A control circuit for a power supply device and a power supply system

Abstract

A control circuit of a power supply device and a power supply system are used to realize that the function of the power supply device can be safely executed, and the working reliability of the power supply device is improved. The control circuit of the power supply device comprises a first signal line, a second signal line, a third signal line and a control switch; the first signal line is connected with a first power module of the power supply device; the second signal line is connected with a last power module of the power supply device; all the power modules in the power supply device are connected through the third signal line; when the control switch is closed, the control signal is transmitted to each power module of the power supply device through the first signal line, the second signal line and the third signal line; the first signal line, the second signal and the third signal line constitute a closed control loop; when a breakpoint appears in the signal transmission line, the control signal can be transmitted through the signal line on the other side of the breakpoint, so that all the power modules can receive the control signal, and the working reliability of the power supply device is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of power supply technology, and in particular to a control circuit and power supply system for a power supply device. Background Technology

[0002] In medium-to-high power supply scenarios, such as DC power supply equipment in data centers, multiple power modules with the same or compatible functions are typically connected in parallel or series. These multiple power modules can be connected to one or more control switches. For example, the control switch can be an emergency power-off (EPO) button. In order to ensure that the function of the control switch can be executed accurately, the signal circuit must have high reliability. If the signal circuit is broken in the middle, the control signal will fail for some power modules, making the system unable to work as set, resulting in the system failing to achieve the intended function, and may even cause a safety accident. Utility Model Content

[0003] This application provides a control circuit and power supply system for a power supply device, which enables the power supply device to perform its functions safely and improves the reliability of the power supply device.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a control circuit for a power supply device, which can be connected to a power supply device including multiple power modules. The control circuit for the power supply device includes: a first signal line, a second signal line, a third signal line, and a control switch.

[0005] The first signal line is connected to the first power module of the power supply equipment; the second signal line is connected to the last power module of the power supply equipment; the third signal line is used for connection between multiple power modules within the power supply equipment; the control switch is connected to the first signal line and the second signal line, and is used to transmit control signals to each power module of the power supply equipment through the signal loop formed by the first signal line, the second signal line and the third signal line when the control switch is closed.

[0006] With the above structure, the first, second, and third signal lines form a closed control loop. The control switch is connected to this closed signal loop. When the control switch is closed, even if the closed signal loop is interrupted, the control signal can still be transmitted to each power module. For example, when the signal loop is interrupted, such as when the first and second power modules of the power supply are disconnected, the control switch can send the control signal to the first power module through the first and third signal lines, and to the second and last power modules through the second and third signal lines. Therefore, when a line interruption occurs, all power modules in the power supply can still receive the control signal, ensuring the safe operation of the power supply and improving its reliability.

[0007] In one possible design, if the control switch is connected to the first and second signal lines via a connector, the control circuit of the power supply equipment further includes a fourth signal line. The monitoring system of the power supply equipment is connected to the fourth signal line via the connector. The fourth signal line is connected to each power module of the power supply equipment, and is used to send the connection status of the first, second, and third signal lines to the monitoring system. With this design, when the loop is broken due to a loose connector, the fourth signal line connected to the connector also disconnects. Therefore, the monitoring system can determine whether the control loop formed by the first, second, and third signal lines is broken by checking the connection status of the fourth signal line, so that the monitoring system can issue a fault alarm when the control loop is broken.

[0008] In one possible design, the control circuit of the power supply device also includes a first switch.

[0009] The first switch and the control switch are linked switches. The first switch is used to connect to the monitoring system of the power supply equipment and send the switch status of the control switch to the monitoring system.

[0010] With the above design, the first switch and the control switch are linked switches. When the control switch is closed, the first switch is also closed, thereby sending the switch status of the control switch to the monitoring system so that the monitoring system can monitor the operating status of the power supply equipment.

[0011] In one possible design, the control switch is located on the monitoring device.

[0012] In one possible design, the control signal is either a high-level signal or a low-level signal.

[0013] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a power supply system located between a power source and a load, used to convert electrical energy from the power source into power supply energy for the load, thereby meeting the load's power demand. The power supply system may include power supply equipment, a monitoring system, and at least one control circuit for the power supply equipment provided in the first aspect of this application and any possible design thereof. Each power supply equipment's control circuit has a different control switch, and each control switch performs a different function. For example, the power supply system may include control circuits for two power supply equipment; the control switch in the control circuit of the first power supply equipment performs an emergency power-off function, and the control switch in the control circuit of the second power supply equipment performs a start-up function.

