Power Conditioner Single Reactor DC to AC Conversion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power conditioners that convert DC power to AC power are hindered by the size and weight of multiple reactors, limiting their miniaturization and weight reduction potential.
Innovation Solution
A power conditioner design that includes a single reactor and a capacitor, with a first switching circuit alternating between supplying DC current to the reactor and shutting off supply to the capacitor, and a second switching circuit alternating the flow direction of current from the capacitor, allowing for efficient conversion of DC to AC power without multiple reactors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple reactors are arranged in the power conditioner (step-up circuit and inverter circuit), then the power conversion function is improved, but the size and weight of the device increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the step-up circuit and inverter circuit into a single integrated circuit structure, allowing both functions to share common components (reactor L1, capacitor C1, switching elements). This merging eliminates the need for separate reactors in each circuit, reducing overall device weight while maintaining both power conversion functions
Solution Approach 2:
The single reactor L1 and capacitor C1 serve multiple functions: they operate as energy storage elements for the step-up circuit during DC-DC conversion, and as filter/reactor elements for the inverter circuit during DC-AC conversion. The switching elements also serve dual purposes in both circuits, making the components universal and multi-functional
2Reliability
If multiple reactors are arranged in the power conditioner, then the power conversion function is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the step-up circuit and inverter circuit into one compact integrated structure where components are shared and spatially optimized. This consolidation reduces the overall footprint and device area compared to having separate, distributed reactor components in each circuit
3Weight of stationary object
If a single reactor is used instead of multiple reactors, then the device size and weight are reduced, but the power conversion capability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The single reactor L1 is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as the inductor for DC-DC step-up conversion and as the reactor for DC-AC inversion. The switching elements (first and second switching elements) are controlled to enable the same physical components to fulfill different circuit roles at different operational phases, maintaining full power conversion capability with reduced component count
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic switching control where the switching elements alternately connect and disconnect the reactor and capacitor in different configurations. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the single reactor to adapt its function between step-up operation and inverter operation, ensuring reliable power conversion across different operational modes
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
This design enables a more compact and lightweight power conditioner capable of converting DC to AC power effectively, reducing size, weight, and costs compared to systems with multiple reactors.
Implementation Method 1
a first switching circuit that alternately switches, at a first frequency, between a first state where a DC current supplied from a DC power source is supplied to the reactor and supply of the DC current to the capacitor is shut off and a second state where an electric current is supplied to the capacitor from the reactor in which energy is accumulated by the supply of the DC current
Implementation Method 2
a capacitor; a first switching circuit that alternately switches, at a first frequency, between a first state where the DC current supplied from the DC power source is supplied to the reactor and supply of the DC current to the capacitor is shut off and a second state where an electric current is supplied to the capacitor from the reactor
Implementation Method 3
a second switching circuit that alternately switches, at a second frequency, between a first direction in which an electric current supplied from the capacitor flows toward a second output terminal through a first output terminal and a second direction in which the electric current flows toward the first output terminal through the second output terminal
Data Source
AI summary
The power conditioner includes: a reactor; a capacitor; a first switching circuit that alternately switches, at a first frequency, between a first state where the DC current supplied from the DC power source is supplied to the reactor and supply of the DC current to the capacitor is shut off and a second state where an electric current is supplied to the capacitor from the reactor in which energy is accumulated by the supply of the DC current and the electric current from the DC power source to the reactor is shut off; and a second switching circuit that alternately switches, at a second frequency, between a first direction in which an electric current supplied from the capacitor flows toward a second output terminal through a first output terminal and a second direction in which the electric current flows toward the first output terminal through the second output terminal.