Variable-Inductor Voltage Converter for Load-Dependent Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voltage converters with variable inductors face challenges in maintaining efficient voltage conversion across varying load conditions, struggling to optimize efficiency when load currents are either low or high.
Innovation Solution
A voltage converter design that includes a switching device, a variable inductor, and a capacitor, with a control circuit that dynamically adjusts the inductance value and control mode of the variable inductor based on the load current, switching to a higher inductance value for low loads to reduce AC loss and to a lower inductance value for high loads to minimize DC loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed inductance value is used in the voltage converter, then the device complexity is reduced, but the voltage conversion efficiency deteriorates under varying load conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the inductance value adjustable rather than fixed. The variable inductor device changes its inductance value based on operating conditions (load current and input/output voltage ratio), allowing the system to adapt to varying loads and maintain high conversion efficiency across different operating points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the inductance parameter dynamically according to operating conditions. The control circuit adjusts the inductance value based on the load current and input/output voltage ratio, optimizing the voltage conversion efficiency for each operating condition without requiring complex additional components.
2Ease of operation
If a single inductance value is selected for constant input/output voltage ratio, then the control simplicity is improved, but the efficiency at both low and high load currents deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the inductance value based on load current levels. The control circuit monitors the load current and automatically selects appropriate inductance values, maintaining control simplicity while achieving high efficiency at both low and high load conditions through automatic adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The inductance parameter is changed according to load current and voltage ratio conditions. The control circuit implements parameter switching based on predefined thresholds and operating conditions, achieving efficient control at varying loads without complicating the overall control architecture.
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 approach enhances voltage conversion efficiency across both low and high load conditions by optimizing inductance values and control methods, resulting in improved performance compared to traditional PWM and PFM control methods.
Implementation Method 1
a variable inductor device that is disposed between an input line and an output line... to convert an input voltage on the input line to an output voltage on the output line
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage converter is provided that includes a variable inductor device that is disposed between an input line and an output line, a switching device that is disposed between the input line and the variable inductor device, a capacitor that is disposed between the output line and a ground line and a control circuit configured to switch an inductance value of the variable inductor device and to switch a control mode of the switching device according to a load current in the output line. The control circuit is configured to set the inductance value of the variable inductor device to a first value when the load current is less than a threshold value and set the inductance value of the variable inductor device to a second value that is smaller than the first value when the load current is higher than the threshold value.