Interleaved PFC Bridge Arm Inductor Utilization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Power Converter designs exhibit low utilization of inductors due to different boost circuits for positive and negative half cycles, leading to inefficient power component utilization.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates multiple bridge arm units with series-connected switches and inductors, allowing for interleaving control of Power Factor Correction (PFC) circuits, ensuring the inductor remains in a working state and is fully utilized by operating the second bridge arm units in an interleaving paralleled manner at any phase difference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate boost circuits are used for positive and negative half cycles, then the circuit can process AC power, but the inductor utilization is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the positive and negative half-cycle processing into a single unified circuit topology where one inductor serves both half-cycles. The bridge arm units are configured to allow the same inductor to be charged during one half-cycle and discharged during the other, eliminating the need for separate inductors for each half-cycle and doubling the utilization rate of each inductor.
Solution Approach 2:
The inductor is pre-charged during the positive half-cycle in preparation for the negative half-cycle discharge, and vice versa. This preliminary charging action ensures that the inductor is always ready to transfer energy when needed, maintaining continuous power processing while maximizing inductor utilization across both half-cycles.
2Ease of operation
If separate boost circuits are used for positive and negative half cycles, then half-cycle processing is simplified, but power component utilization is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes continuous useful action by configuring the bridge arm units so that while one inductor is charging, another is discharging, and vice versa. This continuous interleaved operation ensures that power components are always engaged in useful work rather than idle, significantly improving overall utilization efficiency while maintaining operational simplicity through the unified topology.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional PFC circuits are used, then power factor correction is achieved, but circuit losses are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic interleaved operation of multiple bridge arm units where switches are turned on and off in alternating sequences. This periodic switching pattern allows for continuous power factor correction while distributing the stress and losses across multiple components operating in alternation, reducing overall circuit losses compared to traditional single-circuit PFC approaches.
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
This approach enhances inductor utilization, improves power conversion efficiency, and reduces circuit losses by maintaining the inductor in a continuous working state, while also providing diode clamps for Electro Magnetic Interference (EMI) and lightning surge protection.
Implementation Method 1
the power supply charges the boost circuit inductor L1 through the PFC primary switch S1 and the fly-wheel diode D4 to store energy
Implementation Method 2
The upper side of the first bridge arm unit and the upper side of the second bridge arm unit are connected with the first end of the capacitor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A Power Converter, a device, and a method for interleaving controlling Power Factor Correction (PFC) circuits are disclosed. The Power Converter includes a first bridge arm unit, a second bridge arm unit, and a capacitor. The upper side of the first bridge arm unit and the upper side of the second bridge arm unit are connected with the first end of the capacitor, and the lower side of the first bridge arm unit and the lower side of the second bridge arm unit are connected with the second end of the capacitor. The first bridge arm unit includes two diodes series-connected in the same direction, and the joint of the two diodes is connected with the first end of the power supply. The second bridge arm unit includes two switches series-connected in the same direction and one inductor, and the first end of the inductor is connected with the joint of the two switches, while the second end of the inductor is connected with the second end of the power supply. Thus, the utilization of the inductor is improved.