Electric power conversion systems – Current conversion – Having plural converters for single conversion
Reexamination Certificate
2000-05-05
2001-06-05
Berhane, Adolf Deneke (Department: 2838)
Electric power conversion systems
Current conversion
Having plural converters for single conversion
C323S222000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06243277
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to an improved DC to DC converter circuit, more particularly relates to a bi-directional DC to DC converter, and even more particularly relates to a DC to DC converter capable of both charging and discharging an energy storage component and capable of providing an uninterrupted supply of operating power to a system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
DC to DC power converters accept an input voltage and convert it to a variable or fixed output voltage. They are used, for example, in consumer, industrial, aerospace and telecommunications applications. Some types are used in the energy storage modules of sensitive or critical electronic equipment.
Energy storage modules are often used to provide a backup supply voltage. A DC to DC power converter is used in these modules to transfer power from a primary power source to a storage component. When the system's primary power input is lost, the stored energy is supplied by the energy storage module to prevent, for a time, a disruptive shut off.
One type of known unidirectional DC to DC converter is a buck converter. In a buck converter, the input voltage is always greater than the output voltage. In a second type of uni-directional DC to DC converter, called a boost converter, the input voltage is always less than the output voltage. In yet a third type of converter, the buck-boost converter, an output voltage either greater than or less than the input voltage can be obtained.
A drawback of uni-directional converters, as far as their use in energy storage modules is concerned, is that their electrical circuits are not capable of bi-directional operation. They can operate in a charging mode or a discharging mode, but they cannot be switched between the two modes. If it is desired to include both functionalities, two circuits, one for charging and one for discharging, are required. This increases the size, complexity and expense of the converter.
FIG. 1
depicts a known bi-directional DC to DC converter. The inductive component of this converter receives an input current from the V
1
input even when the left-most switch is open. Such converters have a large inrush current at start up and are difficult to control. In addition, a large duty cycle variation in both the charging and discharging modes causes them to be inefficient.
FIG. 2
depicts a known bi-directional full bridge DC to DC converter used for high voltage applications. This converter, however, requires eight switch components. As a result, it is larger and more complex than is desired.
Consequently, there exists a need for a smaller, more efficient bi-directional DC to DC converter. Further, there exists a need for a user-definable, bi-directional DC to DC converter, having a faster response time, no inrush current problem, and suitable for uninterrupted power supply applications.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved bi-directional DC to DC converter and control structure for an energy storage application.
It is a feature of the present invention to utilize a circuit containing two separate paths, one for a charging application and the other for a discharging application.
It is an advantage of the present invention to enable construction of an energy storage module having a small size and high efficiency.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a user-definable bi-directional energy storage module that does not have an inrush current.
It is another feature of the present invention to utilize a control structure for controlling the bi-directional DC to DC converter.
It is another advantage of the present invention to provide a controlled and definable charging and discharging system.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a bi-directional energy storage module for an energy storage application storing energy at a voltage that is much higher than the input voltage.
It is yet another feature of the present invention to utilize a circuit containing two separate paths and a transformer.
It is yet another advantage of the present invention to provide a controlled and definable charging and discharging system that does not have an inrush current.
The present invention involves an improved bi-directional energy storage module and a method for using and controlling such. It is carried out in a controlled, “inrush-less” manner in the sense that there is no inrush current when the circuit is first activated. The invention has several useful applications, including capacitor charging and discharging and also battery charging or discharging as utilized in an energy storage module of an uninterrupted power supply.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4736151 (1988-04-01), Dishner
patent: 4801859 (1989-01-01), Dishner
patent: 5404092 (1995-04-01), Gegner
patent: 6069804 (2000-05-01), Ingman et al.
LTC 1625, -5V/4.5A Positive to Negative Converter, 1999 Linear Databook, Volume VII, Linear Technology Corp., p. 4-606.
Jenkins Daniel E.
Peterson Brent C.
Sun Jian
Berhane Adolf Deneke
Eppele Kyle
Jensen Nathan O.
O'Shaughnessy J. P.
Rockwell Collins, Inc.
LandOfFree
Bi-directional dc to dc converter for energy storage... does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Bi-directional dc to dc converter for energy storage..., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Bi-directional dc to dc converter for energy storage... will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2445760