| Triple-Voltage DC/DC Converter Reference Number(s)
Laboratory: 172
DOE reference no.(s): 108,649 Abstract The standard 14V electrical system in cars today is proving to be incapable of meeting the increasing electrical loads. A 42V power net has been proposed to deal with increasing electrical loads. However, the transition from 14V to 42V will not be instantaneous and will most likely last a decade or longer while electrical components are moved to the 42V bus. In the meantime, vehicles are expected to employ a 14V/42V dual voltage system in which a dc/dc converter connects the two voltage networks.
In the case of hybrids hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), a third voltage network – a high voltage (200V~500V) bus - is employed to power the traction motor drive. Fuel cell powered vehicles also employ a high voltage bus. Thus, the need for a way to connect three voltage networks has arisen. Such a technology does not exist, but a solution is addressed within this disclosure.
Application(s) of the Technology The triple voltage dc/dc converter is a soft-switched, bi-directional dc/dc converter for connecting the three voltage nets in HEVs and fuel cell vehicles. It is composed of two half-bridges and a high frequency transformer. The use of the dual half-bridges minimizes the number of switches and associated components. The high frequency transformer provides required galvanic isolation and voltage level matching between the three buses.
Having a single dc/dc converter to connect the triple-voltage bus system in HEVs and fuel cell vehicles reduces component count, size, volume, and cost. The converter’s inherent soft-switching capability and low component count allows high power density, efficient power conversion, and compact packaging
Main Advantages of Invention The invention can significantly reduce the number of costly semiconductor switches in dc/dc converters, reduces the size of such converters, and thus reducing the cost. Status/Availability Available both Exclusively and Non Exclusively Patents & Applications Posting Date: Tuesday, Feb 7 2006 Contact Mark E Reeves
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
P.O. Box 2008
Building /4500N, Room 145
Mailstop 6196
Oak Ridge, TN 37831
(865) 576-2577
reevesme@ornl.gov | 
