Switched Capacitor Converter Variable Gain Voltage Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power converters, particularly inductor/transformer-based and switched-capacitor (SC) converters, face inefficiencies and complexity in achieving high power density and efficient voltage regulation, especially in renewable energy applications, due to increased switching frequency leading to power loss and heat issues, and limited conversion ratios and control complexity in SC converters.
Innovation Solution
The development of switched capacitor (SC) converters with at least two SC sub-circuits, one with variable gain to closely match the desired output voltage and another with high resolution discrete voltage steps, allowing for tight voltage control and high efficiency across a wide range of applications, eliminating the need for magnetic components and reducing weight and size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If switching frequency is increased to reduce magnetic component size, then power density is improved, but power loss increases due to hard switching operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/magnetic switching system (inductor-based hard switching) with a capacitor-based switching system that enables soft switching operations. This substitution eliminates the need for magnetic components and allows switching to occur when voltage across the switch is zero, thereby reducing power loss while maintaining high power density.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the switching operation mode from hard switching to soft switching by controlling the timing and sequence of switch operations. This parameter change allows the converter to operate with reduced voltage stress during switching transitions, minimizing power loss and heat generation while maintaining high-frequency operation for compact design.
2Loss of energy
If soft-switching techniques are employed to reduce power loss, then efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components and control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the soft-switching functionality into the basic converter topology by using coupled capacitors and coordinated switch control. The soft-switching mechanism is integrated into the fundamental operation of the converter rather than being added as a separate complex control system, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining efficiency improvements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal switched-capacitor converter topology that can achieve soft switching and multiple conversion ratios using the same basic circuit structure. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for additional components or complex control circuits that would be required for different operating modes, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining high efficiency.
3Measurement precision
If conventional SC converters are used for voltage regulation, then voltage control is achieved, but power efficiency decreases due to operation with capacitors at partially-charged state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuous full-charging of capacitors through coordinated switching sequences that maintain capacitors at optimal charge states throughout operation. By preventing partial charging conditions, the converter eliminates the inherent power losses associated with conventional SC voltage regulation while maintaining precise voltage control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a control mechanism that monitors capacitor charge states and adjusts switching sequences to maintain optimal operating conditions. This feedback control ensures capacitors operate at full charge during power transfer, maximizing efficiency while maintaining accurate voltage regulation through real-time adjustment of switching timing and sequence.
4Adaptability or versatility
If reconfigurable SC converters are used to increase conversion ratios, then adaptability is improved, but control complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic switching sequences that can be adjusted to achieve different conversion ratios using the same physical circuit structure. By dynamically changing the timing and sequence of switch operations rather than physically reconfiguring the circuit, the converter achieves high adaptability with minimal control complexity, as the same hardware can serve multiple conversion functions through software-controlled switching patterns.
Data Source
AI summary
Switched capacitor (SC) converters with excellent voltage regulation, high conversion efficiency, and good suitability fora wide range of applications are provided. An SC converter can include at least two SC sub-circuits, and at least one of these SC sub-circuits can be of variable gain. One SC sub-circuit can convert the input voltage of the SC converter to an output voltage close to the desired output voltage value for the SC converter, and another SC sub-circuit having variable gain can convert the input voltage to an output voltage with a high resolution of small discrete voltage steps.