Flyback Converter Zero-Voltage Switching Without Secondary Surge

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Solution Overview

Problem

Flyback power-converting devices experience surge currents on the secondary side when the auxiliary switch is active, potentially damaging internal components and reducing efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A flyback power-converting device with a transformer circuit, clamp damping circuit, and control module that dynamically switches between flyback and active modes based on load conditions, using a first and second switch to manage energy storage and release, preventing surge currents by controlling the auxiliary switch's operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If the auxiliary switch is activated in active clamp flyback mode, then switching loss is reduced and overall efficiency is improved, but surge current is generated on the secondary side damaging internal components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching lossVSAvoidsurge current
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic mode switching between flyback mode and active clamp flyback mode based on real-time load detection. The control module automatically selects the appropriate operating mode to balance efficiency improvement against surge current prevention, making the system adaptive rather than static

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates a load detection circuit that provides real-time feedback to the control module about the current load condition. This feedback mechanism enables the system to monitor its operating state and automatically adjust the switching mode to prevent harmful surge currents while maintaining optimal efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If the auxiliary switch is working in active mode, then overall efficiency is improved, but surge current damages internal components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverall efficiencyVSAvoidcomponent durability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts its operating mode based on load conditions detected in real-time. During light-load conditions, it operates in flyback mode to prevent surge currents, while during heavy-load conditions it switches to active clamp flyback mode to maximize efficiency, thus dynamically balancing productivity and reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The load detection circuit continuously monitors the operating conditions and provides feedback to the control module, which then adjusts the auxiliary switch operation accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that the system maintains high efficiency when safe to do so while protecting components when surge currents would be harmful

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Prevents surge currents on the secondary side, extends product service life, improves efficiency, and reduces semiconductor costs by optimizing energy management and switching strategies.

Implementation Method 1

through switching of the first switch, the transformer circuit converts an input power to generate a first converted voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the transformer circuit charges the energy-storage element via the forward conduction element to enable the energy-storage element to store an inductive energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInductive energy storage: Inductor

Implementation Method 3

when the first switch is turned on, the energy-storage element releases the inductive energy to the dissipative element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnergy dissipation: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS11764689B2Flyback power-converting device with zero-voltage switching and method for flyback converting power with zero-voltage switching
Publication Date: 2023.09.19 CHICONY POWER TECH CO LTD
  • US11764689B2 patent drawing
  • US11764689B2 patent drawing
  • US11764689B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A flyback power-converting device includes a transformer circuit, a clamp damping circuit, a first switch, a voltage-reducing circuit and a second switch. The clamp damping circuit and the first switch are coupled to the transformer circuit. The voltage-reducing circuit and the second switch are coupled in series between the clamp damping circuit and the transformer circuit. Through switching of the first switch, the transformer circuit converts an input power to generate a first converted voltage and to enable the clamp damping circuit to store an inductive energy. In addition, when the second switch is turned on, the clamp damping circuit releases the inductive energy to the transformer circuit via the voltage-reducing circuit, so that the transformer circuit generates a second converted voltage according to the inductive energy.