Power Converter Multi-Function Buck Boost Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric power systems require separate direct voltage converters to charge energy storages, increasing complexity and costs.
Innovation Solution
A power converter with a switching circuit and controller that operates as both a buck-converter and boost-converter, allowing it to supply energy to inductive loads and charge energy storage directly from a direct voltage source, eliminating the need for a separate converter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate direct voltage converter is added to charge energy storages, then the energy storage charging function is improved, but the device complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power converter is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate as an inverter to supply AC power to inductive loads, and simultaneously function as a direct voltage converter (buck or boost) to charge direct voltage energy storages. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated converters, reducing system complexity while maintaining full adaptability for both AC loading and DC storage charging operations
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate direct voltage converter is added to charge energy storages, then the energy storage charging function is improved, but the costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the inverter circuit and the direct voltage converter circuit into a single integrated power converter unit. By combining these functions in one device with shared components (switching elements, control circuitry, magnetic components), the manufacturing cost is reduced compared to having separate independent converters, while still providing complete energy storage charging capability
3Device complexity
If the power converter operates as both inverter and direct voltage converter, then the device complexity is reduced, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller dynamically switches between different operating modes (inverter mode, buck-converter mode, boost-converter mode) based on real-time system conditions such as load requirements and energy storage state. This dynamic adaptability allows a single unified control structure to manage multiple functions, reducing overall system complexity while the controller handles the sophisticated coordination internally through mode-dependent control algorithms
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
Simplifies the electric power system by integrating the power converter's functionality to both drive inductive loads and charge energy storage, reducing complexity and costs while maintaining efficient energy transfer.
Implementation Method 1
The switching circuit and the at least one of the inductive windings can be operated as a voltage-decreasing direct voltage converter, i.e. a buck-converter, between the first and second direct voltage terminals of the power converter
Implementation Method 2
The switching circuit and the at least one of the inductive windings can be operated as a voltage-increasing direct voltage converter, i.e. a boost-converter, between the second direct voltage terminal and the first direct voltage terminal
Data Source
AI summary
A power converter for an electric power system comprises a switching circuit (102) for supplying, in a first operating mode of the power converter, voltages for driving a rotating electric machine. The power converter comprises a contactor system (110) and a controller (109) for using, in a second operating mode of the power converter, the switching circuit and at least one of windings (115) of the rotating electric machine as a voltage-decreasing direct voltage converter between direct voltage terminals of the power converter. Therefore, the switching circuit of the power converter can be utilized both for driving the rotating electric machine and, for example, for charging a battery element connected to a direct voltage terminal of the power converter.