Intermediate-Voltage Charging Control for Converter Loss Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Charging systems experience power loss during the conversion of AC power to DC power and vice versa, which is not effectively addressed by existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
A charging system comprising an AC-DC converter, a DC-DC converter, and a control circuit that adjusts voltage based on input power, output power, and ambient temperature to minimize the combined losses in both converters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If AC power is converted to DC power and DC power is converted to other DC power, then the battery can be charged, but power loss occurs during conversion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the intermediate voltage adjustable rather than fixed. The control circuit dynamically changes the intermediate voltage based on operating conditions (input voltage, output voltage, temperature) to minimize conversion losses. This is achieved through pulse width modulation (PWM) control of switching elements in the AC-DC and DC-DC converters, allowing the system to adapt its voltage conversion ratios in real-time to maintain optimal efficiency across varying load and temperature conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the intermediate voltage parameter based on temperature and power conditions. The control circuit monitors temperature sensors and power measurements, then adjusts the intermediate voltage setpoint to compensate for temperature-dependent losses in semiconductor devices and magnetic components. This parameter adjustment reduces conversion losses by optimizing the operating point of the converters under different conditions.
2Loss of energy
If conventional charging systems are used, then AC to DC conversion is achieved, but the system size and cost increase due to insufficient loss reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic voltage adjustment to reduce the need for oversized cooling systems and heat sinks. By actively optimizing conversion efficiency through real-time intermediate voltage control, less energy is wasted as heat, allowing for more compact thermal management components and reducing overall system size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control where temperature sensors and power measurement circuits continuously monitor system conditions and feed this information back to the control circuit. The control circuit uses this feedback to adjust the intermediate voltage and switching parameters, creating a closed-loop system that automatically optimizes efficiency without requiring manual intervention or oversized safety margins.
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 system efficiently converts AC power to DC power and vice versa while reducing power loss, leading to a smaller and less expensive charging system.
Implementation Method 1
an AC-DC converter (10) connected between an input node and an intermediate node, and connectable to the power source via the input node
Implementation Method 2
a DC-DC converter (20) connected between the intermediate node and an output node, and connectable to the battery via the output node
Data Source
AI summary
A charging system according to the present disclosure includes an AC-DC converter, a DC-DC converter, and a control circuit. The AC-DC converter is connected between an input node and an intermediate node. The AC-DC converter is connectable to a power source via the input node. The DC-DC converter is connected between the intermediate node and an output node. The DC-DC converter is connectable to a battery via the output node. The control circuit is configured to control a voltage of the intermediate node so as to reduce a sum of a loss in the AC-DC converter and a loss in the DC-DC converter, in accordance with a first parameter, a second parameter, and a third parameter. The first parameter is related to input power of the AC-DC converter. The second parameter is related to output power of the DC-DC converter. The third parameter is related to an ambient temperature.