Description:BACKGROUND
Field of Invention
Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a capacitor convertor and particularly to a switched capacitor DC-DC convertor for a smart grid.
Description of Related Art
Power conversion technologies have been a fundamental aspect of electrical and electronic systems for many years. Various methodologies have been explored to achieve efficient voltage conversion, particularly in grid-connected systems. Traditional convertors have relied on transformer-based solutions and conventional switching techniques to regulate voltage levels and ensure stable power delivery. The evolution of power electronics has led to numerous circuit topologies aimed at addressing voltage regulation, efficiency, and size constraints.
The integration of renewable energy sources into modern power systems has introduced additional challenges in voltage regulation and power distribution. Energy sources such as solar and wind exhibit fluctuating voltage levels, requiring advanced conversion techniques to maintain stability and efficiency. Despite of the significant progress, there is no substantial and evident solutions in power stabilizers and converters suitable for grid systems targeted towards renewable energy sources. Further, size reduction and integration capabilities remain an area of development.
There is thus a need for an improved and advanced switched capacitor DC-DC convertor for a smart grid that can administer the aforementioned limitations in a more efficient manner.

SUMMARY
Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a switched capacitor DC-DC convertor for a smart grid. The system comprising a renewable energy source. The renewable energy source is selected from a wind energy, a solar energy, a tidal energy, or a combination thereof. The system further comprising a capacitor network including at least two capacitors. The system further comprising an inductor connected in series with the capacitors. The system further comprising a set of diodes adapted to regulate energy flow. The system further comprising a control circuit adapted to optimize voltage conversion and reduce ripple. The system further comprising a load resistor adapted to stabilize an output. The stabilization enhances voltage transformation and minimizes power losses. The system further comprising a processor. The processor is configured to receive energy from the renewable energy source; activate the control circuit to regulate duty cycles dynamically; switch a Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor (MOSFET)-based switching network using an opto-isolator controlled gate pulses; utilize the inductor and the capacitor network to balance an energy transfer; filter out distortions and ripple effects; and deliver a uniform output voltage to the load resistor.
Embodiments in accordance with the present invention further provide a method for operating a switched capacitor DC-DC convertor. The method comprising steps of receiving energy from a renewable energy source; activating a control circuit to regulate duty cycles dynamically; switching a Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor (MOSFET)-based switching network using an opto-isolator controlled gate pulses; utilizing an inductor and a capacitor network to balance energy transfer; filtering out distortions and ripple effects; and delivering a uniform output voltage to a load resistor.
Embodiments of the present invention may provide a number of advantages depending on their particular configuration. First, embodiments of the present application may provide a switched capacitor DC-DC convertor for a smart grid.
Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a switched capacitor that achieves higher voltage gain without requiring complex transformer-based solutions, making it suitable for applications demanding efficient power conversion.
Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a switched capacitor that minimizes energy losses, leading to improved overall efficiency compared to conventional convertors.
Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a switched capacitor that reduces voltage and current stress on components, enhancing the longevity and reliability of the system.
Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a switched capacitor that eliminates bulky components, resulting in a more compact and lightweight design suitable for space-constrained applications.
Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a switched capacitor that manages dynamic load variations, ensuring stable output voltage and improved performance under fluctuating conditions.
These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.
The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a switched capacitor DC-DC convertor for a smart grid, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2A illustrates a convertor structure, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2B illustrates an operational switch mode, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2C illustrates a switch blocking mode, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2D illustrates a table representing change of duty along with boundary and gains, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2E illustrates a graph representing a boundary value of the convertor, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2F illustrates a graph representing voltage gain of the convertor with respective duty cycles, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2G illustrates a continuous waveform of the convertor, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2H illustrates a discontinuous waveform of the convertor, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2I illustrates an implemented prototype of the convertor, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2J illustrates an applied power switch signals for the convertor, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2K illustrates an integrated source energy of the convertor, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2L illustrates a supplied energy uniformity of an inductor, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2M illustrates an inductive element voltage multiplier of the convertor, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2N illustrates an obtained load connected diode voltage of the convertor, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2O illustrates a stepped resistive load voltage and current consumption of the resistor, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of a method for operating a switched capacitor DC-DC convertor, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. Optional portions of the figures may be illustrated using dashed or dotted lines, unless the context of usage indicates otherwise.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising", "comprises”, and the like (which are synonymous with "including", "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of", “consists essentially of", and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of", "consists of”, the like.
As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.
FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a switched capacitor DC-DC convertor 100 (hereinafter referred to as the convertor 100) for a smart grid, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the convertor 100 may be adapted to non-uniform output voltage generated by a renewable energy source 102 to a uniform output voltage that may further be suitable for commercial and domestic utilization. The convertor 100 may further be adapted to filter out distortions and ripple effects in the output voltage generated by the renewable energy source 102. The renewable energy source 102 may be, but not limited to, a wind energy, a solar energy, a tidal energy, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the renewable energy source 102, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
According to the embodiments of the present invention, the convertor 100 may incorporate non-limiting hardware components to enhance the processing speed and efficiency such as the convertor 100 may comprise, a capacitor network 104, an inductor 106, a set of diodes 108, a control circuit 110, a load resistor 112, a processor 114, a Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor (MOSFET)-based switching network 116, and an opto-isolator 118. In an embodiment of the present invention, the hardware components of the convertor 100 may be integrated with computer-executable instructions for overcoming the challenges and the limitations of the existing systems.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the capacitor network 104 may include at least two capacitors. The capacitor network 104 may be adapted to carry out a voltage multiplier to improve a voltage profile of the renewable energy source 102. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, renewable energy source 102 may be solar and fuel stack convertors. Further, the capacitors in the capacitor network 104 may be adapted to store electrical charge.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the inductor 106 may be connected in series with the capacitors. The inductor 106 may be passively connected to the convertor 100. The inductor 106 may be adapted to store magnetic charge. The inductor 106 may be adapted to store energy to provide a filtering effect, reducing ripples introduced from an energy received from the renewable energy source 102. The inductor 106 may be adapted to suppress distortions from the renewable energy source 102, hence, improving the quality and stability of the uniform output voltage.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the set of diodes 108 may be adapted to regulate energy flow. The set of diodes 108 may act as a one-way circuital switch in the convertor 100. The set of diodes 108 may moderate a flow of current by opposing an anti-directional current flow. In an embodiment of the present invention, the control circuit 110 may be adapted to optimize voltage conversion and reduce ripple.
The control circuit 110 may act as a relay in the convertor 100. The control circuit 110 may further be digitally connected to the processor 114. The control circuit 110 may be adapted to receive electronic signals from the processor 114 maneuvering a working status of the components of the convertor 100. The control circuit 110 may be adapted to achieve a high voltage gain while maintaining a low duty cycle. The control circuit 110 may adapted to be operated in a continuous mode and a discontinuous mode, with switching conditions determined by the inductor 106 and the load resistor 112.
In an embodiment of the present invention, load resistor 112 may be adapted to stabilize an output for developing the uniform output voltage. The stabilization may further enhance voltage transformation and minimizes power losses. Further, the load resistor 112 may be adapted to match impedance. The matching of impedance may enable a transfer of maximum power ensuring a minimum current flow while improving stabilization of the uniform output voltage.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the processor 114 may be configured to receive energy from the renewable energy source 102. The processor 114 may be configured to activate the control circuit 110 to regulate duty cycles dynamically. The processor 114 may be configured to switch the MOSFET-based switching network 116 using the opto-isolator 118 controlled gate pulses. The MOSFET-based switching network 116 may adapted to be controlled using the opto-isolator 118 to protect the smart grid against rapid grid voltage variations. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the opto-isolator 118 may be an TLP-350. The processor 114 may be configured to utilize the inductor 106 and the capacitor network 104 to balance an energy transfer. The processor 114 may be configured to filter out the distortions and the ripple effects. The processor 114 may be configured to deliver the uniform output voltage to the load resistor 112.
FIG. 2A illustrates a convertor structure 200 of convertor 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, a DC-DC circuit may give low voltage rating stress on available power semiconductor devices. The DC-DC circuit may be constructed by incorporating the elements Ca, Cb, Lb, Dc, and Dd (C2LD2) in a middle of a conventional convertor source and resistor as depicted in the FIG. 2A.
FIG. 2B illustrates an operational switch mode 202 of convertor 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the DC-DC circuit may support fuel stack for more voltage transformation. In addition, the DC-DC circuit may act as a filter network for different industrial loads of the smart grid.
