Overlap Power Transfer Circuit Without Deadtime Loss
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power transfer systems experience unwanted losses such as conduction loss, switching loss, deadtime loss, and IC loss due to the use of transistors/switches in different configurations, necessitating the inclusion of components like inductors and capacitors to compensate for deadtimes.
Innovation Solution
An overlap circuit with controllable switches that alternate current feeding and blocking sequences to eliminate deadtimes, allowing simultaneous current delivery from multiple power sources to a load, thereby reducing switching and deadtime losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional switching circuits are used to transfer power from multiple power sources to a common load, then power transfer can be achieved, but significant losses occur due to conduction loss, switching loss, deadtime loss, gate loss and IC loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous current flow through the load by ensuring that at least one controllable switch remains in the on-state at all times. The overlap period between switching transitions allows current to continue flowing without interruption, eliminating deadtime losses and the need for energy-storing components like inductors and capacitors that are traditionally required to maintain continuous current during switching transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by turning on the second controllable switch before turning off the first controllable switch during power source transitions. This overlapping switching sequence ensures that current paths are established in advance, preventing current interruption and eliminating the need for deadtime compensation components.
2Reliability
If deadtime is introduced in conventional switching to prevent shoot-through currents, then safety is improved, but switching losses and deadtime losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit maintains continuous current flow through the load by overlapping the on-states of the controllable switches. The second switch is turned on before the first switch is turned off, eliminating deadtime periods while preventing shoot-through currents through proper circuit configuration and control sequencing.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit uses an intermediate configuration where both switches can be on simultaneously during the overlap period, acting as a mediator state that allows smooth power transfer between sources without requiring deadtime. This intermediate state eliminates the need for deadtime while maintaining safety through controlled current paths.
3Stability of the object's composition
If inductors and capacitors are added to compensate for deadtimes in conventional circuits, then continuous current can be maintained, but device complexity and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves current continuity through proper switching sequencing where the second switch is turned on before the first switch is turned off. This overlap in on-states ensures uninterrupted current flow through the load without requiring external energy-storing components like inductors and capacitors that would otherwise be needed to bridge deadtime gaps.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit uses its own switching elements and their inherent on-states to maintain current continuity, rather than relying on external compensating components. The controllable switches themselves provide the function of maintaining continuous current through their overlapping conduction periods, making the system self-sufficient without additional passive components.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an overlap circuit configured to be coupled between power source(s) and load(s) for power transfer. The herein disclosed overlap circuit (100) is configured to transfer electrical power to two loads or two power sources at the same time during an overlap power transfer time period. Furthermore, the invention also relates to a system comprising such an overlap circuit.