Resonant Tank Gate Drive With Energy Recirculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drive circuits for current-controlled semiconductor devices, such as SCRs and diodes, often rely on simple linear techniques that are inefficient and require feedback control, limiting their performance and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A resonant tank circuit apparatus with a voltage generator circuit that intermittently applies voltages to a load, using a series resonant tank circuit with transformers and capacitors, allowing energy to be recirculated back to the source, independent of the semiconductor device's gate voltage, and enabling efficient control of current-controlled semiconductor devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional linear drive circuits are used, then the circuit structure is simple, but the energy efficiency is poor and feedback control is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using a resonant tank circuit that operates in oscillating cycles, where energy is periodically transferred to the load and then returned to the voltage source. The switching circuit intermittently couples the voltage source to the resonant tank circuit for intervals equal to the resonant period, creating a periodic energy transfer process that eliminates energy dissipation and removes the need for feedback control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements discarding and recovering by having the resonant tank circuit return unused energy back to the voltage source. When energy is transferred to the resonant tank circuit but not transferred to the load during a given time interval, it is returned to the voltage source, effectively recovering energy that would otherwise be wasted in conventional linear circuits.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional linear drive circuits are used, then the circuit structure is simple, but the control flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The periodic operation of the resonant tank circuit allows for flexible control by adjusting the timing and duration of voltage application intervals. The voltage generator circuit can selectively couple the voltage source to the resonant tank circuit for controlled intervals, enabling adaptable control of the semiconductor device without requiring complex feedback mechanisms.
3Reliability
If voltage is continuously applied to the resonant tank circuit, then the semiconductor device can be driven, but energy is wasted and feedback control is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves stable operation through periodic action by applying voltage to the resonant tank circuit in intervals equal to its resonant period. This periodic application ensures the semiconductor device receives necessary drive signals while allowing the circuit to return energy to the source during non-active intervals, eliminating continuous energy wastage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains reliable operation by recovering energy during intervals when the semiconductor device does not require drive current. The unused energy stored in the resonant tank circuit is returned to the voltage source, preventing energy wastage while ensuring the device receives adequate drive signals during active intervals.
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
This approach provides efficient and flexible control of current-controlled semiconductor devices, reducing energy wastage and eliminating the need for feedback control, while maintaining stable operation across varying voltage conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a resonant tank circuit with a voltage generator circuit that intermittently applies voltages to a load, using a series resonant tank circuit with transformers and capacitors, allowing energy to be recirculated back to the source
Implementation Method 2
The series resonant tank circuit may include a transformer having a first winding coupled to the voltage generator circuit and a second winding coupled to the rectifier circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A resonant tank circuit has an output port configured to be coupled to a load comprising a current-controlled semiconductor device, such as a diode, thyristor, transistor or the like. A voltage generator circuit is configured to intermittently apply voltages to an input port of the resonant tank circuit in successive intervals having a duration equal to or greater than a resonant period of the resonant tank circuit. Such an arrangement may be used, for example, to drive a static switch.