Hybrid Boost Converter Diode Segmentation for Loss Reduction

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing boost converters experience high switching and conduction losses due to the use of silicon carbide diodes with high forward voltage drop and poor reverse recovery performance, which limits their efficiency and reliability in renewable energy systems.

Innovation Solution

A hybrid boost converter configuration that utilizes a high speed diode during switching transitions and a low forward voltage drop diode during conduction, minimizing switching and conduction losses by controlling the flow of current through these diodes during specific dead times.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a silicon carbide diode is used in the boost converter, then the converter can operate at high voltages and temperatures, but the forward voltage drop increases causing higher conduction losses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational reliability at high voltage and temperatureVSAvoidconduction losses

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the diode function into two separate diodes: a first diode for reverse recovery performance and a second diode for forward voltage drop. This segmentation allows each diode to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between reliability at high voltage/temperature and conduction losses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by selecting different diode types for different operational conditions. The first diode (silicon carbide) is used when reverse recovery performance is critical, while the second diode (Schottky or low forward voltage drop diode) is used when forward voltage drop needs to be minimized. This local optimization resolves the contradiction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of manufacture

If a silicon diode is used in the boost converter, then the converter can be manufactured with lower cost, but the reverse recovery performance deteriorates causing higher switching losses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidswitching losses

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the diode function into two separate diodes: a first diode for reverse recovery performance and a second diode for forward voltage drop. This segmentation allows each diode to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between reliability at high voltage/temperature and conduction losses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by selecting different diode types for different operational conditions. The first diode (silicon carbide) is used when reverse recovery performance is critical, while the second diode (Schottky or low forward voltage drop diode) is used when forward voltage drop needs to be minimized. This local optimization resolves the contradiction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If a single diode type is used in the boost converter, then the device structure is simplified, but both switching losses and conduction losses cannot be minimized simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediode configuration complexityVSAvoidtotal losses

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the diode function into two separate diodes: a first diode for reverse recovery performance and a second diode for forward voltage drop. This segmentation allows each diode to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between reliability at high voltage/temperature and conduction losses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by selecting different diode types for different operational conditions. The first diode (silicon carbide) is used when reverse recovery performance is critical, while the second diode (Schottky or low forward voltage drop diode) is used when forward voltage drop needs to be minimized. This local optimization resolves the contradiction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 hybrid boost converter achieves lower switching and conduction losses, enhancing efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness by optimizing the diode selection and control strategies.

Implementation Method 1

turning on the low side switch to store energy in the inductor, after turning off the low side switch and before turning on the high side switch, configuring the power converter such that a current of the power converter flows through a high speed diode, and turning on the high sided switch to release the energy stored in the inductor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11695335B2Hybrid boost converters

Publication Date: 2023.07.04 HUAWEI DIGITAL POWER TECH CO LTD

AI summary

A method comprises configuring a power converter to operate as a boost converter, the power converter comprising a low side switch and a high side switch, during a first dead time after turning off the low side switch and before turning on the high side switch, configuring the power converter such that a current of the power converter flows through a high speed diode, and after turning on the high side switch, configuring the power converter such that the current of the power converter flows through a low forward voltage drop diode.