Variable Inductor Voltage Converter Ripple Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voltage converters experience increased losses due to ripple increase during high-load conditions, which is not effectively addressed by existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
A voltage converter with a variable inductor and capacitor forming an LC filter, where the inductance value of the inductor is adjusted based on the input/output voltage ratio using a control unit to reduce ripple current and improve energy conversion efficiency across varying load conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a small-sized inductor with small inductance value is used to reduce footprint, then the device size is reduced, but ripple current increases during high-load conditions causing increased loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the inductance value adjustable rather than fixed. The inductor is designed with a variable inductance characteristic that allows it to adapt its inductance value based on operating conditions. During high-load conditions, the inductance increases to reduce ripple current and energy loss, while during low-load conditions, the inductance decreases to maintain a compact footprint. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between small size and low loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the inductance parameter of the inductor based on operating conditions. By controlling the inductance value to vary with load conditions, the system optimizes performance across different operating ranges. The inductance parameter is adjusted to be small during low-load conditions for compactness and large during high-load conditions to reduce ripple and loss, thereby resolving the technical contradiction.
2Device complexity
If a fixed inductance value is used, then the device structure is simple, but energy conversion efficiency cannot be optimized across varying load conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static inductor into a dynamic component whose inductance can vary. This is achieved through a special inductor structure that inherently provides variable inductance characteristics, allowing the system to optimize energy conversion efficiency across different load conditions without requiring complex external control circuits or multiple inductors.
Solution Approach 2:
The variable inductor serves multiple functions: it acts as a compact inductor during low-load conditions and as a high-inductance inductor during high-load conditions. This multi-functionality allows a single component to address both compactness requirements and efficiency requirements across varying operating conditions, reducing the need for additional components.
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
The solution effectively reduces ripple current and voltage, enhancing energy conversion efficiency during both low-load and high-load conditions by dynamically adjusting the inductance value of the inductor, thereby minimizing losses.
Implementation Method 1
the variable capacitor and the variable inductor form an LC filter having a specific LC resonant frequency
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage converter with which energy conversion efficiency can be improved during not only low-load conditions but also high-load conditions. A step-down DC-DC converter includes a tapped inductor and a capacitor. The inductor and the capacitor form an LC filter. The inductor and a switching element form a variable inductor having a changeable inductance value. The capacitor and a variable DC voltage source form a variable capacitor having a changeable capacitance value. A control unit changes the inductance value of the variable inductor in accordance with an input/output voltage ratio Vin/Vout between a DC input voltage and a DC output voltage. The control unit changes the capacitance value of the variable capacitor to a capacitance value with which an LC resonant frequency is maintained constant when changing the inductance value of the variable inductor.