Hybrid Voltage Converter Switch Control for Current-Dependent Conduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-level hybrid voltage converters have relatively low power conversion efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A switch control method for hybrid voltage converters that includes controlling switches in a parallel conduction mode when the output current exceeds a threshold and in a sequential conduction mode when the current falls below the threshold, utilizing a switched capacitor unit and a freewheeling unit with specific phase-shifted and complementary switch operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If switches operate in parallel conduction mode, then power conversion efficiency is improved for high current, but device complexity increases due to multiple switch groups
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switch control by monitoring output current and automatically switching between parallel conduction mode (for high current) and sequential conduction mode (for low current). This dynamic adaptation optimizes power conversion efficiency across different operating conditions while managing device complexity through intelligent control strategies.
Solution Approach 2:
The control method changes operational parameters (conduction mode) based on output current thresholds. When current exceeds the first threshold, parallel conduction mode is activated; when it falls below, sequential mode takes over. This parameter-based control resolves the contradiction by adapting the system behavior to match operating conditions.
2Device complexity
If switches operate in sequential conduction mode, then device complexity is reduced, but power conversion efficiency deteriorates for high current applications
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects between sequential and parallel conduction modes based on real-time current monitoring. Sequential mode provides simpler control for low-current applications, while the system automatically transitions to parallel mode when high current is detected, preventing efficiency deterioration.
Solution Approach 2:
The control method uses current threshold parameters to determine operational mode. By changing the conduction mode parameter based on current levels, the system maintains simplicity where applicable while ensuring high efficiency when needed.
3Loss of energy
If multiple switch groups operate in parallel, then power conversion efficiency is improved, but transition control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback control by continuously monitoring output current and using this information to determine when to transition between conduction modes. This feedback mechanism simplifies transition control by providing clear decision criteria based on current thresholds, reducing the complexity of mode switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system automatically manages mode transitions based on predefined current thresholds without requiring external intervention. The system self-regulates by comparing monitored current against thresholds and autonomously switching between parallel and sequential conduction modes, simplifying the overall control architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A switch control method is applied to a hybrid voltage converter including a switched capacitor unit and a freewheeling unit. The method including obtaining the output current of the hybrid voltage converter, when the output current is greater than a first current threshold, controlling the switches in the hybrid voltage converter to operate in parallel conduction mode, when the output current is less than the first current threshold, controlling the switches in the hybrid voltage converter to operate in sequential conduction mode. When the switches operate in parallel conduction mode, N switches in the switched capacitor unit are controlled to turn on and off with the same duty cycle and a phase shift of 360/N degrees. When the switches operate in sequential conduction mode, each switch in the switched capacitor unit is controlled to conduct individually with the same duty cycle in sequence.