Resonant Power Supply Voltage Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Resonant power supplies have output voltages that depend on the impedance of the electrical load, leading to instability and variability in voltage delivery.

Innovation Solution

A power supply design featuring a transformer with a leakage inductor and a magnetizing current regulation circuit that alternates between magnetizing and demagnetizing states, forming a resonant circuit with an output capacitor to maintain a constant output voltage, independent of load impedance, by ensuring the output voltage describes a sine wave that passes through its median value.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If resonant power supply is used for zero voltage switching, then switching losses are reduced, but output voltage becomes dependent on load impedance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching lossesVSAvoidoutput voltage stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by implementing a resonant circuit that operates in periodic cycles, utilizing the natural resonance frequency of the LC circuit to achieve zero voltage switching at regular intervals. The switch is controlled to turn on when the resonant capacitor voltage reaches zero, which occurs periodically during the resonance cycle, thereby reducing switching losses while maintaining voltage stability through controlled periodic operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the resonant circuit parameters (inductance L and capacitance C) to maintain a constant resonant frequency that is independent of load impedance. By carefully selecting and maintaining specific parameter relationships (where the resonant frequency equals the switching frequency), the system achieves both reduced switching losses and stable output voltage despite variations in load conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If output capacitor value is increased to store more electrical energy, then voltage stability improves, but device complexity and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage stabilityVSAvoidcapacitor value
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the principle of mechanical vibration by utilizing electrical resonance in the LC circuit, where the capacitor and inductor oscillate energy back and forth at a specific resonant frequency. This resonant oscillation allows the system to maintain voltage stability through the natural energy exchange between the capacitor and inductor, eliminating the need for excessively large capacitor values while achieving reliable voltage regulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary resonant inductor into the circuit between the voltage source and the load. This intermediary component, combined with the output capacitor, forms a resonant circuit that actively manages energy storage and release, providing voltage stability without requiring the output capacitor alone to be excessively large. The resonant inductor acts as a mediator that works synergistically with the capacitor to maintain stable voltage output.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 effectively reduces the influence of load impedance on output voltage, maintaining a constant average voltage and minimizing variations, thereby providing stable voltage delivery across varying load conditions.

Implementation Method 1

an output capacitor connected to a secondary of the transformer so as to form a resonant circuit with the leakage inductor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentUS10355597B2Power supply and method for controlling a power supply
Publication Date: 2019.07.16 VALEO EQUIP ELECTRIC MOTEUR
  • US10355597B2 patent drawing
  • US10355597B2 patent drawing
  • US10355597B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A power supply having a transformer, a magnetizing current regulation circuit, and a device for controlling the regulation circuit intended to switch the regulation circuit alternately from the magnetizing state to the demagnetizing state is disclosed. The control device is intended to prolong the magnetization phase for a magnetization time (TF). The power supply also includes an output capacitor connected to a secondary of the transformer so as to form a resonant circuit with the leakage inductor, the voltage between the terminals of the output capacitor corresponding to the output voltage (VS) of the power supply. The magnetization time (TF) and the value of the output capacitor are such that, on the resonance portion of the magnetization phase, the output voltage (VS) describes a sine wave portion and, starting from an initial value (VS0) below the median value of the sine wave, passes through said median value.