Shared DC-DC Multi-Input Power Conversion With Selective PFC Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dual-input switching power converters require two PFC converters and two DC-to-DC converters, leading to high circuit cost and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A multi-input power system with at least two filter-rectification circuits, boost power factor correction circuits, a DC-to-DC conversion circuit, and a control circuit, which uses a single DC-to-DC conversion circuit to manage multiple input power sources, optimizing power factor correction and conversion efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two PFC converters and two DC-to-DC converters are used in dual-input switching power converter, then each converter can independently process its input power source, but the circuit cost and control complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two DC-to-DC converters into a single shared converter that processes conversion voltages from multiple PFC converters. This shared converter approach reduces component count and circuit complexity while maintaining the ability to handle multiple input power sources independently through selective activation of PFC converters based on power source status
Solution Approach 2:
The single DC-to-DC converter is designed with universal functionality to accept conversion voltages from any combination of the multiple PFC converters. The converter can operate with one or more PFC converters active, adapting to different power supply scenarios without requiring dedicated converters for each input source
2Power
If multiple DC-to-DC converters are used to handle multiple input power sources, then power conversion capability is sufficient, but the component volume and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple DC-to-DC converter functions are merged into a single shared converter unit. This converter handles power conversion for all input power sources by receiving conversion voltages from PFC converters selectively activated based on which power sources are available, thereby reducing total component volume and cost while maintaining adequate power conversion capability
3Device complexity
If a shared DC-to-DC conversion circuit is used for multiple boost PFC converters, then circuit cost and volume are reduced, but control complexity increases due to power source status management
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit implements feedback mechanisms that monitor the status of multiple power sources and automatically determine which PFC converters should be active. This feedback-based control manages the complexity of coordinating multiple PFC converters with a shared DC-to-DC converter by continuously adapting to power source availability without requiring complex manual control
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
Simplifies the power supply structure, reduces component cost and volume, and enhances conversion efficiency by selecting input power sources with higher voltages for main power supply, achieving higher efficiency and better power quality.
Implementation Method 1
The at least two filter-rectification circuits correspondingly receive the at least two input power sources, and convert the at least two input power sources into at least two rectified voltages
Implementation Method 2
The at least two boost power factor correction circuits correspondingly receive the at least two rectified voltages, and perform a power factor correction to the rectified voltages to provide a conversion voltage
Implementation Method 3
The DC-to-DC conversion circuit is connected to the at least two boost power factor correction circuits, and the DC-to-DC conversion circuit converts the conversion voltage into an output voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-input power system receives at least two input power sources, and includes at least two filter and rectification circuits, at least two boost PFC circuits, a DC-to-DC conversion circuit, and a control circuit. The filter and rectification circuits correspondingly receive the input power sources, and convert the input power sources into rectified voltages. The boost PFC circuits correspondingly receive the rectified voltages and perform a power factor correction on the rectified voltages to provide a conversion voltage. The DC-to-DC conversion circuit converts the conversion voltage into an output voltage. The control circuit receives power information corresponding to the input power sources and determines power supply status of the input power sources according to the power information to generate control signals. The control signals are provided to correspondingly control the boost PFC circuits to control the magnitude of the conversion voltage.