[0014] Specifically, the power supply equipment includes multiple power modules, each power module being connected to a power source and a load to convert the electrical energy output by the power source into the supply voltage of the load and supply power to the load; wherein, the multiple power modules are connected in series or in parallel; the control circuit of each power supply equipment is connected to each power module and the monitoring system.

[0015] In one possible design, if the power supply outputs DC power and the load is powered by DC, then each power module is a DC-DC converter. The DC-DC converter can convert the power supply voltage into the load's supply voltage, thereby meeting the load's power requirements.

[0016] In one possible design, if the power supply outputs AC power while the load is powered by DC power, then each power module is an AC converter. The AC converter can rectify the AC power output by the power supply to meet the power requirements of the load.

[0017] In one possible design, each power module can also employ a device with energy storage capabilities, such as a battery system or a supercapacitor module.

[0018] In one possible design, the power supply system further includes a communication line connected to the monitoring system and each power module. The monitoring system is used to send a control signal to each power module via the communication line when a control switch in the control circuit of the power supply equipment is closed.

[0019] With the above design, the communication line of the monitoring equipment is a transmission line independent of the control circuit of the power supply equipment. The monitoring system can obtain the switching status of the control switches in the control circuit of the power supply equipment, and when it determines that the control switch is closed, it sends the control signal to each power module through the communication line. Therefore, in the event of a control loop failure in the control circuit of the power supply equipment, the communication line can still send control signals to each power module, ensuring that the functions of the power supply equipment can be executed safely and improving the reliability of the power supply equipment.

[0020] Furthermore, the technical effects of the second aspect and any of its possible designs can be found in the technical effects of different designs in the first aspect of the embodiments of this application, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the control circuit of a power supply device provided in this application embodiment. Figure 1 ;

[0023] Figure 2 This application provides a schematic diagram of signal transmission for a control switch.

[0024] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the control circuit of a power supply device provided in this application embodiment. Figure 2 ;

[0025] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the control circuit of a power supply device provided in this application embodiment. Figure 3 ;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of signal transmission in a monitoring system provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] The terminology used in the implementation section of this application is only for explaining specific embodiments of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0029] The following explanations of some terms used in the embodiments of this application are provided to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0030] (1) The terms “first”, “second”, etc., used in the embodiments of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented in a sequence other than those illustrated or described herein.

[0031] (2) In the embodiments of this application, “multiple” refers to two or more, and other quantifiers are similar.

[0032] (3) In the embodiments of this application, “and / or” describes the relationship between the associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, or B exists alone. A and B can be singular or plural.

[0033] (4) In the embodiments of this application, "connection" can be understood as an electrical connection or a communication connection. An electrical connection between two electrical components can be a direct or indirect connection between the two electrical components. For example, A and B can be connected directly, or indirectly through one or more other electrical components, such as A and B being connected. Alternatively, A can be directly connected to C, and C can be directly connected to B, with A and B connected through C. A communication connection between two electrical components is a wireless connection between the two electrical components, that is, an electromagnetic connection between the two electrical components.

[0034] (5) The switching devices in this application embodiment can be one or more of various types of switching transistors, such as metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs), bipolar junction transistors (BJTs), insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs), silicon carbide (SiC) transistors, and silicon controlled rectifiers (SCRs). These will not be listed individually in this application embodiment. The packaging of each switching transistor can be a single-transistor package or a multi-transistor package; this application embodiment does not impose any restrictions on this. Each switching transistor can include a first terminal, a second terminal, and a control terminal. The control terminal can control the switching transistor to turn on or off according to the received PWM signal. When the switching transistor is on, current can be transmitted between the first terminal and the second terminal; when the switching transistor is off, current cannot be transmitted between the first terminal and the second terminal. Taking a MOSFET as an example, the control terminal of the switching transistor is the gate, the first terminal of the switching transistor can be the source, and the second terminal can be the drain, or the first terminal can be the drain and the second terminal can be the source.

