Interleaved Boost PFC Converter Zero Voltage Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Switching losses in boost PFC AC/DC converters for electric vehicles are high due to the lack of zero voltage switching, leading to inefficiency and noise in the control circuit, especially at high switching frequencies and varying loads.

Innovation Solution

A passive auxiliary circuit using a series-connected inductor and capacitor between the phases of an interleaved boost PFC converter provides reactive current for zero voltage switching, coupled with a control system to adjust and control the reactive current for different loads and line voltages.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If active auxiliary circuits are used to provide soft-switching, then switching losses are reduced, but system complexity increases and reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching lossesVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the essential function of providing reactive current for ZVS from complex active auxiliary circuits and implements it through a simple passive LC circuit. The passive circuit takes out only the necessary reactive current generation capability, eliminating unnecessary active components while maintaining the soft-switching function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The passive auxiliary circuit uses the inherent 180° phase-shift between the two interleaved phases to automatically generate the required reactive current without external control. The circuit serves itself by utilizing the existing phase relationship to provide ZVS current, eliminating the need for complex control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Device complexity

If passive auxiliary circuits are used to provide reactive current, then system complexity is reduced, but maintaining ZVS across varying loads and line voltages becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidadaptability to varying loads and line voltages
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces a control system that dynamically adjusts the parameters of the passive auxiliary circuit based on load conditions and line voltage. This allows the circuit to adapt its reactive current provision to maintain ZVS across varying operating conditions, transforming a static passive circuit into a dynamically controllable system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control system monitors the operating conditions (load and line voltage) and provides feedback to adjust the auxiliary circuit parameters accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that the passive circuit maintains optimal performance and continues to provide ZVS under varying conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If high switching frequencies are used to improve productivity, then converter efficiency deteriorates due to increased switching losses and EMI

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconverter outputVSAvoidswitching losses
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The invention converts the harmful effect of high switching frequencies (which cause high switching losses and EMI) into a benefit by implementing ZVS. The passive auxiliary circuit provides reactive current that ensures the switches turn on at zero voltage, thereby eliminating switching losses even at high frequencies and allowing high productivity without the usual penalty of increased energy loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 solution significantly reduces switching losses and maintains zero voltage switching across a wide range of duty ratios and load conditions, improving the efficiency and reliability of the converter while minimizing noise and EMI.

Implementation Method 1

A simple passive circuit using a series connected inductor and capacitor are coupled between two phases of an interleaved boost PFC converter. The passive circuit takes advantage of the 180° phase-shift between the two phases to provide reactive current for zero voltage switching.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReactive current: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS8723487B2Zero voltage switching interleaved boost AC/DC converter
Publication Date: 2014.05.13 SPARQ SYST INC
  • US8723487B2 patent drawing
  • US8723487B2 patent drawing
  • US8723487B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Circuits and methods relating to the provision of a reactive current to ensure zero voltage switching in a boost power factor correction converter. A simple passive circuit using a series connected inductor and capacitor are coupled between two phases of an interleaved boost PFC converter. The passive circuit takes advantage of the 180° phase-shift between the two phases to provide reactive current for zero voltage switching. A control system for adjusting and controlling the reactive current to ensure ZVS for different loads and line voltages is also provided.