requiring extensive post-manufacturing modifications or retrofits.
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
The solution enables efficient and cost-effective electrical energy supply at high voltage levels, supports scalability and fail-safety, and allows for modular design and repair of components, enhancing the transformer's efficiency and compactness.
Implementation Method 1
a first direct voltage generated from the primary-side alternating voltage is converted into a second direct voltage by means of a DC-to-DC converter
Implementation Method 2
The decoupling circuit can be supplied with electrical energy from the DC-to-DC converter in an inductive manner
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a voltage transformer for converting a primary-side alternating voltage at a first voltage level into a secondary-side alternating voltage at a second voltage level, the voltage transformer having a DC link in which a first direct voltage generated from the primary-side alternating voltage is converted into a second direct voltage by means of a DC-to-DC voltage converter, characterised in that an output circuit for providing a third direct voltage for the connection of at least one load is coupled to the DC link, in particular to the DC-to-DC voltage converter thereof.