Switching Power Supply with Segmented Half-Bridge Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switching power supply units face challenges in enhancing power conversion efficiency, particularly in DC-DC converters, where the efficiency of voltage conversion remains a concern.
Innovation Solution
A switching power supply unit is designed with a configuration that includes multiple transformers, specific arrangements of switching devices and capacitors in the switching circuit, and rectifying devices in the rectifying smoothing circuit, along with a driver for controlling the switching devices, allowing for efficient voltage conversion through strategic coupling and phase control of secondary windings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional switching power supply configuration is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but power conversion efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the switching power supply circuit into multiple independent half-bridge circuits (first, second, and third half-bridge circuits), each with its own switching devices and capacitors. This segmentation allows each module to operate optimally, reducing overall energy loss while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines three half-bridge circuits to form a complete switching power supply system. By merging these circuits with transformers and rectifying circuits, the system achieves high power conversion efficiency through coordinated operation of multiple components, resolving the contradiction between efficiency and complexity.
2Loss of energy
If higher-rated switching devices are used to improve efficiency, then power conversion efficiency increases, but device cost and heat generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the power handling across three half-bridge circuits, each switching device operates at lower stress levels. This allows use of standard-rated devices rather than high-power devices, reducing heat generation and cost while maintaining high overall efficiency through the combined system operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional transformer configuration is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but voltage conversion range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses three separate transformers (or transformer windings) instead of a single transformer, allowing independent optimization of each winding for different voltage conversion ratios. This enables wide voltage conversion range while keeping each transformer module simple and manageable.
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 enhances power conversion efficiency by minimizing losses, reducing the need for higher-rated devices, and widening the voltage range, while also reducing heat generation and costs, thus improving the overall performance of the switching power supply unit.
Implementation Method 1
first to third primary windings and first to third secondary windings that form three transformers
Implementation Method 2
first and second capacitors coupled in series to one another through a third connection point
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(A)~2(C)
Figure 3~3(S)
AI summary
A switching power supply unit (1, 1A, 1B, 1C) includes input terminals (T1, T2), output terminals (T3, T4), first to third primary windings (311, 321, 331) and first to third secondary windings (312, 322, 332), a switching circuit (2, 2A, 2B, 2C), a rectifying smoothing circuit (4, 4A, 4C, 4D, 4E), and a driver (5). In the switching circuit (2, 2A, 2B, 2C), first and second switching devices (S1, S2), third and fourth switching devices (S3, S4), and first and second capacitors (C51, C52), coupled in series to one another, are disposed in parallel between the input terminals (T1, T2). In the rectifying smoothing circuit (4, 4A, 4C, 4D, 4E), first to third arms, each having two of rectifying devices (411, 412, 421, 422, 431, 432) disposed in series, are disposed in parallel between the output terminals (T3, T4), the first secondary winding (312) is coupled between the first and the second arms to form an H-bridge coupling, the second and the third secondary windings (322, 332) are coupled between the second and the third arms to form an H-bridge coupling, and a choke coil (Lch) is disposed between the first to the third arms and an output capacitor (Cout).