DC-DC Converter Capacitor Reconfiguration for Stable Voltage Conversion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing DC-DC power converters face challenges in reducing power loss and complexity by minimizing voltage load on switches and inductors, and maintaining stability of the flying capacitor voltage.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a DC-DC converter architecture that includes a flying capacitor and a reservoir capacitor, which can be connected in series or parallel configurations, controlled by switching networks to stabilize and bolster the flying capacitor voltage, enabling modes such as buck, bolster, and boost operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a flying capacitor is used to transfer charge in DC-DC converters, then voltage conversion is achieved, but voltage load on switches and inductors increases causing power loss and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single flying capacitor into multiple capacitor elements (first capacitor, second capacitor, third capacitor) that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows the voltage stress to be distributed across multiple components rather than concentrated on switches and inductors, reducing power loss while maintaining voltage conversion capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic reconfiguration of capacitor connections through switching networks that can change the topology between series and parallel configurations. This dynamic switching allows the system to adapt the voltage distribution in real-time, optimizing power loss reduction while maintaining required voltage conversion levels.
2Power
If a flying capacitor is used to transfer charge, then voltage conversion is achieved, but the complexity of switches and inductors increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the flying capacitor into multiple smaller capacitor elements, the patent reduces the voltage rating requirements for individual switches and inductors. This segmentation simplifies the component specifications and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining the voltage conversion function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameter distribution across components by introducing multiple capacitors with lower individual voltage ratings. This parameter change allows the use of simpler, lower-voltage-rated switches and inductors, thereby reducing device complexity while achieving the same overall voltage conversion.
3Loss of energy
If the flying capacitor voltage is stabilized, then power loss is reduced, but additional control circuitry and switching complexity is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the voltage stabilization function into the existing switching network that controls the capacitor configurations. By combining the stabilization control with the existing topology-switching control, the patent reduces power loss through stabilized flying capacitor voltage without requiring entirely separate control circuitry, thus managing the complexity trade-off.
4Stability of the object's composition
If reservoir capacitor is connected in parallel with flying capacitor, then capacitance is bolstered for stability, but switching network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic switching to connect the reservoir capacitor in parallel with the flying capacitor only when needed for stabilization. This dynamic approach allows the system to achieve voltage stability when required while maintaining simpler operation during other phases, thus managing the switching network complexity trade-off effectively.
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 architecture stabilizes the flying capacitor voltage, reduces power loss, and enhances the converter's efficiency by balancing charge across capacitors, thereby reducing inductor current ripple and maintaining stable output voltage.
Implementation Method 1
a first flying capacitor node and a second flying capacitor node for connection of a flying capacitor across the first and second flying capacitor nodes respectively; a first reservoir capacitor node and a second reservoir capacitor node for connection of a reservoir capacitor across the first and second reservoir capacitor nodes respectively
Data Source
AI summary
A DC-DC converter for converting an input voltage at an input node, the converter comprising: first and second inductor nodes for connection of an inductor therebetween; first and second flying capacitor nodes for connection of a flying capacitor therebetween; a first switching network for selectively connecting the first flying capacitor node to each of the input node and the first inductor node; a second switching network for selectively connecting the second flying capacitor node to each of the input node and a reference voltage node; and reservoir circuitry, comprising: first and second reservoir capacitor nodes for connection of a reservoir capacitor therebetween; a third switching network for selectively connecting the first reservoir capacitor node to each of the first and second flying capacitor nodes; a fourth switching network for selectively connecting the second reservoir capacitor node to each of the second flying capacitor node and the reference voltage node.