ISOP Hybrid Power Converter for Balanced Multi-Phase Current Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-phase power converter systems face challenges in load current sharing due to component tolerances, leading to imbalances and sensitivity to resonant frequency variations, particularly in semi-resonant hybrid converters, which affect efficiency and stability in dynamic conditions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a power converter circuit with an 'input-series, output-parallel' (ISOP) configuration using regulated hybrid converters, coupled with passive or active balancing mechanisms, to equalize input voltages and share load currents across phases, utilizing capacitive and inductive components for energy transfer and regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If multi-phase converters are used to distribute power conversion process across multiple phases, then efficiency and thermal management are improved, but load current sharing imbalances occur due to component tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the controller monitors the input voltages of each phase and adjusts the duty cycle of switching elements to equalize the voltages. This feedback loop compensates for component tolerances and maintains balanced load current sharing across phases, resolving the contradiction between efficiency improvement and current balance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the duty cycle parameter of switching elements based on measured input voltage differences. By changing this control parameter in response to detected imbalances, the system maintains equal voltage distribution across phases despite component variations, thereby ensuring reliable current sharing while preserving efficiency benefits.
2Power
If semi-resonant hybrid converters are used for power conversion, then power density and efficiency are improved, but sensitivity to resonant frequency variations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors the operating conditions and adjusts the switching frequency or duty cycle to maintain optimal resonant operation. This feedback mechanism compensates for variations in resonant frequency caused by component tolerances or operating condition changes, reducing sensitivity while preserving the high power density and efficiency benefits of semi-resonant hybrid converters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic adjustment of switching parameters to track and maintain resonant operation. By making the converter adaptive to changing conditions rather than fixed, the system maintains optimal performance across varying loads and component variations, reducing sensitivity to resonant frequency shifts while preserving power density advantages.
3Reliability
If input-series output-parallel configuration is implemented, then load current sharing is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single controller that performs multiple functions: it manages the input-series connection, monitors output currents, adjusts duty cycles for current balancing, and maintains output voltage regulation. By consolidating these functions into one multi-functional controller rather than separate control circuits for each function, the system achieves improved current sharing without proportionally increasing complexity.
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 ensures stable and efficient load current sharing, minimizing imbalances and enhancing responsiveness to transient load changes, thereby improving efficiency and reliability in high-power applications.
Implementation Method 1
The first regulated power converter is a regulated hybrid converter configured to transfer energy from the first input to the first output through at least one magnetic component
Implementation Method 2
The first regulated power converter is a regulated hybrid converter configured to transfer energy from the first input to the first output through at least one magnetic component and at least one capacitive component
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4A
AI summary
A power converter circuit (100, 200) is disclosed. The power converter circuit includes: a first regulated power converter (110, 210) having a first input and a first output; and a second regulated power converter (120, 220) having a second input and a second output. The inputs are configured to be coupled to a source, and the outputs are configured to be coupled to a load. The inputs are coupled in series; the outputs are coupled in parallel. The first regulated power converter (110, 210) is a regulated hybrid converter configured to transfer energy from the first input to the first output through at least one magnetic component and at least one capacitive component.