Soft-Switching Power Converter for Wide Input Voltage Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing isolated intermediate bus converters face limitations in adapting to a wider range of input voltages, leading to increased volume and energy loss due to the need for continuous energy storage and release by energy storage elements like inductors.
Innovation Solution
A non-isolated power converter design that includes a first bridge arm with series-connected switches, a second bridge arm with series-connected capacitors, and a transformer configuration using windings to achieve soft switching and efficient voltage transformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the input voltage range is widened by increasing energy storage capacity, then the adaptability to input voltage is improved, but the volume and energy loss of the energy storage element increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the energy storage inductor by implementing soft switching techniques. By controlling the switching timing and utilizing resonant currents, the inductor operates in a soft switching mode that allows wider input voltage adaptation without increasing inductor size. This parameter change enables the same inductor to handle broader voltage ranges efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional hard switching mechanisms with soft switching control. Instead of using mechanical or conventional electronic switching that requires larger energy storage components for wide voltage ranges, the invention uses controlled electromagnetic resonance and soft switching waveforms to achieve the same adaptability with reduced component size.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the input voltage range is widened by increasing energy storage capacity, then the adaptability to input voltage is improved, but the energy loss of the energy storage element increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the switching parameters and operational characteristics of the energy storage inductor. By implementing soft switching with controlled current waveforms and resonant operation, the inductor achieves wider voltage adaptation while minimizing copper losses and core losses. The parameter optimization ensures efficient operation across the extended voltage range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes traditional hard switching with soft switching control mechanisms. This replacement eliminates the high current spikes and voltage overshoots associated with hard switching, thereby reducing energy losses in the inductor while maintaining wide input voltage adaptability through controlled electromagnetic resonance.
3Reliability
If traditional isolated power converters are used for safety and efficiency, then the power supply reliability is improved, but the device volume and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the isolation function from the power converter topology. By removing the traditional isolated transformer and using a non-isolated intermediate bus converter architecture, the design achieves reduced volume while maintaining power supply reliability through alternative safety mechanisms and controlled switching operations that ensure efficient and safe power conversion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a multi-functional converter topology that combines voltage conversion, energy storage, and control functions in a unified non-isolated architecture. This universal design eliminates the need for separate isolation components, reducing overall device volume while maintaining reliability through integrated control and soft switching techniques.
4Reliability
If traditional isolated power converters are used for safety and efficiency, then the power supply reliability is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes hard switching with soft switching control, replacing energy-intensive conventional switching operations with resonance-based soft switching. This substitution significantly reduces switching losses and conduction losses in the power converter, lowering overall energy consumption while maintaining power supply reliability through controlled and efficient power conversion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes operational parameters including switching frequency, current waveforms, and voltage control strategies. By changing these parameters to enable soft switching and resonant operation, the converter achieves lower energy losses while maintaining the safety and efficiency required for reliable power supply operation.
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 proposed power converter achieves efficient voltage transformation and reduced energy loss by utilizing soft switching techniques and a transformer configuration, while minimizing the need for energy storage elements, thus addressing the limitations of traditional isolated converters.
Implementation Method 1
a first winding connected between a first node and a second node... a second winding and a third winding configured such that an opposite-polarity terminal of the second winding is connected to a common-polarity terminal of the third winding, and the first winding, the second winding and the third winding define a transformer by taking the first winding as a primary side
Implementation Method 2
an inductor connected in series with the first winding between the first node and the second node
Data Source
AI summary
A power converter includes a first bridge arm and a second bridge arm connected in parallel between a voltage input terminal and a voltage output terminal, a first winding and an inductor connected in series between first and second nodes, a second winding and a third winding connected in series, a third switch connected between the second winding and a ground, and a fourth switch connected between the third winding and the ground. The first bridge arm includes first and second switches connected in series. The second bridge arm includes first and second capacitors connected in series. The first node is on a path connecting the first switch and the second switch, and the second node is on a path connecting the first capacitor and the second capacitor. The first to third windings define a transformer.