Shared Magnetic Core Sections in Multiphase Power Converters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multiphase power converters face inefficiencies due to the separate magnetic cores in subconverters, leading to increased iron losses and higher costs, as they do not effectively share magnetic flux across phases.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a multiphase power converter design where subconverters share a magnetic core section, allowing the control circuit to operate input circuits at different phases, thereby reducing flux density and iron losses through time-sharing or overlapping phase operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate magnetic cores are used in each subconverter, then each subconverter can operate independently, but iron losses increase and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges separate magnetic cores into a shared magnetic core structure where multiple subconverters share common magnetic flux paths. The magnetic core is configured with windings from different subconverters coupled to shared magnetic flux, allowing multiple converters to operate simultaneously while reducing total iron losses compared to separate cores.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared magnetic core serves multiple functions simultaneously - it provides magnetic coupling for multiple subconverters, enables independent operation of each subconverter through phase control, and reduces overall iron losses by distributing flux density across a larger magnetic path. The control circuit operates input circuits with different phases to utilize the shared core efficiently.
2Ease of manufacture
If separate magnetic cores are used in each subconverter, then each subconverter has dedicated magnetic components, but cost increases and core material requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate magnetic cores into a single shared magnetic core structure that serves multiple subconverters. This merging reduces the total quantity of magnetic core material required while still providing dedicated winding paths for each subconverter, thereby reducing cost and material requirements.
3Ease of operation
If magnetic flux is not shared across phases, then each subconverter operates independently, but efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit operates input circuits of different subconverters with different phases, creating periodic action where magnetic flux from multiple phases combines in the shared core. This phased operation allows independent control of each subconverter while improving overall efficiency through constructive interference and reduced peak flux density in the shared magnetic core.
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 design reduces iron losses and increases efficiency by sharing magnetic flux across subconverters, resulting in cost savings and smaller core material requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic core coupling the input circuit to the output circuit
Implementation Method 2
reducing flux density and iron losses through time-sharing or overlapping phase operation
Data Source
AI summary
A multiphase power converter includes a plurality of subconverters and a control circuit. Each subconverter has an input circuit, an output circuit, and a magnetic core coupling the input circuit to the output circuit. The magnetic core of at least one of the plurality of subconverters has a core section that is shared by the magnetic core of another one of the plurality of subconverters. The control circuit is configured to operate the input circuits of the plurality of subconverters with different phases. The magnetic cores may be cores of a transformer, a coupled inductor, etc.