Efficient power conversion.

摘要

A power conversion apparatus consisting of boost conversion elements for effecting a boost conversion of power originating from a varying voltage source and additional conversion elements for also effecting conversion of power originating from the varying voltage source is disclosed. Circuitry selectively configures the conversion elements with respect to delivery of power to a load to achieve greater conversion efficiency than if all of the power delivered to the load were constrained to flow through the additional conversion elements and at least some of the boost conversion elements. Also disclosed is a power conversion scheme in which power is converted from a voltage source having a predetermined source voltage range, and delivered to a load via two sets of power conversion elements. Each set effects conversion of power from the voltage source. At least one of the sets has an input operating voltage range narrower than the source voltage range. The apparatus includes control circuitry for configuring and reconfiguring interconnections of the two sets with the voltage source and the load to provide an input operating voltage range for the apparatus which is greater than the input operating range of the set of power conversion elements having the narrower input operating voltage range. A way of enhancing the input voltage operating range for a power conversion circuit which has two sets of power conversion elements arranged to share power delivered to a load is also described. The circuit is selectively configured with the two sets in series or not in series in a manner so that the input voltage operating range of the power conversion circuit is broader than the input voltage operating range of either of the sets of power conversion elements.