Delta-Wye DC-DC Boost Converter for Low Voltage Sources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power conversion systems are inefficient when dealing with variable low voltage DC power sources, such as fuel cells and batteries, due to the high input voltage requirements of commercially available inverters, leading to reduced power conversion efficiency and short system lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A DC to DC boost converter with a Delta-Wye configuration and multi-leg bridge topology is used to convert low voltage DC power to high voltage DC, allowing for efficient power conversion and extended system lifespan without the need for high voltage outputs, thereby optimizing distributed generation systems and enabling the use of low cost energy storage chemistries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a DC-DC boost converter with Delta-Wye configuration is used to convert low voltage DC to high voltage DC, then power conversion efficiency is improved and system lifespan is extended, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The DC-DC boost converter is divided into multiple interleaved full-bridge converters (first, second, third, and fourth converters) arranged in a Delta-Wye configuration. Each converter operates independently but contributes to the overall power conversion, allowing the system to handle low voltage DC input and produce high voltage DC output more efficiently while distributing the operational stress across multiple components, thereby extending system lifespan.
2Power
If the number of fuel cells is increased to maintain output voltage, then system power capacity is improved, but degradation occurs more rapidly requiring frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The system accepts variable low voltage DC input from fuel cells and uses the DC-DC boost converter to transform this into stable high voltage DC output. This parameter transformation allows the system to maintain consistent power output even as fuel cell voltage degrades over time, extending the operational lifespan of the fuel cell stack without requiring frequent replacement or increasing the number of cells.
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 significantly improves power conversion efficiency and extends the useful life of low voltage DC sources, enabling their use in high voltage DC applications and increasing the economic viability of energy generation systems by capturing more usable energy and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of interleaved, isolated, full-bridge DC-DC converters arranged in a Delta-Wye configuration and a multi-leg bridge
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage booster allowing for increased utilization of low voltage, high current, unregulated DC power (“LVDC source”), such as, but not limited to, fuel cells, batteries, solar cells, wind turbines, and hydro-turbines. LVDC generation systems employing a variable low voltage DC-DC converter of the present disclosure may be used without a power inverter in applications requiring high voltage DC inputs and can also allow for the employment of common, low cost, reliable, low voltage energy storage chemistries (operating in the 12-48 VDC range) while continuing to employ the use of traditional inverters designed for high voltage power supplies. An embodiment of the DC boost converter includes a plurality of interleaved, isolated, full-bridge DC-DC converters arranged in a Delta-Wye configuration and a multi-leg bridge.