Wide-gain DC-DC converter topology for EV and solar storage
This technology is a smarter circuit building block for power converters that change one DC voltage level to another — the kind found in electric vehicles, solar inverters, and industrial equipment. It adds a 'flying capacitor' to a standard switch arrangement, which lets the converter produce multiple output voltage levels using fewer components than traditional designs. The result is a converter that can efficiently operate across a much wider range of input-to-output voltage ratios without needing to add more switches or magnetics. This wider operating range is valuable for applications where the input voltage fluctuates significantly, such as battery-powered systems or renewable energy sources.
What you could build
A licensed circuit topology for wide-gain DC-DC converter modules targeting EV onboard chargers, battery management systems, and solar/storage inverters; power electronics companies and semiconductor IP licensors would be the buyers.
Who in Virginia should care
Virginia-based defense contractors and power electronics suppliers (e.g., those supporting Naval Station Norfolk or defense vehicle electrification programs) would have interest in compact, wide-gain converter designs.
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
- Rodrigo Fernandez-Mattos, Andrew Mclean, Jiewen Hu, Rolando Burgos, Bo Wen
- Granted
- January 28, 2025
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 12212222
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.