Hybrid DC/DC Converter Rectification Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power conversion apparatuses with parallel DC/DC converters face challenges in efficiency and reliability due to complex circuit configurations and increased manufacturing costs, particularly in preventing failures from backflow currents at the secondary sides of the converters.
Innovation Solution
A power conversion apparatus comprising a first DC/DC converter with a transformer, primary and secondary circuits that perform both synchronous and diode rectification, and a second DC/DC converter with parallel rectifier diodes for constant diode rectification, allowing for efficient operation and reliability improvements by switching between rectification modes based on output current thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If synchronous rectification type DC/DC converters are used to achieve higher conversion efficiency, then conversion efficiency is improved, but circuit complexity increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power conversion apparatus is divided into multiple DC/DC converters (first DC/DC converter and second DC/DC converter) connected in parallel. Each converter can operate independently, allowing the system to achieve high efficiency through selective operation while maintaining simpler individual circuit designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit dynamically switches between synchronous rectification mode (for high efficiency) and diode rectification mode (for simplicity) based on operating conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize efficiency without permanently committing to complex circuitry.
2Reliability
If additional circuit configuration is added to prevent backflow current failures, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that manages current flow between the primary and secondary circuits. It prevents backflow current failures through intelligent control rather than additional physical circuit elements, thereby maintaining reliability while avoiding increased complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical protective circuitry with control-based protection. The control unit uses electrical control signals to prevent backflow current issues, substituting mechanical/circuit-based protection with a more flexible control-based approach that doesn't increase hardware complexity.
3Device complexity
If diode rectification type DC/DC converters are used to simplify the circuit, then device complexity is reduced, but conversion efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges diode rectification type DC/DC converters with synchronous rectification capability in a hybrid configuration. The first DC/DC converter uses synchronous rectification for high efficiency, while the second uses simple diode rectification, and they work together to achieve both efficiency and simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters dynamically by switching between different rectification modes (synchronous and diode) based on load conditions. This allows the system to achieve high efficiency when needed while maintaining circuit simplicity through parameter optimization rather than structural complexity.
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 apparatus achieves high conversion efficiency and reliability with a simpler circuit configuration, preventing failures from backflow currents and optimizing performance across various output current regions.
Implementation Method 1
a first transformer, a first primary circuit provided at a primary side of the first transformer, and a first secondary circuit provided at a secondary side of the first transformer
Implementation Method 2
the first secondary circuit including sets of a switching element and a free-wheel diode, which is connected between an input terminal and an output terminal of the switching element, to perform synchronous rectification
Implementation Method 3
the second secondary circuit including a plurality of rectifier diodes, which are arranged in parallel with each other, to perform the diode rectification constantly
Data Source
AI summary
A power conversion apparatus includes a first DC/DC converter which includes a first transformer, a first primary circuit provided at a primary side of the first transformer, and a first secondary circuit provided at a secondary side of the first transformer. The first secondary circuit includes sets of a switching element and a free-wheel diode, which is connected between an input terminal and an output terminal of the switching element, to perform synchronous rectification operation and diode rectification operation. The apparatus includes a second DC/DC converter which includes a second transformer, a second primary circuit provided at a primary side of the second transformer, and a second secondary circuit provided at a secondary side of the second transformer. The second secondary circuit includes a plurality of rectifier diodes, which are arranged in parallel with each other, to perform the diode rectification operation constantly.