Variable Frequency Multiplier (VFX) Converters

The technology can be used to greatly improve power converter efficiency when delivering energy from high-voltage dc or ac sources to variable (or multiple) low-voltage dc loads.  

Researchers

Samantha Gunter / David Perreault / Khurram Afridi

Departments: Dept of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
Technology Areas: Energy & Distribution: Distribution, Electrochemical Devices
Impact Areas: Climate Stabilization

  • systems and methods for a variable frequency multiplier power converter
    Japan | Granted | 6,348,907
  • systems and methods for a variable frequency multiplier power converter
    United States of America | Granted | 9,853,550
  • systems and methods for a variable frequency multiplier power converter
    United States of America | Granted | 9,819,272

Technology

The invention proposes a converter architecture that uses "Variable Frequency Multiplier" (VFX) inverters and rectifiers and associated controls to achieve extreme high-efficiency conversion across a wide range of operating conditions in terms of input and output voltages and power levels. VFX circuits are high-frequency inverters and/or rectifiers that change operating modes to provide "gear shifts" that increase the range for which high-efficiency operations are maintained.  

Problem Addressed

Power electronics at the grid interface level have poor efficiency and their efficiency typically falls off rapidly at reduced loads such that average efficiency and losses are even worse.  

Advantages

  • Increases peak and average efficiency and power density
  • Minimizes device stress and switching loss
  • Reduces loss and conversion ration of the transformation stage  

 

License this technology

Interested in this technology? Connect with our experienced licensing team to initiate the process.

Sign up for technology updates

Sign up now to receive the latest updates on cutting-edge technologies and innovations.

More Technologies