Reconfigurable Voltage Boost Circuit for Low-Voltage AC Power Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable power platforms face challenges in efficiently powering devices with varying voltage requirements, particularly in achieving healthy AC outputs and charging low voltage battery packs, while minimizing cost and size.
Innovation Solution
A portable power platform utilizing a reconfigurable voltage boost circuit with a switched capacitor topology, capable of switching between voltage doubler and voltage tripler configurations, to efficiently boost input voltage from a battery pack to meet the DC bus voltage requirements for both 120 VAC and 230 VAC applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of stationary object
If a low voltage battery pack is used to reduce size and cost, then the battery pack size and cost are reduced, but the DC bus voltage requirement for 120 VAC and 230 VAC inverters cannot be met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a reconfigurable voltage boost circuit that dynamically switches between different capacitor configurations (voltage doubler, voltage tripler, voltage quadrupler) based on the battery pack's state of charge. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt the voltage multiplication factor to meet the DC bus voltage requirement while using a low voltage battery pack, thereby resolving the contradiction between reduced battery size and sufficient power output.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the electrical parameters (voltage multiplication ratio) by reconfiguring the switched capacitor topology. When battery voltage drops below certain thresholds, the controller reconfigures the capacitor connections to increase the voltage boost ratio, transforming the system from a voltage doubler to voltage tripler or quadrupler mode, thus maintaining adequate DC bus voltage despite using a low voltage battery pack.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a reconfigurable voltage boost circuit is implemented to meet varying voltage requirements, then adaptability to different voltage needs is improved, but circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reconfigurable voltage boost circuit serves multiple functions within a single integrated design. The same circuit topology can operate as a voltage doubler, tripler, or quadrupler depending on the switching configuration, eliminating the need for separate voltage conversion circuits for different battery states. This multi-functionality achieves high adaptability while controlling overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit uses dynamic reconfiguration of capacitor connections through controlled switching. The controller adjusts the switching patterns based on battery voltage levels, enabling the circuit to adapt its voltage multiplication ratio in real-time. This dynamic approach allows a single circuit to handle multiple voltage requirements without requiring multiple static circuits.
3Loss of energy
If switched capacitor topology is used for voltage boosting, then efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional inductor-based voltage conversion mechanisms with a switched capacitor topology. This substitution eliminates the need for magnetic components (inductors and transformers), reducing energy losses associated with magnetic core hysteresis and eddy currents. The capacitor-based approach achieves efficient voltage boosting through electrostatic energy transfer, particularly well-suited for the pulsed operation required in portable power applications.
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 solution enables efficient voltage boosting for both 120 VAC and 230 VAC applications, effectively addressing the challenges of powering devices with varying voltage needs while reducing the need for large, costly battery packs.
Implementation Method 1
a reconfigurable voltage boost circuit with a switched capacitor topology, capable of switching between voltage doubler and voltage tripler configurations
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply that includes a battery pack, a sensor configured to sense an electrical characteristic of the battery pack, a reconfigurable voltage boost circuit configured to connect to an inverter, and a controller. The reconfigurable voltage boost circuit is configured to switch between a voltage doubler configuration and a voltage tripler configuration in response to a switching control signal based on the electrical characteristic of the battery pack. The controller is connected to the battery pack, the sensor, and the reconfigurable voltage boost circuit. The controller is configured to obtain the electrical characteristic of the battery pack from the sensor, compare the electrical characteristic to a switching threshold, and transmit the switching control signal to the reconfigurable voltage boost circuit based on the comparison of the electrical characteristic and the switching threshold to switch between the voltage doubler configuration and the voltage tripler configuration.