DC/DC converter with parallel buck-boost modules for electrofusion welding
AssigneeAdvance Technical Systems Limited
InventorPete James
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A power convertor configured to output power to an electrofusion welding coupler for performing electrofusion welding. The power convertor comprises an array of connected DC to DC power convertor circuits. In use, the array of connected DC to DC power convertor circuits is configured to receive, at a first interface, power at a first voltage level from a battery and output power, at a second interface, at a second voltage level to provide power to electrofusion welding cable means. The DC to DC power convertors are arranged in a buck-boost configuration which can operate in a boost mode in which the first voltage level is less than the second voltage level and in a buck mode in which the first voltage level is greater than the second voltage level.
Claims12
A power convertor configured to output power to an electrofusion welding coupler for performing electrofusion welding, said power convertor comprising an array of connected DC to DC power convertor circuits, said array of connected DC to DC power convertor circuits configured to receive, at a first interface, power at a first voltage level from a battery and output power, at a second interface, at a second voltage level to provide power to electrofusion welding cable means, wherein
- said DC to DC power convertor circuits are arranged in a buck-boost configuration which can operate in a boost mode in which the first voltage level is less than the second voltage level and in a buck mode in which the first voltage level is greater than the second voltage level, wherein each DC to DC power convertor circuit comprises a plurality of switches, the plurality of switches of each DC to DC power convertor circuit configurable to operate in accordance with a first switching sequence which configures the DC to DC power convertor circuit, which the plurality of switches comprise, to operate in the buck mode and configurable to operate in accordance with a second switching sequence which configures the DC to DC power convertor circuit, which the plurality of switches comprise, to operate in the boost mode, wherein the power convertor further comprises control logic, wherein the plurality of switches of the DC to DC power convertor circuits are controlled by the control logic, wherein the control logic is operable to selectively switch-off one or more of the DC to DC power convertor circuits during welds with lower current requirements.
An electrofusion welding power supply comprising:
- a battery;
- and
- a power convertor configured to output power to an electrofusion welding coupler for performing electrofusion welding, said power convertor comprising an array of connected DC to DC power convertor circuits, said array of connected DC to DC power convertor circuits configured to receive, at a first interface, power at a first voltage level from the battery and output power, at a second interface, at a second voltage level to provide power to electrofusion welding cable means, wherein
- said DC to DC power convertor circuits are arranged in a buck-boost configuration which can operate in a boost mode in which the first voltage level is less than the second voltage level and in a buck mode in which the first voltage level is greater than the second voltage level, wherein each DC to DC power convertor circuit comprises a plurality of switches, the plurality of switches of each DC to DC power convertor circuit configurable to operate in accordance with a first switching sequence which configures the DC to DC power convertor circuit, which the plurality of switches comprise, to operate in the buck mode and configurable to operate in accordance with a second switching sequence which configures the DC to DC power convertor circuit, which the plurality of switches comprise, to operate in the boost mode, wherein the power convertor further comprises control logic, wherein the plurality of switches of the DC to DC power convertor circuits are controlled by the control logic, wherein the control logic is operable to selectively switch-off one or more of the DC to DC power convertor circuits during welds with lower current requirements.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.