Multi-Output Power Converter for Energy Balancing Across Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-isolated power converters face challenges in achieving high conversion efficiency, withstanding high current, minimizing input current ripple, and maintaining a small size while being cost-effective, especially in applications like uninterruptible power systems, renewable energy systems, and hybrid vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A power converter with multiple output capacitors and a switch module, including an inductor and four switches, that adjusts capacitor voltages through duty cycle control to balance energy distribution among loads, utilizing operation modes to stabilize voltages and reduce component count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate power converter circuits are used to serve multiple loads with different voltage requirements, then each load can receive its required voltage, but the overall system size, component count, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single power converter circuit is designed to perform multiple functions by serving different loads with different voltage requirements through a unified circuit structure. The circuit can simultaneously or alternatively power multiple loads by adjusting switch configurations and duty cycles, eliminating the need for separate converter circuits for each load.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple power conversion functions are merged into a single integrated circuit. The patent combines what would traditionally require separate converter circuits into one unified design, sharing common components such as the input capacitor, switching elements, and control circuitry, thereby reducing overall system complexity and component count.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional separate power converter circuits are used for each load, then each load receives appropriate voltage, but the conversion efficiency decreases due to multiple independent circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The unified power converter circuit achieves multi-voltage output while maintaining high conversion efficiency by using a single efficient conversion path. The circuit can operate in different modes to serve different loads, avoiding the energy losses associated with multiple independent conversion circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit maintains continuous power conversion operation with optimized duty cycles and switching sequences. By keeping the power conversion process continuous and optimized across different operating modes, the system minimizes energy losses that would occur with intermittent or separate conversion operations.
3Power
If the power converter uses more components to handle high current and multiple voltages, then the current handling capability and voltage flexibility improve, but the size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit merges multiple current paths and voltage regulation functions into a single integrated structure. By sharing common components and using unified switching elements, the design achieves high current handling capability without proportionally increasing the total component count or physical size.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit handles varying current and voltage requirements by dynamically changing operating parameters such as duty cycle, switching frequency, and circuit configuration mode. This allows the same physical components to adapt to different power levels and voltage requirements without requiring additional components for each operating condition.
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
The solution achieves efficient energy balancing and hybrid power supply by reducing component count, leading to a smaller and less costly design that meets the requirements of different loads.
Implementation Method 1
The inductor includes a first end and a second end. The first switch includes a first end connected to a first input end, and a second end connected to the first end of the inductor. The second switch incudes a first end connected to the second end of the inductor, and a second end connected to a second input end.
Implementation Method 2
a first capacitor unit connected between the first input end and the first output end, and configured to build a first voltage; a second capacitor unit connected between the first output end and the second output end, and configured to build a second voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A power converter is coupled between a power source and multiple loads, and the power converter includes a first switch module. The switch module includes an inductor, a first switch, a second switch, a third switch, and a fourth switch. The first switch, the second switch, the third switch, and the fourth switch are configured to be turned on or turned off so that the inductor is stored energy or released energy to converter the power source into multiple voltages to the multiple loads.