Power Converter With Boosting Chopper Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power converters with transformers experience significant losses due to large currents flowing through the windings during bidirectional power conversion, especially when the transformer turn ratio is set for voltage step-down, making it inefficient for voltage step-up operations.
Innovation Solution
A power converter configuration that includes a third conversion circuit acting as a boosting chopper circuit during power transfer from the first to the second conversion circuit and as a step-down chopper circuit during power transfer in the reverse direction, with a control circuit managing switch elements to optimize voltage conversion and reduce losses by synchronizing switching controls and using feedback to maintain constant output voltages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the transformer turn ratio is set for voltage step-down, then voltage conversion for step-down operation is improved, but conversion efficiency deteriorates during voltage step-up operations due to large currents flowing through the windings
Solution Approach 1:
The power converter is segmented into two functional modules: a transformer for voltage step-down and a boosting circuit for voltage step-up. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized for its specific function, with the boosting circuit handling step-up operations to avoid the efficiency losses that would occur if the transformer operated in reverse.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using the transformer in reverse for voltage step-up (which would cause large currents and losses), the invention introduces a boosting circuit that operates in the conventional forward direction for voltage step-up, while the transformer maintains its optimized step-down function. This inverted approach to using the transformer resolves the efficiency problem.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a boosting circuit is connected to handle voltage step-up, then voltage conversion for step-up operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional circuit components
Solution Approach 1:
The boosting circuit is designed to handle both voltage step-up operations and to work in conjunction with the transformer for bidirectional power conversion. This multi-functional design allows the additional component to serve multiple purposes: enabling step-up conversion, assisting in bidirectional operation, and maintaining system efficiency across different operating modes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If bidirectional power conversion is implemented, then adaptability for different power flow directions is improved, but loss of energy increases due to large currents in transformer windings during one direction
Solution Approach 1:
The bidirectional power conversion function is segmented into two pathways: one using the transformer for step-down conversion and another using the boosting circuit for step-up conversion. This segmentation ensures that each conversion direction uses the most efficient pathway, preventing large currents from flowing through the transformer windings during step-up operations.
Solution Approach 2:
For bidirectional operation, the invention inverts the conventional approach by not using the transformer in reverse for step-up conversion. Instead, a dedicated boosting circuit handles step-up operations, while the transformer maintains its efficient step-down function, thereby reducing energy losses in both directions.
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 configuration reduces losses by minimizing current through the transformer windings and enhances overall conversion efficiency by optimizing voltage conversion and switching control, regardless of the direction of power transfer.
Implementation Method 1
a transformer (40) connected between the first and second conversion circuits, each of the first and second conversion circuits (10, 20) being configured to transfer electric power
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3D
Figure 4A~4
AI summary
A power converter 1 includes a first conversion circuit 10 connected with a first winding n1 of a transformer 40, and a second conversion circuit 20 connected with a second winding n2 of the transformer 40. The first and second conversion circuits 10 and 20 are configured to perform bidirectional power conversion. The power converter further includes a third conversion circuit 30 that is a circuit provided at a pre-stage of the first conversion circuit 10 in a direction of transferring electric power toward the second conversion circuit 20 from the first conversion circuit 10. The third conversion circuit 30 is configured to perform bidirectional power conversion, and function as a boosting chopper circuit upon transferring electric power toward the second conversion circuit 20 from the first conversion circuit 10.