Stacked Rectifier Circuits With Inductive Isolation for High-Voltage Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power conversion technologies face challenges in generating high-voltage outputs while maintaining component safety and efficiency, particularly in applications requiring portability and high performance across various fields such as medical, environmental, and aerospace.
Innovation Solution
The use of multiple stacked rectifier circuits with inductive isolation and air-core transformers to achieve high output voltages beyond the voltage breakdown rating of individual components, enabling the generation of several kilovolts with DC-isolation and efficient power conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple rectifier circuits are stacked to generate high output voltage, then the output voltage capability is improved, but the voltage stress on individual components increases beyond their breakdown ratings
Solution Approach 1:
The power conversion system is divided into multiple independent rectifier circuits (first rectifier circuit, second rectifier circuit, etc.), each operating within its own voltage breakdown rating. These segmented circuits are stacked in series to achieve high output voltage without over-stressing individual components. Each rectifier circuit includes its own inductive isolation circuit, allowing independent operation and voltage contribution to the total output.
Solution Approach 2:
Inductive isolation circuits (including air-core transformers) are introduced as intermediary elements between the front-end driver circuitry and the rectifier circuits, and between stacked rectifier circuits. These intermediaries provide galvanic isolation and voltage transformation, enabling each rectifier circuit to operate at its rated voltage while contributing to a higher total output voltage through series stacking.
2Power
If DC-isolation capacitors are used to isolate rectifier circuits, then the voltage rating limit is improved, but the isolation capability is insufficient for high-voltage applications
Solution Approach 1:
The isolation system uses a composite approach combining DC-isolation capacitors with inductive isolation circuits (air-core transformers). The capacitors provide basic DC blocking, while the inductive isolation circuits provide enhanced galvanic isolation and voltage transformation capability. This composite isolation system achieves both high voltage rating capability and sufficient isolation capability for high-voltage applications.
3Power
If inductive isolation circuits are added between rectifier circuits, then the isolation and voltage multiplication capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inductive isolation circuits (air-core transformers) serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide galvanic isolation between circuit stages, enable voltage transformation to achieve voltage multiplication, and facilitate power transfer between stages. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate isolation and voltage transformation components, thereby managing device complexity while achieving high isolation and voltage multiplication capability.
4Power
If multiple rectifier circuits are cascaded in series, then the output voltage is improved, but the manufacturing and assembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into modular rectifier circuit units, each with its own inductive isolation circuit and rectifier components. These standardized modules can be manufactured independently and then assembled in series to achieve the desired output voltage. This segmentation approach simplifies manufacturing and assembly compared to building a single complex high-voltage circuit, as each module can be tested and validated independently before integration.
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 configuration allows for the generation of output voltages greater than twice the voltage rating of DC-isolation capacitors, enhancing portability and performance while ensuring component safety, making it suitable for applications requiring high-voltage and fast transient responses.
Implementation Method 1
The first circuit includes an first inductive isolation circuit to be driven in response to power from the at least one AC signal and a first rectifier circuit
Implementation Method 2
The first rectifier circuit responds to the first inductive isolation circuit by outputting a first rectified signal
Implementation Method 3
To achieve a higher output voltage, various embodiments include an air-core transformer which acts as an additional DC-isolation barrier
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus including direct-current (DC)-alternating-current (AC) inverter circuitry, first and second circuits, and output circuitry. The DC-AC inverter circuitry inverts a DC input signal corresponding to an input voltage to an AC signal. The first circuit and second circuits respectively include inductive isolation circuits driven in response to power from the at least one AC signal, and rectifier circuits that responds to the inductive isolation circuits by outputting first and second rectified signals, where at least one of the first and second rectifier circuits characterized as being limited by a voltage breakdown rating. The output circuitry provides a DC output voltage signal and to cascade a plurality of signals, including the first and second rectified signals, to provide a voltage source that is dependent on the first and second rectified signals and greater than voltage breakdown rating.