[0035] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The control circuit of the power supply equipment provided in the embodiments of this application can be applied to multiple power supply systems, including data centers. The control circuit of the power supply equipment can be connected to the power supply equipment in the power supply system and provide control signals to all power modules in the power supply equipment under specific conditions. For example, if the control signal provided by the control circuit of the power supply equipment is an emergency power-down signal, when the monitoring system detects a fault in the power supply equipment, the operator can send an emergency power-down signal to all power modules in the power supply equipment through the control circuit of the power supply equipment, control all power modules to stop running, thereby controlling the power supply equipment to shut down and preventing the fault from spreading further.

[0036] It should be noted that the functional description of the control circuit of the power supply equipment provided in the embodiments of this application is only an example. In actual applications, the control circuit of the power supply equipment may also have other functions. For example, this application does not impose too many limitations here.

[0037] See Figure 1 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the control circuit of a power supply device provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 As shown, the control circuit of the power supply equipment may include: a first signal line, a second signal line, a third signal line, and a control switch K1.

[0038] The first signal line is connected to the first power module of the power supply equipment; the second signal line is connected to the last power module of the power supply equipment; the third signal line is used for connection between multiple power modules in the power supply equipment; the control switch K1 is connected to the first signal line and the second signal line, and is used to transmit the control signal to each power module of the power supply equipment through the signal loop formed by the first signal line, the second signal line and the third signal line when the control switch K1 is closed.

[0039] It should be understood that, Figure 1 The control circuit structure of the power supply equipment shown is only an example. In actual applications, the control circuit of the power supply equipment can have more advanced features. Figure 1 The other components shown are not described in detail here.

[0040] In practical applications, the control switch K1 in the control circuit of the power supply equipment can be connected to all power modules in the power supply equipment through the first signal line, the second signal line, and the third signal line. That is, the first signal line, the second signal line, and the third signal line form a closed signal loop. Therefore, one end of the control switch K1 receives the control signal, and the other end of the control switch K1 is connected to the signal loop formed by the first signal line, the second signal line, and the third signal line. When the control switch K1 is closed, the control signal can be transmitted to each power module through the first signal line and the third signal line, or it can be transmitted to each power module through the second signal line and the third signal line.

[0041] It needs to be clarified that yes, Figure 1 The example shown is only an illustration of how each power module can be connected to the signal line via two ports. In actual applications, the power module can be connected to the signal line via one or more ports. This application does not make any specific limitations here.

[0042] In practical applications, the control switch K1 in the control circuit of the power supply equipment can be a mechanical switch, such as a push-button switch. Control switch K1 can also be an electrical control switch, allowing operators to control its opening and closing via touch signals on the display screen. The control signal triggered when control switch K1 is closed can be an emergency power-off signal or a start signal, or other signals required by the industry. Control switch K1 can be installed on a monitoring system or on the casing of the power supply equipment.

[0043] Specifically, if the control signal triggered when control switch K1 is closed is an emergency power-off signal, the monitoring system will issue a fault alarm when it detects a fault in the power supply equipment. The operator can press control switch K1 or control it to close via the display screen. When the power module in the power supply equipment receives the control signal triggered by the closure of control switch K1, it will stop operating, thus achieving an emergency power-off of the power supply equipment. This allows the operator to troubleshoot the fault and prevent the fault from escalating further. If the control signal triggered when control switch K1 is closed is a start signal, the operator can press control switch K1 or control it to close via the display screen when the power supply equipment has been repaired or is being installed for the first time. When the power module in the power supply equipment receives the control signal triggered by the closure of control switch K1, it will start operating, thus starting the power supply equipment. Of course, the control signal triggered by control switch K1 can also be other functional signals, which will not be described in detail here.

[0044] It should be noted that if the control signal functions triggered by the control switch are different, the ports of the power module connected to the first signal line, the second signal line, and the third signal line will also be different.

