Full-Bridge Power Converter for Bidirectional Current Recycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power converters require a separate bidirectional power supply device and increase power consumption and heat generation with multiple power conversions, leading to inefficient energy use.
Innovation Solution
A power converter configuration that utilizes a full-bridge circuit with semiconductor switches and circulation diodes, along with a reverse flow prevention diode and input capacitor, allows for charging and discharging operations without a bidirectional power supply device, effectively using discharging current from the load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a bidirectional power supply device is used for charging and discharging operations, then the power converter can perform bidirectional power supply, but the device complexity increases and requires separate power supply devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the charging power supply and discharging power supply into a single full-bridge circuit. The full-bridge circuit can operate in different modes to provide charging current from the power supply device or to accept discharging current from the load, eliminating the need for separate bidirectional power supply devices while maintaining bidirectional power supply capability
Solution Approach 2:
The full-bridge circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can convert AC power to DC for charging the load, and it can also convert DC from the load back to AC for discharging. This multi-functional design allows a single circuit to replace what would traditionally require separate dedicated power supply devices for charging and discharging operations
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power conversions are performed for charging and discharging operations, then bidirectional power supply is achieved, but power consumption and heat generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous useful action by allowing the discharging current to be directly utilized by the power supply device through the full-bridge circuit. Instead of converting discharging current through multiple intermediate stages, the system continuously converts it directly to AC power, minimizing energy loss and reducing the need for repeated power conversions that generate heat
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by using the discharging current from the load to directly power the power supply device and other components. The discharging current is converted by the full-bridge circuit and used to supply power during charging operations, creating a self-sustaining system that reduces external power consumption and minimizes energy waste
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 configuration suppresses power consumption and heat generation, enabling efficient energy use by canceling charging and discharging currents within a cycle, reducing the need for a separate power supply device and improving energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a full-bridge circuit 12 with semiconductor switches and circulation diodes
Implementation Method 2
an input capacitor 25 connected between a second connection point and a low potential side output terminal of the AC/DC conversion power supply section 11
Implementation Method 3
a reverse flow prevention diode 18 allowing current to flow in only one direction
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided a power converter that is operated by using a power supply of one system and effectively using a current flowing in a load. A charging operation that supplies a charging current and the like to a load 13 and a discharging operation that outputs a discharging current from the load 13 are performed by switching each semiconductor switch of a full-bridge circuit 12. A control section 15 controls all semiconductor switches of the full-bridge circuit 12 to be in an OFF state while switching the charging operation and the discharging operation, makes an inertia current generated by energy accumulated in inductors 27 and 28 flow from a circulation diode of the semiconductor switch that is in OFF-state to a first connection point of the full-bridge circuit 12, and supplies the inertia current to a control power supply section 14 or a DC fan 16 by the reverse flow prevention diode 18.