Bidirectional AC-DC converter with reduced DC link capacitance
This technology is a smarter design for power converters that move electricity back and forth between AC power grids and DC systems — the kind of interface needed for solar panels, battery storage, and EV charging. The key innovation is adding a second conversion stage with a specially tuned control system that absorbs the natural 'ripple' in AC power, which normally requires a large, bulky capacitor to smooth out. By handling that ripple electronically through software-defined control loops, the converter can use a much smaller capacitor, making the whole unit smaller, lighter, and more reliable. The result is a higher power density converter suitable for grid-tied applications where size and longevity matter.
What you could build
A compact, high-reliability bidirectional inverter/charger for residential or commercial energy storage systems, EV charging stations, or solar-plus-storage installations; power electronics manufacturers and EV infrastructure companies would be the primary buyers.
Who in Virginia should care
Virginia-based defense contractors, naval shipboard power systems integrators, and data center UPS manufacturers would value compact, high-reliability bidirectional converters.
Readiness: Prototype likely
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
- Dong Dong, Dushan Boroyevich, Ruxi Wang, Fred Wang
- Granted
- June 30, 2015
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 9071141
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.