FIG. 2C illustrates a switch blocking mode 204 of convertor 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the inductor 106 may be shifted to the load resistor 112. Further, the inductor 106 suppresses the distortions available from the renewable energy source 102. Here, a volt and a second principal methodologies may be applied to obtain an energy transformation of the convertor 100. The convertor delivery gain may be mathematically represented in equation (1) to equation (4)
V_Fcell=V_Lina & 〖V_Cpcib= V〗_Lindub= V_Fcell/((1-duty) ) ---- (1)
V_Linda=V_Cpcia= (V_Fcell* duty)/((1-duty) ) & V_Lindb= (2*V_Fcell)/((1-duty) )-V_output & V_Cpcib= V_Fcell/((1-duty) ) --- (2)
(V_Fcell/((1-duty) ))*duty+((2V_Fcell)/((1-duty) )-V_out )* (1-duty) --- (3)
Gain_CMM= V_(out_load)/V_Fcell =((2-duty))/(1-duty)^2 --- (4)
In an embodiment of the present invention, the energy received from the renewable energy source 102 into the capacitor may depend on a source inductive element. If a passive inductive element value range is low, then the convertor makes in discontinuity operation. A voltage transformation rate under this state may be mathematically represented in equation (5) to equation (9)
I_Lma= V_Fuecell/(L_b indu)*duty*T & I_Lmb=V_Fucell/((1-duty)*L_bindu )* duty* T --- (5)
〖 I〗_Lmab= (V_load (1-duty)-2V_Fucell)/((1-duty)* L_indub ) 〖 duty〗_x2 T --- (6)
Δ_x2=(V_Fuecll* duty)/(V_load (1-duty)-2V_Fucell )--- (7)
I_(C_cap )=1/2 〖 duty〗_x2 I_Lmxb-I_(o_load) --- (8)
I_(C_c )=(δ^2*〖V_in〗^2)/(2[V_out (1-δ)-2*V_in ]*[L_(b )* f_sw* (1-δ)] )- I_out --- (9)
FIG. 2D illustrates a table 206 representing change of duty along with boundary and gains of the convertor 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2E illustrates a graph 208 representing a boundary values of the convertor 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The boundary values may represent the operation of the convertor in continuous boundary plus discontinuous boundary states and along with voltage multiplier trying to enhance efficiency of the renewable energy source 102.
FIG. 2F illustrates a graph 210 representing voltage gain of the convertor 100 with respective duty cycles, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2G illustrates a continuous waveform 212 of the convertor 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The ripple effects involved in passive elements may be mathematically represented in equation (10) to equation (19)
∆I_Linda=V_Fcell/L_indua *duty*T --- (10)
∆I_Lindb=(V_Fcell*duty*Time)/(L_indb*(1-duty) ) --- (11)
L_indua≥((1-2duty+duty^2 )*duty* V_Fcell)/(frequ_sw ∆I_indLa*(1-duty)^2 ) 〖& L〗_indb≥(duty* V_Fcell)/(frequency_sw 〖∆I〗_indLb*(1-duty) )- --- (12)
C_oloadcap= (∆I_Tsh)/(2freq_sw ∆V_Tsh ) --- (13)
I_Coutrms=√(〖I_out〗^2 duty+ (I_insour-I_oload )^2 (1-duty) ) --- (14)
〖∆V〗_Cload+〖R*c〗_load* 〖∆I〗_Cload<0.01 〖∆V〗_load --- (15)
Q_(charge-Ca)= C_a 〖∆V〗_Cachange= (I_sour-I_La ) T_on --- (16)
Q_(charge_Cb)= C_bcapa 〖∆V〗_Cbcapa= (1-duty) 〖I_oload T〗_on --- (17)
Q_capaciCc= C_cac 〖∆V〗_Cc= 〖I_oload T〗_on --- (18)
C_acapa≥ (V_oload*duty)/(R*freq 〖∆V〗_Ca ) & caC_b≥ (V_oload* (1-duty))/(Resistor*freq*〖∆V〗_Cb ) & capC_c≥ (V_oload* duty)/(R*freq*〖∆V〗_Cc ) --- (19)
FIG. 2H illustrates a discontinuous waveform 214 of the convertor 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2I illustrates an implemented prototype 216 of the convertor 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an exemplary scenario, a testing of the convertor 100 may be performed by focusing on the analog-diligent waveform generator. Here, a central supplied voltage may be 230 Volts (V), and frequency may be 50 Hertz (Hz), that may further be dropped down to 12 Volts (V) supply for activating the control circuit 110. The control circuit 110 may take the 12 Volts (V) supply for functioning the opto-isolator 118 thereby the analog discovery delivered pulses are controlled for the MOSFET-based switching network 116. The maximum available pulse voltage may be 5 Volts (V), and switched frequency may be 1 kilohertz (kHz). The main feature of the opto-isolator 118 may a switch protection from the rapid variation of the central grid voltages.
FIG. 2J illustrates an applied power switch signal 218 for the convertor 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The MOSFET observed gate voltage may be 4.3 Volts (V), and an associated drain delivered voltage may be 60.5 Volts (V).
