# US 9,520,764 B1 · Bi-directional multi-port applications

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- Number: US 9,520,764 B1
- Document ID: US9520764B1
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B1
- Application number: 14/182,277
- Filed: 2014-02-17
- Granted: 2016-12-13
- Earliest claimed: 2013-02-15
- Assignees: Ideal Power Inc.
- Applicants: Ideal Power, Inc.
- Inventors: Paul Bundschuh; William C. Alexander; Guy Michael Barron; Christopher Cobb; Paul Roush
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US9520764B1

## CPC

- H02M 5/225: {comprising two stages of AC-AC conversion, e.g. having a high frequency intermediate link}
- H02M 1/08: Circuits specially adapted for the generation of control voltages for semiconductor devices incorporated in static converters
- H02M 3/33507: {with automatic control of the output voltage or current, e.g. flyback converters (H02M3/33561, H02M3/33569 take precedence)}
- H02M 5/458: using semiconductor devices only
- H02M 7/4807: {having a high frequency intermediate AC stage}
- H02M 7/797: using semiconductor devices only
- H02M 3/1582: {Buck-boost converters (H02M3/1584 takes precedence)}
- H02M 3/33584: {Bidirectional converters}
- H02M 5/293: using semiconductor devices only
- H02M 5/297: for conversion of frequency
- H02M 7/4815: {Resonant converters (H02M7/4811 and H02M7/4826 take precedence)}
- Y02B 70/10: Technologies improving the efficiency by using switched-mode power supplies [SMPS], i.e. efficient power electronics conversion e.g. power factor correction or reduction of losses in power supplies or efficient standby modes
- H02M: APPARATUS FOR CONVERSION BETWEEN AC AND AC, BETWEEN AC AND DC, OR BETWEEN DC AND DC, AND FOR USE WITH MAINS OR SIMILAR POWER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; CONVERSION OF DC OR AC INPUT POWER INTO SURGE OUTPUT POWER; CONTROL OR REGULATION THEREOF (transformers H01F; dynamo-electric converters H02K47/00; controlling transformers, reactors or choke coils, control or regulation of electric motors, generators or dynamo-electric converters H02P)
- Y02B: CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS

## Abstract

Methods and systems for bi-directional multi-port power conversion systems and applications are disclosed. In some sample embodiments, current-modulating power converters can be used to provide conversion between synchronous and asynchronous power. In some sample embodiments, current-modulating power converters can perform power conversion can be performed to and from three-phase AC with an active neutral line. In some sample embodiments, current-modulating power converters can convert between synchronous and asynchronous power and also support three-phase AC with active neutral.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A bi-directional power converter, comprising:
at least two phase legs each connected to a respective phase line of a first port; each said phase leg comprising two fully bidirectional switching devices, so that the line connected to that phase leg can either source or sink current to either terminal of a link inductor which is paralleled by a capacitor;
at least two other phase legs each connected to a respective line of a second port; each said phase leg comprising two fully bidirectional switching devices, so that the line connected to that phase leg can either source or sink current to either terminal of said link inductor; wherein said lines of said second port provide three phase lines and a neutral line;
at least two other phase legs each connected to a respective phase line of a third port; each said phase leg comprising two fully bidirectional switching devices, so that the line connected to that phase leg can either source or sink current to either terminal of said link inductor; and,
control circuitry which is connected to drive said switches so that said link inductor is coupled to each said phase line of said first and second ports at least twice, with opposite polarities, during each full cycle of AC oscillation of said link inverter; and
wherein said control circuitry is also connected to detect drift of the neutral line of said second port, and configured to apply drive to said neutral line.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The bi-directional power converter of claim 1, where the respective lines of the first port are connected to a super capacitor.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The bi-directional power converter of claim 1, where the respective lines of the first port are connected to a rechargeable battery.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The bi-directional power converter of claim 1, where the respective lines of the second port are connected to an engine motor.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The bi-directional power converter of claim 1, where the respective lines of the second port are connected to a drive motor.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The bi-directional power converter of claim 1, where the respective lines of the third port are connected to a super capacitor.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The bi-directional power converter of claim 1, where the respective lines of the third port are connected to a rechargeable battery.