GaN Multiport Multilevel Converter with Flying Capacitor Topology
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power converters and inverters face challenges in achieving high efficiency, power density, and size reduction, particularly in applications like transportation and photovoltaic power harvesting, due to their large inductor and capacitor requirements and limited flexibility in handling multiple power types.
Innovation Solution
The development of multiport multilevel power converters/inverters using Gallium Nitride (GaN) switches with Flying Capacitor Multilevel (FCML) topology, which enables efficient power conversion, high power density, and flexibility in handling various power types by utilizing a fraction of the input voltage across switches and employing Phase Shifted Pulse Width Modulation (PSPWM) for capacitor voltage balancing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional power converters use traditional topologies with large inductors and capacitor filters, then they can handle power conversion, but the weight and size increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the power conversion function into multiple parallel paths (multiport configuration). Instead of using a single large inductor and capacitor, the system uses multiple smaller inductors and capacitors arranged in parallel, each handling a portion of the total power. This segmentation reduces the size and weight of individual components while maintaining the overall power conversion capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional two-level topology to multilevel topology, adding voltage levels as an additional dimension. This multilevel approach allows the converter to achieve the same power handling capability with smaller magnetic and electric components, as the voltage is distributed across multiple levels rather than concentrated in single large components.
2Power
If conventional converters use large inductors and capacitor filters, then power conversion is achieved, but the volume and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power conversion function into multiple parallel paths with smaller inductors and capacitors. By distributing the energy storage requirement across multiple smaller components rather than using single large components, the overall volume is reduced while maintaining the necessary power conversion capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The multilevel topology adds voltage levels as an additional dimension, allowing the converter to handle power with smaller magnetic and electric components. The multilevel structure distributes voltage across multiple levels, reducing the volume requirements for individual inductors and capacitors compared to traditional two-level topologies.
3Loss of energy
If conventional converters are designed for high efficiency, then power loss is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing a converter that can simultaneously perform multiple power conversion functions (DC-DC, AC-DC, DC-AC) through a single integrated multilevel topology. This universal design achieves high efficiency across different operating modes without proportionally increasing complexity, as the same basic structure handles multiple conversion tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The multilevel topology provides a framework that naturally achieves low Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) and high efficiency while managing complexity through structured voltage distribution. The additional voltage levels create inherent filtering effects that reduce harmonic content without requiring separate complex filtering circuits.
4Ease of manufacture
If converters are designed with fixed functionality, then manufacturing is simpler, but adaptability to different power types is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves versatility through a universal multilevel converter topology that can handle multiple power types (DC and AC) and perform various conversion functions (DC-DC, AC-DC, DC-AC). The modular multiport design allows the same basic structure to be configured for different applications, providing adaptability while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through standardized component usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The converter employs dynamic switching configurations that allow it to adapt its functionality based on operating conditions. The multiport structure with controllable switches enables the device to dynamically reconfigure its operation mode, transitioning between different power conversion functions as needed, thus providing versatility without requiring multiple dedicated devices.
Data Source
AI summary
A multiport multilevel converter/inverter includes a connection point with a two-line connection. The multiport multilevel converter/inverter also includes a capacitor electrically coupled across the two-line connection of the connection point. The multiport multilevel converter/inverter also has a first flying capacitor multilevel path with a first external two connection port configured to connect outside of the multiport multilevel converter/inverter, and a first interface conveying DC power and that is electrically coupled to the connection point. The multiport multilevel converter/inverter also includes a second flying capacitor multilevel path with a second external two connection port configured to connect outside of the multiport multilevel converter/inverter, and a second interface conveying DC power and that is electrically coupled to the connection point.