Modular Power Converter Stages for Low-Loss Voltage Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power converters often combine voltage transformation and output regulation into a single stage, leading to inefficiencies and increased component stress as the transformation ratio increases, requiring more capacitors and switches.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves separating the transformation stage, which uses a switched-capacitor network, from the regulation stage, allowing for independent optimization of each function. This is achieved through a controller that coordinates the operation of the inductance and switched-capacitor network to effectively transform voltages while ensuring output regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If voltage transformation and output regulation are combined into a single stage, then device complexity is reduced, but energy losses increase and component stress increases as transformation ratio increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power converter is divided into two independent stages: a transformation stage that performs voltage transformation and a regulation stage that performs output regulation. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized for its specific function, reducing energy losses while managing device complexity through modular design.
2Device complexity
If voltage transformation and output regulation are combined into a single stage, then device complexity is reduced, but component stress increases as transformation ratio increases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the converter into transformation and regulation stages, the stress on individual components in each stage is reduced. The transformation stage handles only voltage transformation while the regulation stage handles only output regulation, preventing the accumulation of stress that would occur in a single-stage design with high transformation ratios.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the number of capacitors and switches increases to handle higher transformation ratios, then voltage transformation capability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transformation stage is designed with a specific number of capacitors and switches optimized for voltage transformation, while the regulation stage uses a separate set of components for output regulation. This segmentation allows each stage to use the minimum necessary components for its function, improving voltage transformation capability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The two-stage architecture creates a universal platform where the transformation stage can handle various transformation ratios and the regulation stage can accommodate different output requirements. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to different voltage transformation needs without requiring proportional increases in component counts.
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
By separating the transformation and regulation stages, the power converter can achieve more efficient voltage transformation and output regulation, reducing energy losses and component stress, and allowing for greater flexibility in design and operation.
Implementation Method 1
a power converter having an inductance and a switched-capacitor network that are connected to transform a first voltage into a second voltage
Implementation Method 2
Switched-capacitor converters are switch-mode power converters that primarily use capacitors to transfer energy. These converters transfer energy from an input to an output by using switches to cycle a network of capacitors through different topological states.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for controlling a power converter that includes an inductance and a switched-capacitor network that cooperate to transform a first voltage into a second voltage features a controller, a switched-capacitor terminal for connection to the switched-capacitor network, and switches. at least one of which connects to the switched-capacitor terminal.