Reconfigurable Single-Inductor Multiport Converter Without Cross-Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multiport DC-DC power converters face challenges such as cross-regulation issues due to the use of a single inductor, reduced power density, increased electromagnetic interference, and limited flexibility in integrating regenerative loads, making them unsuitable for hybrid energy systems with renewable sources.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable single-inductor multiport converter design that minimizes magnetic components by using a single inductor and auxiliary ports, which can be configured as input or output ports, allowing for bidirectional power flow and simplifying control design to avoid cross-regulation among output ports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple inductors are used in multiport converters, then cross-regulation problems are reduced, but power density decreases and electromagnetic interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple inductor functions into a single shared inductor that serves all input and output ports simultaneously. This consolidation eliminates the electromagnetic interference and space issues associated with multiple separate inductors while maintaining cross-regulation performance through careful circuit topology design where the single inductor is strategically positioned to couple all ports.
Solution Approach 2:
The single inductor is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as the energy storage element for all input ports, all output ports, and enables bidirectional power flow. This universal component replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized inductors, achieving both compactness and functional completeness.
2Device complexity
If a single inductor is used in multiport converters, then power density increases and component count decreases, but cross-regulation problems arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the circuit into distinct input cells and output cells that share the common inductor. Each cell is independently designed with its own switching elements and capacitors, allowing independent control of each port while sharing the magnetic component. This segmentation enables simple control strategies for each cell without requiring complex coordinated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The single inductor acts as an intermediary energy storage element that mediates power transfer between all input and output ports. By positioning the inductor as the central coupling element, the patent enables energy exchange between any ports while maintaining isolation between control circuits, thus avoiding cross-regulation issues despite the shared component.
3Reliability
If fixed-structure multiport converters are used, then cross-regulation is managed, but flexibility in integrating regenerative loads is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfigurability by introducing switching elements that can change the circuit topology in real-time. Each port can be dynamically switched between input and output modes, and the inductor can be dynamically connected to different cells based on power flow requirements. This dynamic structure enables seamless integration of regenerative loads while maintaining cross-regulation performance through appropriate switching 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
The solution provides a low-cost, flexible power conversion system capable of handling multiple sources and loads, including regenerative loads, while reducing the complexity of control strategies and minimizing electromagnetic interference, thus enhancing the converter's performance and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
a single inductor, a primary input cell including a primary input port and configured to share the inductor and work with the inductor to form the primary input cell
Implementation Method 2
a primary output cell including a primary output capacitor and a primary output port configured to work with the primary output capacitor to form the primary output cell
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a reconfigurable single-inductor multiport converters comprising a single inductor, a primary input port, a primary output port and a plurality of reconfigurable cells, each including a bidirectional port which is reconfigurable to be an auxiliary input port configured to share the inductor and work with the inductor to form an input cell or an auxiliary output port configured to work with a corresponding capacitor to form an output cell; and a plurality of switches arranged for facilitating the bidirectional port to act as auxiliary input port or auxiliary output port; and regulating bidirectional power flowing through the bidirectional port. The present invention provides a simple and low-cost solution for integrating multiple sources and loads simultaneously. The adoption of single-inductor design minimizes the use of magnetic components and the independent output cells configuration avoids cross-regulation problem among output ports, which simplifies the control design.