Modular DC-DC Converter Topology for Wide Voltage Range Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Resonant DC to DC converters face inefficiencies when handling a wide range of input and output voltages, as they are typically efficient only near the resonant frequency and inefficient at other frequencies.
Innovation Solution
A modular DC to DC voltage converter system comprising multiple voltage converter modules with configurable transformer ratios and bridge configurations, allowing for various voltage transformation modes to achieve a wide range of output voltages without modifying the frequency or duty cycle of the AC input, thereby maintaining high efficiency across different output voltages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a resonant converter operates at frequencies away from the resonant frequency to handle a wide range of voltages, then the voltage adaptability is improved, but the efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The converter is divided into multiple voltage converter modules (first module, second module, etc.), each capable of operating independently at its own optimal frequency. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high efficiency in each module while achieving wide voltage adaptability through modular configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The converter dynamically reconfigures the number and arrangement of active modules based on the required output voltage. The control circuit adjusts which modules are enabled and how they are connected (series/parallel configurations), allowing the system to adapt to different voltage requirements while keeping each active module operating near its resonant frequency for maximum efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the frequency or duty cycle is modified to achieve different output voltages, then the voltage transformation flexibility is improved, but the efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of changing the operating frequency or duty cycle of a single converter, the system changes the effective transformation ratio by adding or removing modules and changing their connection topology. Each module maintains its optimal frequency and duty cycle parameters, while the overall system achieves voltage flexibility through parameter changes in module configuration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple voltage converter modules are added to expand the voltage range, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each voltage converter module is designed as a universal, identical unit that can perform multiple functions depending on its configuration. The same module type can be used in series connections for voltage multiplication or in parallel for current multiplication, eliminating the need for different specialized modules and reducing overall system complexity despite supporting a wide voltage range.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple identical voltage converter modules are merged into a single system with a unified control approach. The modules share common components such as the resonant tank circuit and are controlled by a single control circuit that coordinates their operation, reducing the complexity that would arise from having completely separate control systems for each module.
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
Enables efficient voltage conversion across a wide range of input and output voltages by configuring modules to provide multiple voltage transformation ratios, ensuring high efficiency and adaptability without frequency or duty cycle modifications.
Implementation Method 1
a first voltage converter module having a first transformer with a first ratio and the second voltage converter module contains a second transformer with a second ratio
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C
AI summary
A DC to DC voltage converter includes a first voltage converter module configurable to generate a first output at a first output voltage selected from two or more different voltages and a second voltage converter module configurable to generate a second output at a second output voltage selected from two or more different voltages. The first voltage converter module and the second voltage converter module have a common input. A common output combines the first output voltage from the first voltage converter module and the second output voltage from the second voltage converter module.