Optical Step-Up Transformer Using LED-Photodiode Voltage Multiplication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional transformers, particularly those using magnetic and electromagnetic principles, are bulky, generate problematic magnetic fields, and consume idle power, making them less suitable for compact and efficient power transformation applications.
Innovation Solution
The development of optical step-up transformers utilizing a semiconductor emitter-detector pair, where LEDs emit photons proportional to the applied voltage, and photodiodes generate current based on absorbed photons, enabling efficient power transfer with low or zero idle power consumption and reduced size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional magnetic and electromagnetic transformers are used for voltage multiplication, then power transformation can be achieved, but the device becomes bulky and generates problematic magnetic fields
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the magnetic and electromagnetic system with an optical system. Specifically, it uses light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to generate photons that are detected by photodiodes, thereby substituting the mechanical/electromagnetic field-based transformation with an optical field-based transformation. This eliminates the generation of problematic magnetic fields while maintaining power transformation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light (photons) as an intermediary medium between the input and output circuits. The LEDs convert electrical energy to optical energy, and the photodiodes convert the optical energy back to electrical energy at a different voltage level. This intermediary optical transmission enables power transformation without direct magnetic coupling.
2Power
If conventional magnetic and electromagnetic transformers are used for voltage multiplication, then power transformation can be achieved, but the device consumes idle power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the continuous electromagnetic field maintenance required by conventional transformers with an optical system that only consumes power when actively transmitting signals. The LED-based optical system and photodiode detector do not require continuous power consumption to maintain their transformation capability, eliminating idle power consumption.
3Power
If conventional magnetic and electromagnetic transformers are used for voltage multiplication, then power transformation can be achieved, but the device becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the bulky magnetic cores, windings, and electromagnetic components with compact semiconductor devices (LEDs and photodiodes). The optical system requires minimal physical space compared to the magnetic and electromagnetic components, resulting in a much smaller and lighter transformer device.
4Weight of stationary object
If optical step-up transformer is used, then device size is reduced and idle power consumption is minimized, but transformation speed must be improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the parameters of the optical system, including selecting LEDs and photodiodes with appropriate response characteristics, optimizing the optical coupling between components, and designing the circuit to operate at frequencies that maximize the speed of the optical transformation process. These parameter optimizations ensure that the transformation speed meets practical requirements despite the smaller device size.
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
Optical step-up transformers provide a compact, efficient, and low-power solution for voltage multiplication, avoiding magnetic fields and enabling faster transformation speeds compared to traditional magnetic and electromagnetic transformers.
Implementation Method 1
The light emitter may include one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) that are configured to generate photons in response to receiving a voltage
Implementation Method 2
The light detector may include one or more photodiodes that are configured to absorb the photons and generate a voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A structure and method of operating an optical step-up transformer are described. The optical step-up transformer has at least one photodiode and at least one photoreceiver. The photoreceiver receives light emitted from the photodiode and generates a voltage proportional to the number of series-connected photoreceivers. The photodiode and photoreceiver may be electrically isolated or may share a common anode or cathode. The voltage applied to the photodiode may be a DC or PWM signal.