Passive AC-DC Converter Voltage Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing AC to DC converters for aircraft applications face challenges in maintaining efficient operation over a wide engine speed range, leading to high losses, size, weight, and complexity due to the need for active components and additional filtering to manage voltage and current variations.
Innovation Solution
An AC-DC converter circuit utilizing a minimal set of passive components, including an inductor, rectifier, and transient voltage suppression diode, configured to non-linearly regulate output DC voltage and limit power loss as a function of load, operates without active components, forming a non-linear voltage divider to maintain a constant output voltage across varying frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If active components such as MOSFETs are used to regulate voltage over wide speed range, then voltage regulation capability is improved, but power loss increases and component size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes active components (MOSFETs, ICs) from the circuit entirely, extracting only the essential passive components (inductor, rectifier, TVS diode) needed for voltage regulation. This elimination of active components directly reduces power loss while maintaining adaptability through passive component design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive passive components that can be easily replaced if needed, rather than complex active components. The inductor, rectifier, and TVS diode are basic components with low power loss characteristics, achieving voltage regulation without the high losses associated with active semiconductor devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom designed wide input range DC-DC converter is used, then input voltage range capability is improved, but circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential functions needed for wide voltage range operation, removing complex control circuits, multiple switching stages, and additional filtering components. The solution uses a minimal set of passive components to achieve wide input voltage range capability while keeping the circuit extremely simple.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex active circuitry to actively regulate voltage across wide ranges, the patent inverts the approach by using passive components with inherent characteristics (inductor impedance, TVS diode breakdown voltage) that naturally provide voltage regulation without complex control logic.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If additional filtering components are added to reduce EMI from switching, then EMI suppression is improved, but component count and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the source of EMI by eliminating switching components (MOSFETs, PWM controllers) entirely. Without switching actions, there is no high-frequency noise generation, making additional EMI filtering unnecessary and reducing the overall component count.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of wide voltage range operation (which would require complex switching and filtering) into a benefit by using passive components whose inherent characteristics naturally handle voltage variation without generating EMI, thus eliminating the need for additional filtering components.
4Adaptability or versatility
If linear mode operation is used for MOSFET at higher input voltage, then voltage regulation is achieved, but power loss increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes MOSFETs entirely from the circuit, eliminating the problem of linear mode power loss completely. Voltage regulation is achieved through passive component characteristics rather than dissipative active component operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electronic control mechanism (MOSFET switching and linear regulation) with a passive mechanical-like system where inductor impedance and TVS diode breakdown characteristics naturally provide voltage regulation without active control or dissipative operation.
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 significant reduction in power loss, size, and weight, with maximum power loss of 5 Watts or less, and provides reliable, constant voltage output, reducing component count and complexity while maintaining efficiency across a wide input voltage range.
Implementation Method 1
An AC-DC converter circuit can include an inductor, a rectifier, and a transient voltage suppression (TVS) diode
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of passive components can be selected from a group including an inductor, a rectifier, and a transient voltage suppression (TVS) diode
Implementation Method 3
The TVS diode can be disposed between the output line and a return line
Data Source
AI summary
An AC-DC converter circuit can include a plurality of passive components configured to convert AC to DC and to non-linearly regulate output DC voltage to about a selected maximum throughout an AC input voltage range and/or generator frequency. The plurality of passive components can be configured to also limit power loss as a function of load on a DC side.