Multi-Stage DC/DC Converter With Transformer-Buck Wide Output Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional DC/DC power converters face challenges in achieving a wide output voltage range with a low number of switching elements and require high voltage ratings for some components, which can complicate design and increase costs.
Innovation Solution
A novel DC/DC power converter design incorporating a switching bridge circuit, a transformer with specific winding configurations, and a buck power converter circuit that operates without an input capacitor, utilizing synchronized PWM signals to control switches and achieve a wide output voltage range with lower voltage-rated switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional DC/DC power converter designs are used, then reliable power conversion is achieved, but the number of switching elements increases and voltage ratings must be high
Solution Approach 1:
The power converter is divided into multiple stages: a first stage with a switching bridge circuit and transformer, and a second stage with a buck power converter circuit. This segmentation allows each stage to perform specific functions with optimized component requirements, reducing the overall number of high-voltage switching elements needed while maintaining reliable power conversion across a wide output voltage range.
Solution Approach 2:
The transformer with specifically configured windings acts as an intermediary between the first stage switching bridge circuit and the second stage buck power converter circuit. This intermediary enables voltage transformation and galvanic isolation, allowing the second stage to operate with lower voltage-rated switches while still achieving the required output voltage range.
2Adaptability or versatility
If high voltage ratings are used for switching elements, then wide output voltage range is achieved, but component costs and design complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The two-stage architecture segments the voltage transformation function: the first stage handles high-voltage transformation through the transformer, while the second stage handles fine voltage adjustment with a buck converter. This allows the second stage to use lower voltage-rated switches, reducing component costs and design complexity while maintaining wide output voltage range capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The transformer windings are configured with specific turns ratios to transform the input voltage to appropriate levels for the second stage. By changing the voltage parameters through transformer ratios rather than using high-voltage switches throughout, the design achieves wide output voltage range with lower voltage-rated components, simplifying the overall design.
3Stability of the object's composition
If input capacitor is included in buck power converter circuit, then circuit stability is improved, but device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The input capacitor, which is typically required in conventional buck power converter circuits for stability, is extracted or eliminated from the second stage circuit. The first stage transformer and its associated components provide the necessary voltage stabilization and filtering functions, making the separate input capacitor redundant and allowing for a more compact device design.
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 design enables a wide output voltage range with reduced voltage ratings for switching elements, optimizing the power converter's size and efficiency while eliminating the need for an input capacitor, thereby simplifying the design and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a transformer with primary windings, first secondary windings connected between a first transformer terminal and a second transformer terminal, and second secondary windings connected between the second transformer terminal and a third transformer terminal
Implementation Method 2
a resonant tank circuit comprising the primary windings of the transformer
Data Source
AI summary
A power converter is presented. The power converter may be configured to convert an input voltage into an output voltage. The power converter May comprise a switching bridge circuit. The power converter may comprise a transformer with primary windings, first secondary windings connected between a first transformer terminal and a second transformer terminal, and second secondary windings connected between the second transformer terminal and a third transformer terminal. The power converter may comprise a resonant tank circuit comprising the primary windings of the transformer. The power converter may comprise a buck power converter circuit coupled between the first secondary windings and an output of the power converter.