Universal power conversion methods and systems

摘要

Universal electrical power conversion methods and systems which may provide the combined capabilities of symmetrical and asymmetrical conversion, bidirectionality, and simplicity are provided. In some cases, the converter charges an inductor connected in parallel between a regulated port and an unregulated port using energy stored by a capacitor positioned in parallel between the inductor and one of the ports until the inductor has a level of current stored that corresponds to the change in voltage desired at the regulated port, then discharges stored energy into the other port until a current cutoff threshold level is reached in the inductor. Creating an LC tank circuit during conversion allows conversion processes to traverse sinusoidal discharge patterns. In some embodiments, the inductor is precharged with current to affect the discharge of the inductor. Multiple ports can be connected and disconnected from the same inductor with these methods and systems.

主权项

1. A method of power conversion in a power converter having a voltage regulated capacitor and an unregulated voltage capacitor, the voltage regulated capacitor having a present voltage, the present voltage having a magnitude and a polarity, the method comprising the steps of:
a. determining a target voltage, the target voltage having a magnitude and a polarity; b. determining the polarity of the present voltage and the polarity of the target voltage; and c. if the polarity of the present voltage matches the polarity of the target voltage,
i. charging an inductor using a starting-side capacitor until the inductor has an initial target energy, wherein the starting-side capacitor is the voltage regulated capacitor if the magnitude of the present voltage is greater than the magnitude of the target voltage, or else the starting-side capacitor is the unregulated voltage capacitor,ii. disconnecting the starting-side capacitor from the inductor, andiii. discharging the inductor into an ending-side capacitor until the inductor has a final target energy, wherein the ending-side capacitor is the unregulated voltage capacitor if the magnitude of the present voltage is greater than the magnitude of the target voltage, or else the ending-side capacitor is the voltage regulated capacitor, and d. if the polarity of the present voltage does not match the polarity of the target voltage value, connecting an inductor to the voltage regulated capacitor until the present voltage has crossed zero and until the inductor has a final target energy.