Semiconductor Voltage Transformation Structure Using Optoelectronic Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current DC voltage transformation technologies are inefficient and complex, leading to high energy loss and stability issues in power grids due to the need for AC-DC conversion and multiple transformation steps, which complicates the structure, increases costs, and results in low energy transmission efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor voltage transformation structure that converts DC electricity into light for transmission using an electricity-to-light conversion layer and back into DC electricity using a light-to-electricity conversion layer, with reflective layers to minimize light loss, and a reverse biased PN junction structure for isolation, allowing direct DC voltage transformation without electromagnetic radiation or coils.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If AC voltage transformation is used with electromagnetic fields and coils, then voltage transformation can be achieved, but the structure becomes complicated and energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional electromagnetic field-based voltage transformation (using coils and magnetic fields) with a semiconductor-based optoelectronic conversion system. The electricity-to-light conversion layer converts electrical energy to optical energy, which is then converted back to electrical energy by the light-to-electricity conversion layer, achieving voltage transformation without mechanical or electromagnetic moving parts, thereby reducing energy loss and structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light (optical energy) as an intermediary medium between the input and output electrical energy. The electricity-to-light conversion layer generates light from electrical energy, and the light-to-electricity conversion layer converts the light back to electrical energy at a different voltage level. This intermediary approach enables efficient energy transmission with minimal loss compared to direct electromagnetic transformation
2Loss of energy
If multiple conversion steps (DC to AC, transformation, AC to DC) are used, then voltage transformation can be achieved, but energy loss increases at each procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the voltage transformation function directly into the optoelectronic conversion process itself. By designing the electricity-to-light and light-to-electricity conversion layers with specific bandgap energy differences, the voltage transformation is achieved in a single integrated structure rather than through separate conversion and transformation steps, eliminating multiple energy conversion losses
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in material parameters (bandgap energy) to achieve voltage transformation. The electricity-to-light conversion layer uses materials with a specific bandgap to convert electrical energy to optical energy, and the light-to-electricity conversion layer uses materials with a different bandgap to convert optical energy back to electrical energy at a different voltage level, enabling direct DC voltage transformation without multiple conversion steps
3Reliability
If AC high voltage transmission is used, then power transmission can be achieved, but synchronization problems cause grid stability issues
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of transforming DC to AC for transmission and then back to DC (which creates synchronization problems), the patent inverts the approach by maintaining DC throughout the transmission process. The voltage transformation is achieved through optoelectronic conversion rather than electromagnetic conversion, eliminating the need for AC-DC conversion and the associated synchronization complexity, thereby improving grid stability
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 solution provides a more efficient, stable, and reliable DC voltage transformation with reduced energy loss, smaller volume, and increased safety, as it eliminates the need for complex AC-DC conversion and electromagnetic fields, while maintaining high voltage withstand and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
an electricity-to-light conversion layer formed on the first electrode layer... the first electrode layer, the electricity-to-light conversion layer and the second electrode layer form a semiconductor electricity-to-light conversion structure
Implementation Method 2
a light-to-electricity conversion layer formed on the third electrode layer... the third electrode layer, the light-to-electricity conversion layer and the fourth electrode layer form a semiconductor light-to-electricity conversion structure
Implementation Method 3
a first reflecting layer between the first electrode layer and the electricity-to-light conversion layer; and a second reflecting layer between the fourth electrode layer and the light-to-electricity conversion layer. A light is constrained to reflect forward and backward between the electricity-to-light conversion layer and the light-to-electricity conversion layer by the first reflecting layer and the second reflecting layer
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor voltage transformation structure is provided. The semiconductor voltage transformation structure includes: a first electrode layer ; an electricity-to-light conversion layer formed on the first electrode layer; a second electrode layer formed on the electricity-to-light conversion layer; a first isolation layer formed on the second electrode layer; a third electrode layer formed on the first isolation layer; a light-to-electricity conversion layer formed on the third electrode layer; and a fourth electrode layer formed on the light-to-electricity conversion layer, in which the first isolation layer, the second electrode layer and the third electrode layer are transparent to a working light emitted by the electricity-to-light conversion layer.