Switched-Capacitor Converter with Resonant Paths for Multi-Output Voltage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional switched-capacitor DC-DC converters face inefficiencies in converting input voltages, particularly in the range of 40 VDC to 60 VDC, due to hard switching issues, which can be mitigated by incorporating inductors, but this does not fully address the need for efficient energy conversion across multiple output voltages.
Innovation Solution
A switched-capacitor converter with multiple resonant circuit paths and a multi-winding transformer is used to convert input voltage into multiple output voltages, where the transformer's turn ratio controls the output voltages and a controller regulates the switching to achieve high efficiency and low energy loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If inductors are placed in series with capacitors to mitigate hard switching, then switching losses are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple resonant circuit paths into a single switched-capacitor converter architecture, merging the functions of multiple inductors and capacitors into an integrated structure that achieves soft switching without proportionally increasing component count or complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The resonant circuit paths serve multiple functions simultaneously: they enable soft switching to reduce losses, provide multiple output voltages through different transformation ratios, and maintain voltage regulation across varying load conditions, eliminating the need for separate circuits for each function
2Loss of energy
If a conventional switched-capacitor converter is configured for a specific voltage ratio (e.g., 4:1), then conversion efficiency is optimized for that ratio, but adaptability to different output voltages is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic controllability by enabling the switched-capacitor converter to adjust its transformation ratio and select different resonant circuit paths based on load requirements, transitioning from a fixed configuration to a dynamically adaptable system that maintains optimal efficiency across varying operating conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The converter is divided into multiple independent resonant circuit paths, each capable of providing different voltage transformation ratios. This segmentation allows the system to select or combine paths to achieve desired output voltages while maintaining efficiency optimized for each path's specific ratio
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 provides higher efficiency and lower energy loss during output voltage generation, enabling the conversion of input voltage into multiple output voltages effectively, improving power conversion efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
The transformer includes multiple windings to convert the input voltage into the first output voltage and the second output voltage
Implementation Method 2
The resonant tank circuit formed by a series connection of an inductor and capacitor has an associated resonant frequency that is based upon the inductance and capacitance of these components
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus such as a power supply system includes a switched-capacitor converter operative to receive an input voltage. The switched-capacitor converter includes multiple resonant circuit paths to convert the input voltage into a first output voltage and a second output voltage. A first output of the switched-capacitor converter is operative to output the first output voltage; a second output of the switched-capacitor converter is operative to output the second output voltage.