Resonance Rectifier Pulse Energy Capture Circuit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pulse energy capture circuits for charge storage devices, such as those in bomb fuzes, are limited by a theoretical energy capture efficiency of 50% due to inefficiencies, capturing only about 39% of available energy in reality, necessitating a method to exceed this efficiency barrier.

Innovation Solution

A fuze power conversion circuit comprising a current monitor, controller, filter well, and inductive switch circuit that generates a pulsed power signal, maintaining the source current within a predetermined range by adjusting frequency and pulse width modulation, and utilizing a resonance rectifier to present a lossless resistive impedance for efficient energy transfer to a charge storage device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If conventional capacitor-only pulse energy capture circuits are used, then the circuit structure is simple, but the energy capture efficiency is limited to 50% theoretically and about 39% in reality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy capture efficiencyVSAvoidcircuit structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pulse energy capture circuit is divided into multiple functional stages: an input stage with rectifier diodes for half-wave rectification, an intermediate stage with capacitors for energy storage and voltage doubling, and an output stage. This segmentation allows each stage to perform its specific function optimally, achieving over 90% energy capture efficiency by systematically addressing energy transfer at different points in the circuit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The circuit utilizes the periodic nature of the pulsed power source by implementing half-wave rectification during specific phases of the power pulse cycle. The rectifier diodes conduct during positive half-cycles to charge capacitors, while during negative half-cycles the capacitors discharge to maintain voltage. This periodic action maximizes energy capture from each power pulse while managing the inherent intermittency of pulsed power sources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Use of energy by moving object

If the power pulse duration is limited by the host platform, then the power delivery element can maintain voltage and current capability, but the total energy available for capture is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetotal energy capturedVSAvoidpower pulse duration
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The circuit maintains continuous useful action by capturing energy during both the rising and falling edges of the power pulse through the alternating conduction of rectifier diodes. The capacitors continuously charge and discharge, ensuring that energy is captured throughout the entire pulse duration rather than only during specific intervals, thereby maximizing total energy capture from limited-duration pulses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The rectifier diodes and capacitors are pre-configured to be ready for energy capture at the onset of each power pulse. The circuit is designed so that as soon as the power pulse begins, the rectification and energy storage processes immediately commence without delay, ensuring maximum utilization of the available pulse duration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of energy

If existing capacitor-only capture circuits are used, then the implementation is straightforward, but only about 39% of available energy is actually captured due to circuit element losses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy loss in circuit elementsVSAvoidcircuit configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Rectifier diodes are introduced as intermediary elements between the pulsed power source and the capacitive storage elements. These diodes control the direction of current flow, ensuring that energy is transferred to the capacitors during appropriate phases of the power pulse while preventing reverse current flow that would cause energy loss. This intermediary function significantly reduces energy losses compared to direct capacitor connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The circuit changes the electrical parameters (voltage and current) at different stages of energy capture. By using multiple capacitors in different configurations and controlling their charging/discharging timing, the circuit transforms the pulsed input parameters into optimized output parameters that maximize energy transfer efficiency while minimizing losses in circuit elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 achieves up to 97% energy capture efficiency, significantly surpassing conventional limits and optimizing energy storage in charge devices like capacitors, applicable not only to bomb fuzes but also in reducing recharging times for electric vehicles.

Implementation Method 1

A resonance rectifier is configured to present a substantially lossless resistive impedance for the pulsed power signal and rectify the pulsed power signal to charge a charge storage device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

An inductive switch circuit is configured for switchably grounding a rectified inductive load coupled to an output side of the filter well responsive to the control signal to develop a pulsed power signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

The filter well, the inductive switch circuit, and the controller are configured to maintain the source current indicator within a predetermined current range by filtering the pulsed power signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical filtering: Filter (electronic)

Data Source

PatentUS8446132B2Methods and apparatuses for electrical pulse energy capture
Publication Date: 2013.05.21 NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORP
  • US8446132B2 patent drawing
  • US8446132B2 patent drawing
  • US8446132B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for power conversion for fuzes and other electrical power consumers. A current monitor coupled to a power source signal generates a source current indicator. A controller generates a control signal responsive to the source current indicator. A filter well is coupled to the power source signal. An inductive switch circuit switchably grounds a rectified inductive load coupled to an output side of the filter well in response to the control signal, developing a pulsed power signal. A resonance rectifier presents substantially lossless resistive impedance for the pulsed power signal and rectifies the pulsed power signal to charge a charge storage device and generate a power output signal. The filter well, the inductive switch circuit, and the controller maintain the source current indicator within a predetermined current range by filtering the pulsed power signal and adjusting the control signal's frequency responsive to the source current indicator.