Modular Power Converter Architecture for Mixed AC/DC Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power distribution systems are not customizable to accommodate various power sources (such as renewable energy sources) and load requirements, limiting their flexibility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A customizable power conversion system and converter that can be configured to operate with multiple AC and DC power sources and loads, featuring modular, scalable, and reconfigurable power converters that can function as building blocks, enabling dynamic management for desired power ratings and efficiencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate power conversion circuits are used for different voltage conversions, then conversion reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple independent power conversion circuits into a single integrated circuit that can perform multiple voltage conversions (e.g., 12V to 5V, 12V to 3.3V, 5V to 3.3V) simultaneously. This merging approach maintains the reliability benefits of having multiple conversion paths while reducing device complexity by consolidating control logic, current sensing, and protection mechanisms into one unified system.
Solution Approach 2:
The power conversion circuit is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple voltage conversion scenarios through a single device. The circuit can dynamically adapt to different input-output voltage combinations by adjusting its operating mode, eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuits for each conversion type while maintaining high reliability across all conversion paths.
2Device complexity
If power conversion circuits are highly integrated, then device complexity is reduced, but fault isolation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Within the integrated power conversion circuit, the patent implements internal segmentation by providing separate current sensing paths for different output voltages and independent protection mechanisms for each conversion channel. This allows the circuit to detect and isolate faults in one segment without affecting other segments, maintaining fault isolation capability despite the integrated architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary control logic that monitors the status of each conversion channel and can selectively disable or isolate specific segments when faults are detected. This intermediary layer acts as a mediator between the integrated circuit components and the external system, enabling fault isolation while maintaining the benefits of integration.
3Manufacturing precision
If separate current sensing is implemented for each voltage, then current management precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple current sensing functions into a unified current management system that uses a single sensing mechanism to monitor multiple output currents simultaneously. The system processes sensing data from different voltage outputs through integrated control logic, achieving precise current management for each voltage level while avoiding the complexity of completely separate sensing circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The current sensing subsystem is designed with universal capability to measure and manage currents at multiple voltage levels using a single sensing path. The control logic dynamically adjusts sensing parameters based on the active conversion mode, providing precise current management across all voltage outputs without requiring dedicated sensing hardware for each channel.
Data Source
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AI summary
A customizable power conversion system (1000) is configured to operate with multiple alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) power sources (1001,1003) and supplies multiple AC and DC loads (1018,1020,1022,1024). The customizable power conversion system is also configured to be assembled from a plurality of customizable power converters (1004,1006,1008,1010,1012), each of which is configured to function as a building block of the customizable power conversion system. More particularly, each customizable power converter may be configured as any DC/DC, DC/AC, AC/DC, or AC/AC converter, such as any of i) an inverter, ii) a DC/DC converter for use with a photovoltaic (PV) array (or string of PV arrays), and iii) a DC/DC converter for use with an energy storage element (e.g., a battery or battery string).