Power Conversion Apparatus Single-Stage Rectification Efficiency
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power conversion apparatuses suffer from significant efficiency losses due to multiple stages of conversion, even with high efficiency at each stage, resulting in overall efficiency degradation when converting AC voltage to DC voltage for electronic loads.
Innovation Solution
A power conversion apparatus utilizing a controller-driven circuit with semiconductor switches and diodes, eliminating the need for a diode bridge circuit and power factor converter, by controlling the switches to mimic full-wave rectification and sinusoidal current flow, thereby reducing component count and losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a diode bridge circuit is used for full-wave rectification, then AC voltage can be converted to DC voltage, but power loss occurs due to forward voltage of diodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using semiconductor switches instead of diodes, allowing controlled conduction angles and current paths that minimize voltage drops and power losses while maintaining rectification function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control of semiconductor switches to optimize current flow paths based on operating conditions, enabling adaptive minimization of power loss through controlled switching sequences rather than static diode connections
2Power
If a power factor converter is added to increase DC voltage, then voltage can be boosted, but additional power loss occurs in FET and diode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the voltage boosting function with the rectification function into a single integrated circuit stage, eliminating the need for a separate power factor converter and reducing cumulative power losses across multiple conversion stages
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal circuit configuration where semiconductor switches perform multiple functions simultaneously: rectification, voltage boosting, and power factor correction, eliminating the need for dedicated separate circuits for each function
3Power
If a step-down converter is connected after power factor converter, then voltage can be decreased to desired value, but additional power loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines voltage regulation functionality into the main conversion stage, allowing the circuit to directly output the desired voltage level without requiring a separate step-down converter, thereby eliminating cumulative losses from multiple conversion stages
4Power
If multiple conversion stages are used (AC-DC, DC-DC step-up, DC-DC step-down), then voltage can be converted and regulated, but overall efficiency decreases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple conversion functions (rectification, voltage boosting, voltage regulation, and power factor correction) into a single integrated conversion stage, reducing the system from three separate conversion stages to one, thereby minimizing cumulative power losses
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal single-stage converter that performs multiple functions simultaneously: AC to DC conversion, voltage regulation to desired level, and power factor correction, eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuits for each function
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 approach enhances conversion efficiency, reduces noise, and eliminates the need for additional power factor correction, achieving efficient power conversion with reduced component costs and harmonic prevention.
Implementation Method 1
A diode bridge circuit performs full-wave rectification of an alternating current supplied from an AC power supply
Implementation Method 2
A power factor converter increases the voltage of a direct current after full-wave rectification
Implementation Method 3
A smoothing capacitor smoothes a direct current after full-wave rectification
Data Source
AI summary
A power conversion apparatus determines a peak value of circuit current in each pulse cycle and a lower limit value lower than the peak value, from a corrected output voltage value obtained by subtracting a predetermined reference voltage from an output voltage detected, and an input voltage detected. The pulse signal output unit outputs a pulse signal to the first switch when the polarity of input voltage is positive, and outputs a pulse signal to the second switch when the polarity of input voltage is negative. A pulse signal is turned on in response to start of a pulse cycle, and is kept on until a circuit current detected reaches a peak value. A pulse signal turns off when a circuit current reaches a peak value, and turns on again when a circuit current decreases to a lower limit value.