Power Converter System With Auxiliary Network For Soft-Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power converters experience significant losses due to switching and conduction in switching devices and diodes, and they often fail to meet regulatory standards for power factor correction, particularly in AC-to-DC conversion.
Innovation Solution
A power converter system that incorporates inductors, diodes, and switches operating under zero voltage switching (ZVS) and zero current switching (ZCS) conditions, along with an auxiliary network for soft-switched power factor correction, allowing for true synchronous rectification and reduced losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional switching devices are used in power converters, then the converter can deliver power to the output, but substantial losses occur during switching and conduction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies zero voltage switching (ZVS) and zero current switching (ZCS) techniques to change the switching parameters, ensuring that switches turn on when voltage across them is zero and turn off when current through them is zero. This fundamentally changes the switching conditions to eliminate or minimize switching losses while maintaining power delivery capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses auxiliary networks to pre-charge or pre-discharge switch nodes before main switching events occur. This preliminary action ensures that when main switches operate, they do so under optimal conditions (zero voltage or zero current), thereby reducing losses without compromising the main power transfer function
2Reliability
If power factor correction is implemented to meet regulatory standards, then the converter meets EN61000-3-2 harmonics control, but additional circuit complexity is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power factor correction function with the main power conversion circuitry by using the same switches and inductors for both ZVS/PFC operation and main power delivery. The auxiliary networks provide soft-switching capability while the main switches simultaneously perform both PFC and power transfer functions, eliminating the need for separate PFC circuits
Solution Approach 2:
The switches in the patent serve multiple functions: they act as main power switches for voltage conversion, synchronous rectifiers for efficient rectification, and soft-switching elements for both ZVS and power factor correction. This multi-functionality reduces overall circuit complexity while achieving regulatory compliance
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 system achieves higher efficiency by minimizing switching and conduction losses, meeting regulatory standards for power factor correction and increasing power density, with efficiency reaching up to 97%.
Implementation Method 1
An auxiliary network is operable to provide for zero voltage switching (ZVS) and zero current switching (ZCS) conditions for both the first and second switches during operation of the power converter system
Implementation Method 2
An auxiliary network is operable to provide for zero voltage switching (ZVS) and zero current switching (ZCS) conditions for both the first and second switches during operation of the power converter system
Implementation Method 3
A first inductor and a first diode are connected in series between the first input terminal and the output terminal. A second inductor and a second diode are connected in series between the second input terminal and the output terminal
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a power converter system includes a first input terminal and a second input terminal operable to connect to an alternating current (AC) power source, and an output terminal at which an output voltage can be provided to a load. A first inductor and a first diode are connected in series between the first input terminal and the output terminal. A second inductor and a second diode are connected in series between the second input terminal and the output terminal. A first switch is connected to the first inductor and the first diode, and a second switch is connected to the second inductor and the second diode. The first switch and the second switch alternately function as a boost switch and a synchronous rectifier for charging and discharging the first and second inductors during operation of the power converter system. An auxiliary network is operable to provide for zero voltage switching (ZVS) and zero current switching (ZCS) conditions for both the first and second switches during operation of the power converter system.