Single-Inductor Power Converter for Three-Port Battery Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional three-port battery chargers require at least two inductors, making them bulky, and operate with a two-step energy transfer process that limits efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A power management circuit with a switching converter and a single inductor, controlled by a controller to generate error signals and switch between modes, allowing efficient energy distribution to multiple outputs using a single inductor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If at least two inductors are used in conventional three-port battery chargers, then the device can charge multiple devices simultaneously, but the device becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple inductor functions into a single inductor by using switching circuitry that dynamically configures the inductor to serve multiple purposes. The single inductor is shared between different charging paths through controlled switching, eliminating the need for separate inductors for each charging port while maintaining the ability to charge multiple devices simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The single inductor is designed to perform multiple functions by being dynamically reconfigured through switching circuitry. The same inductor can be connected to different ports and operate in different modes (buck, boost, or bidirectional) depending on the charging requirements, making it a universal energy storage element that replaces multiple specialized inductors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a two-step energy transfer process is used in conventional chargers, then energy can be transferred to a charger battery and then to the mobile device, but the charging efficiency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous energy transfer from the input source directly to the mobile device through the single inductor and switching circuitry, eliminating the intermittent two-step process. The switching controller continuously manages power flow to maintain direct energy transfer while the battery can simultaneously charge or discharge as needed, reducing energy loss from repeated charge/discharge cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different operating modes (direct charging, battery charging, battery discharging) based on real-time conditions. The switching circuitry can reconfigure the circuit topology on-the-fly to optimize energy transfer paths, allowing the system to adapt between direct power transfer and battery-mediated transfer without the fixed two-step limitation.
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 reduces bulkiness and enhances efficiency by enabling flexible operation modes that optimize energy distribution to multiple outputs, maintaining required voltage levels.
Implementation Method 1
a single inductor, the single inductor being provided between a first switching node of the first set of switches and a second switching node of the second set of switches
Data Source
AI summary
A method of managing power and a power management circuit are presented. The power management circuit includes a three terminals switching converter coupled to a controller. The switching converter has a single inductor and two sets of switches. The first set of switches is coupled to an input terminal. The second set of switches is coupled to a battery terminal. The single inductor is provided between a first switching node and a second switching node. A controller is configured to generate a first error signal, and a second error signal and to provide the inductor current to the second terminal when the second error signal is greater than the first error signal or to the third terminal when the second error signal is less than the first error signal.