DC/DC Converter Circuit With Tank Capacitor for Pulsed High-Power Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power conversion circuits face challenges in efficiently delivering high power to loads, such as laser sources, without collapsing the power source, particularly batteries, and struggle with quick recovery of energy between pulses due to high energy demands and limitations in voltage and current delivery.
Innovation Solution
A power conversion circuit utilizing a tank capacitor coupled between DC/DC converters, which operates in alternating buck and boost modes to regulate voltage and discharge energy efficiently, allowing higher voltage variations and improved energy storage and usage, while reducing the number of switches and output ripple.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a conventional power conversion circuit is used to deliver high power to loads, then the load receives power, but the power source voltage collapses and energy recovery between pulses is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The tank capacitor is pre-charged to a voltage higher than the power source voltage before power delivery. This preliminary energy storage enables the circuit to deliver high power without causing voltage collapse in the power source, as the capacitor provides the additional energy needed during peak demand periods
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit alternates between charging the tank capacitor from the power source and discharging it to the load in periodic cycles. This periodic operation allows the system to recover energy between pulses by recharging the capacitor, maintaining power source voltage stability while delivering high power to the load when needed
2Use of energy by moving object
If a tank capacitor is used with higher voltage variations to improve energy storage, then energy extraction is enhanced, but output ripple increases
Solution Approach 1:
A second DC/DC converter is introduced as an intermediary between the tank capacitor and the load. This converter isolates the load from the voltage variations on the capacitor, allowing the capacitor to operate with high voltage variations for maximum energy extraction while the intermediary converter maintains a stable output voltage, thus reducing output ripple
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit operates the second DC/DC converter in buck mode during capacitor discharge, transforming the high-voltage, high-ripple signal from the capacitor into a low-voltage, low-ripple output suitable for the load. This parameter transformation allows the system to benefit from high energy extraction while minimizing harmful output ripple
3Ease of operation
If multiple switches are used in the power conversion circuit, then voltage and current control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power conversion function is segmented into two independent DC/DC converters working in sequence: the first converter charges the tank capacitor, and the second converter delivers power to the load. This segmentation allows each converter to use fewer switches with simpler control, while achieving the overall complex voltage and current control needed for high-power delivery with reduced total switch count compared to a single-stage converter
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 proposed circuit enhances energy usage in the tank capacitor, enabling higher voltage and current delivery to loads, reducing capacitor volume and cost, and improving transient regulation speed with lower output ripple and increased energy extraction from the capacitor.
Implementation Method 1
a first power converter coupling the first node to a third node; a second power converter coupling a fourth node to an output node
Implementation Method 2
a first capacitor coupling the third node to the fourth node
Data Source
AI summary
A power conversion circuit includes a first node configured to receive a first voltage referenced to a second node configured to be coupled to a reference potential. A first power converter couples the first node to a third node. A second power converter couples a fourth node to an output node. A first capacitor couples the third node to the fourth node. A first switch connects the output node to the first node. An output switch connects the output node to a load.