Modular Series Resonant Converter for Wide Input Voltage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Series resonant power converters face challenges in controlling output voltage over a wide range of input voltages, requiring high frequency variation, which complicates system design and increases EMI filter size, while also needing galvanic isolation and grounding protection.
Innovation Solution
A series resonant power converter topology comprising multiple resonant modules connected in series with a common output stage, allowing adjustment of input voltage without frequency changes, using a modular configuration with transformers, rectifiers, and output capacitors to maintain stability and minimize switching losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If series resonant converter is used to reduce switching losses, then conversion efficiency is improved, but frequency variation increases when input voltage varies over wide range
Solution Approach 1:
The converter is divided into multiple resonant modules connected in series, each module contributing a portion of the total output voltage. This segmentation allows the system to handle wide input voltage ranges without requiring large frequency variations, as each module operates within a narrower frequency range while collectively providing the full output voltage range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension to voltage control by connecting resonant modules in series rather than relying solely on frequency variation. This series connection configuration adds a voltage multiplication dimension, allowing the system to adjust output voltage through both frequency control and modular voltage addition, thereby reducing the required frequency variation range.
2Adaptability or versatility
If high frequency variation is used to control series resonant converter over wide input voltage range, then adaptability is improved, but EMI filter size increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the converter into multiple resonant modules connected in series, each module handles a portion of the voltage range. This reduces the frequency variation required for each individual module, thereby reducing the EMI filter size needed for each module while collectively covering the full input voltage range.
Solution Approach 2:
The series connection of resonant modules introduces a voltage multiplication dimension that complements frequency control. This allows the system to achieve wide input voltage adaptability through a combination of modular voltage addition and reduced frequency variation, resulting in smaller EMI filters.
3Ease of operation
If multiple resonant modules are connected in series, then output voltage control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each resonant module is designed as a universal, identical unit that can function independently. The modules are connected in series to provide voltage multiplication, and each module contains the same core components (switching stage, resonant tank, transformer, rectifier stage, output capacitor). This universality simplifies design and control while achieving improved output voltage control through modular addition.
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 topology reduces frequency variation, improves EMI management, and simplifies the design by allowing stable output voltage control across a wide input range without additional stages, enabling smaller EMI filters and reduced switching device stress, suitable for high-voltage applications like aircraft power distribution.
Implementation Method 1
resonant converters have been used to reduce switching losses and improve conversion efficiency. With resonant converters, the active switch device is switched with zero current or zero voltage at its terminals, thus significantly reducing switching losses.
Implementation Method 2
each comprising a switching stage, a resonant tank, a transformer, a rectifier stage and an output capacitor
Data Source
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AI summary
A series resonant power converter, comprising: a first plurality, m, of resonant power converter modules, each comprising a switching stage (100), a resonant tank (200), a transformer (300), a rectifier stage (400) and an output capacitor (450), the plurality of resonant power converter modules connected in series across a power supply, the resonant power converter further comprising a common output stage (500) connected across the series-connected plurality of resonant power converter modules, whereby a second plurality, n, of output levels at the common output stage.