Voltage Converter Parallel Circuit Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voltage converters require high design effort and costs due to the need for independent controllers to handle varying input voltages, leading to increased power loss and complexity in applications like photovoltaic power generation where input voltages are similar but not identical.
Innovation Solution
A voltage converter design featuring a parallel connection of multiple controllers with a first capacitor and a series-connected second capacitor, where the second capacitor's voltage is less than or equal to the smallest input voltage, allowing only differential voltage conversion and reducing the need for components to handle the entire intermediate circuit voltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If independent controllers are used for each voltage source to handle varying input voltages, then voltage conversion capability is improved, but design complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple independent controllers are merged into a single controller that manages all voltage sources through a common control unit. The control unit receives feedback from all sources and coordinates their operation, eliminating the need for separate controllers while maintaining voltage conversion capability across all sources.
Solution Approach 2:
A single controller is designed to handle multiple voltage sources with different voltage levels through universal control algorithms. The controller can adaptively manage any combination of input voltages by dynamically adjusting duty cycles and switching sequences, making it versatile for varying input conditions without requiring source-specific design.
2Reliability
If independent controllers are used for each voltage source, then voltage regulation is improved, but power loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple controllers are merged into one coordinated control system that manages all voltage sources. This reduces the total number of switching operations and control overhead, thereby reducing cumulative power losses while maintaining effective voltage regulation through centralized monitoring and control.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified controller ensures continuous and coordinated operation of all voltage sources, optimizing the timing and sequence of switching operations. This continuous coordination minimizes idle switching events and reduces energy losses compared to independent controllers that may operate suboptimally or independently.
3Adaptability or versatility
If controllers are designed for the entire input voltage range, then voltage conversion flexibility is improved, but component cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage conversion process is segmented into multiple stages, with each stage handling a specific voltage range or transformation. The single controller manages these segmented stages sequentially or in parallel, allowing components to be designed for narrower voltage ranges rather than the entire input voltage spectrum, thereby reducing component costs while maintaining overall flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediate voltage bus or common rail is introduced as a mediator between multiple voltage sources and the load. The single controller regulates each source to this intermediate level, which then feeds the final output stage. This intermediary approach allows controllers and components to operate at standardized voltage levels, reducing the need for high-voltage-rated expensive components while maintaining flexibility.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a voltage converter (1) comprising a first parallel circuit of a first capacitor (C1) having a number of N >= 1 parallel connected actuators having N-input voltages (U1...Un) and N-input currents (I1... In). The invention is characterized in that a second capacitor (C2) is connected in series to the first parallel circuit, wherein the capacitor voltage is (UC2) smaller than or equal to the smallest input voltage (U1...Un) of the actuator.