Soft-switching triangular current mode control for AC-DC
This technology improves how power converters switch electricity between AC and DC systems — like those used in EV chargers, solar inverters, and industrial motor drives. It uses a technique called 'soft switching,' which reduces the electrical stress on components during each switching event, cutting energy losses and heat generation. The control system cleverly manages the converter's three phases by locking one phase at a time while the other two operate in optimized modes, enabling cleaner power conversion with better power factor. The result is a more efficient, longer-lasting converter that can handle bidirectional power flow — meaning it can both draw power from the grid and push power back onto it.
What you could build
A high-efficiency bidirectional AC-DC converter module for EV charging stations or grid-tied solar/storage inverters; OEMs building EV chargers, solar inverters, or industrial UPS systems would license or integrate this control architecture.
Who in Virginia should care
Virginia-based defense contractors, data center power infrastructure companies, and EV charging network developers would have practical interest in high-efficiency bidirectional converter technology.
Readiness: Lab validated
Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.
Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.
The record
- Inventors
- —
- Granted
- August 13, 2019
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 102824
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.