Isolated Voltage Converter with Reconfigurable Series-Parallel Topology
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voltage converters struggle to maintain optimal performance across varying input voltage ranges, particularly when operating with single-phase or three-phase power supplies, leading to potential damage from imbalanced electrical loads.
Innovation Solution
An isolated voltage converter with reconfiguration and regulation devices that selectively connect primary circuits in parallel or series based on input voltage ranges, using solid-state switches and control systems to maintain balanced local input voltages and regulate output voltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple isolated voltage conversion modules are connected in parallel to increase output power, then the output power capability is improved, but the complexity of voltage matching and input voltage requirements worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the voltage conversion function into multiple independent modules, each capable of operating with different input voltages. The reconfiguration device segments the connection topology between modules, allowing them to be connected in series or parallel based on input voltage conditions, thereby simplifying voltage matching while maintaining power scalability.
Solution Approach 2:
The reconfiguration device dynamically changes the connection topology between voltage conversion modules based on input voltage detection. When input voltages are equal, modules are connected in parallel; when input voltages differ, they are connected in series. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to handle diverse input voltage conditions without requiring complex pre-matching, thus improving power capability while managing complexity.
2Device complexity
If voltage conversion modules are designed to accept only specific input voltages to simplify design, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different input voltage conditions worsens
Solution Approach 1:
Each voltage conversion module is designed with universal input capability to accept a range of input voltages rather than a fixed voltage. The module includes detection circuitry that identifies the input voltage level and the reconfiguration device adjusts the connection topology accordingly. This multi-functionality allows the same module design to adapt to different input voltage conditions, reducing design complexity while improving versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The reconfiguration device acts as an intermediary between the voltage conversion modules and the input voltage source. It detects input voltage conditions and mediates the connection between modules, switching between series and parallel configurations. This intermediary function allows simple, fixed-design modules to work together in complex voltage scenarios, reducing individual module complexity while maintaining system adaptability.
3Device complexity
If the system requires all modules to operate at the same input voltage to simplify control, then control complexity is reduced, but productivity and flexibility of the system worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs preliminary detection of input voltages at each module before establishing connections. Based on this preliminary information, the reconfiguration device pre-determines the optimal connection topology (series or parallel) to match the detected voltage conditions. This preliminary action allows the system to automatically adapt to different voltage scenarios without complex real-time control adjustments, maintaining simple control logic while improving system flexibility and productivity.
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
Ensures maximum power utilization and prevents damage by balancing electrical loads, allowing the converter to operate efficiently across a wide range of input voltages.
Implementation Method 1
each comprising an isolated primary and secondary circuit connected by a magnetic circuit
Data Source
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AI summary
This isolated voltage converter (106) comprises: - first and second global input terminals (P, N) intended to receive a global input voltage (VE); and - first and second voltage conversion modules (1081, 1082), each comprising an isolated primary and secondary circuit connected by a magnetic circuit, the primary circuits each receiving a local input voltage (VE1, VE2). It further comprises a reconfiguration device (110) designed to selectively connect the primary circuits in parallel with each other between the global input terminals (P, N) so that each local input voltage (VE1, VE2) is equal to the global input voltage (VE), and to connect them in series between the global input terminals (P, N) so that each primary circuit receives, as a local input voltage (VE1, VE2), only a portion of the global input voltage (VE).