FIG. 2K illustrates an integrated source energy 220 of the convertor 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The supplied energy to the convertor 100 for testing may be 31.1 Volts (V) and the related current consumed by the convertor 100 may be 0.9 Ampere (A).
FIG. 2L illustrates a supplied energy uniformity 222 of the inductor 106, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The captured inductor 106 voltage and consumption of a current values may be measured as 77.64 Volts (V) and 67.6 milliamperes (mA).
FIG. 2M illustrates an inductive element voltage multiplier 224 of the convertor 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Based on the resistive load side, the inductor 106 and the energy stored may be 38.41 Volts (V), and the current may be 81.47 milliamperes (mA). A second inductive element may filter all-unwanted ripples that may come from consumer side load.
FIG. 2N illustrates an obtained load connected diode voltage 226 of the convertor 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2O illustrates a stepped resistive load voltage 228 and current consumption of the resistor, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The voltage in the set of diodes 108 may be 36.27 Volts (V) and the current flow may be 0.897 Ampere (A). After all of the convertor losses, the available load side voltage may be 98.3 Volts (V), and currents that appeared across the inductor 106 may be 75.9 milliamperes (mA).
FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of a method 300 for operating the convertor 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
At step 302, the convertor 100 may receive the energy from the renewable energy source 102.
At step 304, the convertor 100 may activate the control circuit 110 to regulate the duty cycles dynamically.
At step 306, the convertor 100 may switch the MOSFET-based switching network 116 using the opto-isolator 118 controlled gate pulses.
At step 308, the convertor 100 may utilize the inductor 106 and the capacitor network 104 to balance the energy transfer.
At step 310, the convertor 100 may filter out the distortions and the ripple effects.
At step 312, the convertor 100 may deliver the uniform output voltage to the load resistor 112.
While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.
This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined in the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements within substantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. , Claims:CLAIMS
I/We Claim:
1. A switched capacitor DC-DC convertor (100) for a smart grid, characterized in that the convertor (100) comprising:
a renewable energy source (102), wherein the renewable energy source (102) is selected from a wind energy, a solar energy, a tidal energy, or a combination thereof;
a capacitor network (104) including at least two capacitors;
an inductor (106) connected in series with the capacitors;
a set of diodes (108) adapted to regulate energy flow;
a control circuit (110) adapted to optimize voltage conversion and reduce ripple;
a load resistor (112) adapted to stabilize an output, wherein the stabilization enhances voltage transformation and minimizes power losses; and
a processor (114) configured to:
receive energy from the renewable energy source (102);
activate the control circuit (110) to regulate duty cycles dynamically;
switch MOSFET-based switching network (116) using an opto-isolator (118) controlled gate pulses;
utilize the inductor (106) and the capacitor network (104) to balance an energy transfer;
filter out distortions and ripple effects; and
deliver a uniform output voltage to the load resistor (112).
2. The convertor (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the capacitor network (104) is adapted to carry out a voltage multiplier to improve a voltage profile of the renewable energy source (102).
3. The convertor (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inductor (106) is adapted to suppress distortions from the renewable energy source (102), improving the quality and stability of the uniform output voltage.
4. The convertor (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control circuit (110) is adapted to be operated in a continuous mode and a discontinuous mode, with switching conditions determined by the inductor (106) and the load resistor (112).
5. The convertor (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the MOSFET-based switching network (116) is adapted to be controlled using an opto-isolator (118) to protect the smart grid against rapid grid voltage variations.
6. The convertor (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control circuit (110) is adapted to achieve a high voltage gain while maintaining a low duty cycle.
7. The convertor (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inductor (106) is adapted to store energy to provide a filtering effect, reducing ripples introduced from the received energy.
8. A method (300) for operating a switched capacitor DC-DC convertor (100), the method (300) is characterized by steps of:
receiving energy from a renewable energy source (102);
activating a control circuit (110) to regulate duty cycles dynamically;
switching a Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor (MOSFET)-based switching network (116) using an opto-isolator (118) controlled gate pulses;
utilizing an inductor (106) and a capacitor network (104) to balance energy transfer;
filtering out distortions and ripple effects; and
delivering a uniform output voltage to a load resistor (112).
9. The method (300) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the capacitor network (104) is adapted to carry out a voltage multiplier to improve a voltage profile of the renewable energy source (102).
10. The method (300) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the inductor (106) is adapted to suppress distortions from the renewable energy source (102), improving the quality and stability of the uniform output voltage.
Date: March 31, 2025
Place: Noida

Nainsi Rastogi
Patent Agent (IN/PA-2372)
Agent for the Applicant