International travelers often need to bring along their favorite electronic devices. However, due to the differences in voltage standards between countries, these devices often require a power converter to adjust to the local voltage that is needed by the device. Additionally, some people prefer to buy imported appliances, which often have higher quality or unique features. However, the voltage standards of these imported appliances might not match the local standard, making them difficult to use. Therefore, these individuals also need a power converter to adapt the appliances.
Traditionally, iron-core transformers are used for voltage conversion. The manufacturing process of these transformers is relatively simple and consists of winding two coils onto the same iron core and adjusting the number of turns to get the desired output voltage. Although iron-core transformers are simple to make, they have some clear disadvantages, such as their large size, heavy weight, and low conversion efficiency. Low efficiency can lead to heat issues, exacerbating cooling problems. Additionally, their large size and weight make them inconvenient for travelers to carry and use. It would therefore be desirable to provide a lighter weight, and smaller, power converter that can adjust to local voltages.
Some embodiments described herein relate to a power converter. The power converter comprises an input electromagnetic interference filter to receive raw AC power and to output filtered AC power. A type-pi filter, and switch, receives the filtered AC power, further filters the received filtered AC power, and receives an indication from a digital controller module that an amplitude, frequency, and phase information of the filtered AC voltage is within a range of acceptable values and outputs the further filtered AC power. The power conversion circuit receives a signal from the digital controller, receives the further filtered AC power from the type-pi filter and switch, converts the further filtered AC power to a desired voltage and outputs converted AC power. An output electromagnetic interference filter receives the converted AC power from the output electromagnetic interference filter and outputs the filtered converted AC power.
In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments.
To address the issues with traditional power converters, the embodiments described herein relate to an AC-to-AC power converting device that is based on power electronics technology. This device can effectively replace traditional iron-core transformers for voltage conversion and offers several advantages. Firstly, the power device described herein has a high conversion efficiency, reducing heat issues. Secondly, because it utilizes power electronics technology, the device's weight and size may be significantly reduced, making it easier for travelers to carry. Moreover, the lighter power device can also reduce transportation costs and carbon emissions during transportation, making it more environmentally friendly.
Another important advantage of the power converter described herein is that by providing a more portable and cost-effective power conversion device, people can avoid buying too many electronic devices and appliances, thus better protecting the environment, and reducing electronic waste. People may be able to use the same electronic devices under different voltage standards in different countries, without needing to buy additional devices to adapt to local voltage standards. Additionally, those who buy imported appliances may also benefit from this portable power converter, enabling them to use appliances without barriers in different countries, avoiding the repeated purchase of appliances with different voltage standards, and thus reducing electronic waste.
Now referring to
In some embodiments, a function of the power converter 100 is to convert voltages (e.g., between AC220V and AC240V voltage to a voltage of between AC100V and AC120V). The power converter 100, as shown in
Now referring to
Now referring to
In some embodiments,
This allows the power grid to be directly connected to the power conversion circuit module. The digital controller module issues a PWM signal at 412 to put the power conversion circuit module in a working state and continuously monitors the output voltage value via the output voltage sense module and the inductor current through the inductor current sense module. The operational status of the device may be determined based on these monitored parameters with operations statuses being: normal status, output overload status, output short circuit status, etc. During normal operation of the power converter, the digital controller module may continuously monitor the power grid voltage information at 414. If the amplitude, frequency, or phase of the power grid voltage exceeds the set range, the device may initiate fault protection at 418 by turning off all PWM drive signals, disconnecting the input switch (e.g., switch 318), and using an indicator light to alert the user. If the amplitude, frequency, or phase of the power grid voltage is in a normal range, the device continues to function by keeping the output voltage at a desired output voltage at 416.
This written description uses examples to disclose multiple embodiments, including the preferred embodiments, and 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. Aspects from the various embodiments described, as well as other known equivalents for each such aspects, can be mixed and matched by one of ordinary skill in the art to construct additional embodiments and techniques in accordance with principles of this application.
Those in the art will appreciate that various adaptations and modifications of the above-described embodiments can be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of the claims. Therefore, it is to be understood that the claims may be practiced other than as specifically described herein.
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Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 18492737 | Oct 2023 | US |
Child | 18423644 | US |