Modular DC-DC Converter Stages for High-Ratio Power Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power converters, particularly switch-mode power converters, face inefficiencies and increased complexity as the transformation ratio increases, due to the need for more capacitors and switches, and often require separate stages for voltage transformation and regulation.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a power converter apparatus with a regulating circuit and a switching network that includes charge-storage elements and switching elements, allowing for multiple configurations to manage charge storage and flow, including adiabatic charging and bidirectional or multi-phase operations, which can be modularly interconnected to simplify assembly and improve efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the transformation ratio increases in conventional power converters, then the voltage transformation capability improves, but the number of capacitors and switches increases leading to increased complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The power converter is divided into multiple modular stages, where each stage performs a portion of the voltage transformation. This segmentation allows the overall transformation ratio to be achieved through series connection of simpler stages, reducing the complexity that would result from using a single high-ratio transformer or excessive number of switching elements in a conventional single-stage design.
2Device complexity
If conventional power converters use single-stage design, then the device structure is simple, but separate stages are required for voltage transformation and regulation increasing overall complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines voltage transformation and regulation functions into an integrated multi-stage architecture where switching networks and regulating circuits are interleaved. Each stage performs both transformation and regulation simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate stages and reducing overall device complexity while improving efficiency through reduced energy losses.
3Ease of manufacture
If modular stages are used in power converters, then assembly is simplified and efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases due to multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
Each modular stage is designed as a universal building block that can be configured for different voltage transformation ratios by simply changing the connection topology. The same basic module with switching network and regulating circuit can serve multiple functions at different transformation ratios, reducing the need for specialized components and simplifying assembly while maintaining manageable 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
This configuration enhances efficiency and simplifies the assembly of power converters by allowing modular interconnections and reducing systemic energy losses, while maintaining desired voltage and current characteristics across various configurations.
Implementation Method 1
The regulating circuit maintains an average DC current through the inductance. Switch-mode power converters regulate the output voltage or current by switching energy storage elements (i.e. inductors and capacitors) into different electrical configurations
Implementation Method 2
Switched capacitor converters are switch-mode power converters that primarily use capacitors to transfer energy. The switching network includes charge-storage elements and switching elements connected to the charge-storage elements
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for processing electric power includes a power-converter having a path for power flow between first and second power-converter terminals. During operation the first and second power-converter terminals are maintained at respective first and second voltages. Two regulating-circuits and a switching network are disposed on the path. The first regulating-circuit includes a magnetic-storage element and a first-regulating-circuit terminal. The second regulating-circuit includes a second-regulating-circuit terminal. The first-regulating-circuit terminal is connected to the first switching-network-terminal and the second-regulating-circuit terminal is connected to the second switching-network-terminal. The switching network is transitions between a first switch-configuration and a second switch-configuration. In the first switch-configuration, charge accumulates in the first charge-storage-element at a first rate. Conversely, in the second switch-configuration, charge is depleted from the first charge-storage-element at a second rate. These rates are constrained by the magnetic-storage element.