Resonant DC Balancer Circuit With Zero-Voltage Soft Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Switched capacitor circuits experience significant losses due to high-frequency switching, particularly when operating switches at high frequencies, leading to inefficiencies in power conversion.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a resonant switched capacitor converter (SCC) with a resonant circuit including an inductor, which operates in multiple modes and uses zero-voltage or zero-current switching conditions to control the switches, reducing switching losses and increasing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If switches are operated at high frequency in switched capacitor circuits, then power conversion speed and productivity are improved, but switching losses increase significantly due to voltages across switches and current flowing through switches when switch state is reversed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies resonant oscillation principles to create a resonant switched capacitor circuit that operates at its natural resonant frequency. The resonant circuit includes capacitors and switches arranged to oscillate, allowing energy transfer without significant voltage or current stress during switching transitions. This resonant operation enables high-frequency power conversion while minimizing switching losses, as the circuit naturally oscillates at frequencies that reduce the harmful effects of reverse voltage and current during switch state changes.
2Productivity
If switching frequency is increased to improve power conversion efficiency, then productivity increases, but switching losses due to voltage and current during state reversal are exacerbated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic switching action synchronized with the resonant frequency of the circuit. The switches are turned on and off in a periodic sequence that matches the natural oscillation period of the resonant circuit. This periodic action ensures that switching transitions occur at optimal moments in the oscillation cycle, minimizing the overlap of voltage and current during state reversal. The periodic switching at resonant frequency enables continuous efficient power conversion while avoiding the peak loss conditions that would occur with arbitrary high-frequency switching.
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 SCC achieves high efficiency by minimizing switching losses through soft switching techniques, allowing for efficient power conversion and operation at lower switching frequencies, simplifying design and reducing energy wastage.
Implementation Method 1
The SCC may include a resonant circuit including an inductor
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are systems and methods for operation of a switched capacitor converter (SCC). In some variations, the SCC includes a resonant circuit including an inductor. Aspects of the disclosure include methods for controlling the SCC switches to decrease switching losses associated with operating the converter and to increase efficiency of the SCC. According to some aspects, a control method is used to switch converter switches under zero-voltage conditions. According to some aspects, a control method is used to switch converter switches under zero-current conditions.