Power Converter Segmented Capacitor Network Voltage Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power converters require larger capacitors to withstand higher DC bias voltages, leading to variations in capacitance and resonant frequency, resulting in increased switching power loss and complex control mechanisms, with limited voltage conversion ratios and broader application scope.
Innovation Solution
A power converter design that alternates and repeats charging and discharging processes using a series connection of capacitors and inductors, allowing for adjustable voltage conversion ratios and reduced capacitor size, with a simpler control mechanism and stable resonant frequency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional power converters use capacitors to withstand higher DC bias voltages, then voltage conversion capability is achieved, but capacitor size increases and capacitance varies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the voltage conversion function into multiple smaller capacitor units (first capacitors and second capacitors) that can be selectively connected in series or parallel. Instead of using a single large capacitor to withstand high voltage, multiple smaller capacitors are segmented and reconfigured based on the required voltage conversion ratio, reducing individual capacitor size while maintaining overall functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration of capacitor connections through switching circuits. The capacitors can be dynamically switched between series connection (for higher voltage tolerance) and parallel connection (for lower voltage, higher capacitance) based on operating conditions, allowing the system to adapt to different voltage conversion requirements without using oversized capacitors for all scenarios.
2Adaptability or versatility
If DC bias voltage level increases, then voltage conversion ratio is achieved, but capacitance decreases and resonant frequency varies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic switching to reconfigure capacitor connections based on the required voltage conversion ratio. When high voltage conversion is needed, capacitors are connected in series to increase voltage tolerance. When lower conversion is needed, capacitors are connected in parallel to maintain higher capacitance values, thus dynamically adapting to different operating conditions and stabilizing resonant frequency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters (voltage tolerance and capacitance) by altering the connection configuration of the capacitor network. By switching between series and parallel connections, the effective voltage rating and capacitance value are adjusted to match the specific operating requirements, preventing the capacitance degradation that occurs when capacitors are continuously subjected to high DC bias voltages.
3Adaptability or versatility
If resonant frequency varies due to capacitance changes, then voltage conversion flexibility is improved, but switching power loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration of the capacitor network to maintain optimal resonant frequency for different voltage conversion ratios. By adjusting the connection topology (series/parallel combinations) based on the required conversion ratio, the system maintains stable resonant conditions, preventing the large frequency variations that would otherwise cause increased switching losses.
4Device complexity
If voltage conversion ratio is limited to 4:1 or 2:1, then circuit complexity is reduced, but adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the voltage conversion function into multiple capacitor stages that can be independently connected in series or parallel. This segmentation allows the system to achieve multiple voltage conversion ratios (4:1, 3:1, 2:1, and others) by selecting different combinations of capacitor connections, rather than being limited to fixed ratios. The segmented approach maintains relatively simple individual components while achieving high overall versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal capacitor network that can perform multiple voltage conversion functions through different switching configurations. The same set of capacitors can be reconfigured to achieve various voltage ratios, making the circuit adaptable to different application requirements without needing separate dedicated circuits for each conversion ratio.
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 design reduces the number of inductors, minimizes voltage stress, improves dynamic load response, and achieves precise voltage control, enabling flexible voltage conversion and broader input voltage applications.
Implementation Method 1
a series connection of each first capacitor C1-C3 and each charging inductor L1-L3 is formed between the input voltage Vin and the output voltage Vout
Data Source
AI summary
A power converter includes: capacitors; switches coupled to the corresponding capacitors, wherein the switches switch electrical connection relationships of corresponding capacitors according to operation signals; one or more charging inductors connected in series to one or more corresponding capacitors; one or more discharging inductors connected in series to one or more corresponding capacitors. In a charging process, by switching the switches, a series connection of the capacitors and the corresponding charging inductor(s) is formed between the input voltage and the output voltage, so as to form a charging path. In a discharging process, by switching the switches, each capacitor and one of the corresponding discharging inductors are connected in series between the output voltage and ground voltage level, so as to form plural discharging paths. The charging process and the discharging process are arranged in alternating and repetitive manner, to convert the input voltage to the output voltage.