Integrated Switch Power Supply Circuit for Voltage Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power supply devices with multiple secondary cells connected in series face challenges in size and complexity due to the need for bidirectional switches with large size and high component count, which complicates voltage equalization and increases the circuit size.
Innovation Solution
A power supply device configuration with step-down and step-up switches connected in a specific series and parallel arrangement, along with a reactor and control operation section, allows for efficient power transfer and voltage equalization among units while reducing the number of switches required, thereby simplifying and downsizing the circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bidirectional switches are used to ensure complete isolation during non-conductive state, then isolation reliability is improved, but circuit size and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the step-down switch and step-up switch into a single integrated switch structure. The switch performs both step-down conversion (when conductive) and isolation (when non-conductive) functions, eliminating the need for separate bidirectional switches. This integration maintains complete isolation reliability while significantly reducing circuit complexity and component count.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch in the patent is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a step-down switch and a step-up switch depending on its conduction state. When conductive, it enables power flow in both directions for voltage equalization; when non-conductive, it provides complete isolation. This universal design replaces traditional bidirectional switches, achieving the same isolation reliability with reduced complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple switches are used to achieve bidirectional isolation, then isolation effectiveness is improved, but circuit size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple isolation functions into a single switch component. Instead of using multiple separate switches to achieve bidirectional isolation, the integrated switch provides complete isolation in both directions when in non-conductive state, thereby reducing the total circuit area occupied by switch components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate power conversion mechanism and selection mechanism are provided, then functional completeness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power conversion mechanism and the selection mechanism into a unified switch control system. The control operation section intelligently controls the switch to perform both power conversion (step-down/step-up) and unit selection for voltage equalization, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch and its control system are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a power conversion device and as a unit selection mechanism. By controlling the conduction state of the switch, the system can selectively connect or isolate power storage units, achieving both power conversion and unit selection functions through a single integrated mechanism.
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 proposed configuration enables effective power transfer and voltage equalization among units, reducing circuit complexity and size while maintaining efficient operation, thus addressing the limitations of conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
a reactor connected in series to the power storage mechanism
Implementation Method 2
a control operation section configured to switch each of the step-down switch and the step-up switch between a conductive state and a non-conductive state
Data Source
AI summary
The positive electrode of the unit in an m-th configuration stage (m is an integer satisfying 2≤m≤n) is connected to a negative electrode of the unit in an (m−1)-th configuration stage. A drain-side terminal of the step-up switch included in the m-th configuration stage is connected to a source-side terminal of the step-up switch included in the (m−1)-th configuration stage. A source-side terminal of the step-up switch included in an n-th configuration stage is connected to a negative electrode of the unit included in the n-th configuration stage. The n step-up switches connected in series are connected in parallel to a series circuit including the power storage mechanism and the reactor.