Partial Power DC/DC Converter Using Low-Voltage Switching Cells
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing DC/DC full power converters in solar electrical energy systems require high voltage semiconductor devices, leading to increased cost, reduced reliability, and inefficiencies in electrical, weight, and size efficiency due to full power processing.
Innovation Solution
A partial power DC/DC converter module that processes only a fraction of the input power using low voltage semiconductor devices, integrating control and driving circuits close to switching power cells to enhance efficiency and reduce volume and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If full power processing is used with high voltage semiconductor devices, then the converter can handle the complete input power, but the cost increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power processing function into two parts: a partial power converter that processes only a fraction of the input power using low voltage semiconductor devices, while the remaining power is handled through alternative means. This segmentation allows the use of more reliable low voltage devices for the converter portion while maintaining overall power handling capability.
2Power
If full power processing is used with high voltage semiconductor devices, then the converter can handle the complete input power, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power processing function into two parts: a partial power converter that processes only a fraction of the input power using low voltage semiconductor devices, while the remaining power is handled through alternative means. This segmentation allows the use of more reliable low voltage devices for the converter portion while maintaining overall power handling capability.
3Power
If full power processing is used, then the converter can handle the complete input power, but the volume and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by designing a converter that processes only a partial portion of the input power rather than the full power. This partial power processing approach enables the use of smaller, lighter low voltage semiconductor devices that handle only the necessary fraction of power, thereby reducing overall converter weight while maintaining sufficient power handling capability.
4Power
If full power processing is used, then the converter can handle the complete input power, but the volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by designing a converter that processes only a partial portion of the input power rather than the full power. This partial power processing approach enables the use of smaller, lighter low voltage semiconductor devices that handle only the necessary fraction of power, thereby reducing overall converter weight while maintaining sufficient power handling capability.
Data Source
AI summary
The technology of this application relates to a partial power converter that is configured to be connected to at least one photovoltaic panel as inputs and a direct current output bus, the at least one photovoltaic panel generating a direct current. The partial power converter includes a photovoltaic-side converter comprising at least two switching cells, a bus-side converter comprising at least two switching cells, the bus-side converter being configured to switch a total current of the photovoltaic-side converter, an energy storage element connected between the photovoltaic-side converter and the bus-side converter, and an indirect voltage source configured to regulate the energy storage element. The photovoltaic-side converter, the bus-side converter and the energy storage element are connected in parallel between the first node and the second node of the partial power converter.