[0045] See Figure 1 As shown, the control switch K1 in the control circuit of the power supply equipment can be connected to all power modules in the power supply equipment through the first and third signal lines, and also through the second and third signal lines. Therefore, the first, second, and third signal lines form a closed signal loop. When the above signal loop is broken, the control signal triggered by the closing of the control switch K1 can still be sent to all power modules in the power supply equipment, thereby ensuring that the functions of the power supply equipment can be safely executed and improving the operational reliability of the power supply equipment. For example, see... Figure 2 As shown, the power supply equipment includes four power modules. If the connection line between power module 1 and power module 2 is disconnected, the control signal triggered by the closing of control switch K1 can be transmitted to power module 1 through the first and third signal lines. The control signal triggered by the closing of control switch K1 can be transmitted from power module 2 to power module 4 through the second and third signal lines. Power module 1 receives the control signal through the black line, while power modules 2 through 4 receive the control signal through the red line.

[0046] Specifically, the control signal triggered when the control switch K1 is closed can be a high-level signal or a low-level signal. For example, one end of the control switch K1 can be grounded or connected to the power supply. When the control switch K1 is closed, both the first signal line and the second signal line are in a high-level state or a low-level state. At this time, the high-level signal or the low-level signal is transmitted to all power modules in the power supply equipment through the first signal line, the second signal line and the third signal line, thereby controlling all power modules in the power supply equipment to perform corresponding operations.

[0047] In practical applications, the monitoring equipment is connected to the power supply equipment and the control circuit of the power supply equipment, and monitors the operating status of the power supply equipment and the control circuit of the power supply equipment. For example, the monitoring equipment can monitor the switching status of the control switch K1 in the control circuit of the power supply equipment, thereby monitoring the operating status of the control circuit of the power supply equipment.

[0048] In one example, the control circuit of the power supply device also includes a first switch K2. See [link / reference] Figure 3 As shown, the first switch K2 and the control switch K1 can be linked switches, and the first switch K2 is used to connect to the monitoring system of the power supply equipment. Since the first switch K2 and the control switch K1 are linked switches, when the operator presses the control switch K1 or controls the control switch K1 to close via a touchscreen signal, the first switch K2 is also closed. Therefore, the first switch K2 can send the on / off status of the control switch K1 to the monitoring system, so that the monitoring system can monitor the operating status of the control circuit of the power supply equipment.

[0049] In practical applications, the monitoring equipment can also have a fault alarm function. For example, when the control circuits of the power module and the power supply equipment are located on different printed circuit boards (PCBs), such as control switch K1 being located on one PCB and the power module, first signal line, second signal line, and third signal line being located on another PCB, connectors are generally provided on both PCBs. Control switch K1 can transmit control signals through the two PCBs via connectors and cables. Faults such as loose connectors can cause the signal transmission path to be broken. Therefore, the control circuit of the power supply equipment provided in this application embodiment can also be connected to a monitoring system, which can issue a fault alarm when the signal loop is broken.

[0050] Specifically, see Figure 4As shown, the control circuit of the power supply equipment also includes a fourth signal line. The monitoring system of the power supply equipment is connected to the fourth signal line via a connector, and the fourth signal line is connected to each power module of the power supply equipment. Since the first, second, and fourth signal lines are connected to the same connector, under normal connection conditions, the first, second, and third signal lines form a closed signal loop, and the fourth signal line is also short-circuited. When the signal loop is broken due to a connector failure, the fourth signal line is also open-circuited. Therefore, the monitoring system can determine the connection status of the first, second, and third signal lines by the connection status of the fourth signal line, and issue a fault alarm when the signal loop formed by the first, second, and third signal lines is broken, prompting operators to perform fault repair.

[0051] In practical applications, all components of the power supply equipment's control circuit can be fixed on a single device equipped with a fixed interface. The power supply equipment and monitoring system can then connect to the control circuit through this fixed interface. Of course, the power supply equipment's control circuit can also be installed in other ways, which are not limited in this application.

[0052] Based on the above description, this application also provides a power supply system. This power supply system can be connected to a power source and a load, and is located between the power source and the load. The power supply system can convert the electrical energy output by the power source into electrical energy supplied to the load, thereby meeting the load's power demand. The power supply system may include power supply equipment, a monitoring system, and a control circuit for at least one of the aforementioned power supply equipment. Each power supply equipment's control circuit has a different control switch; that is, the control switch in each power supply equipment's control circuit outputs control signals with different functions, thereby controlling each power supply equipment's control circuit to perform different functions.

[0053] It should be understood that the power supply system structure provided in this application embodiment is only an example. In actual application, the power supply system may have more components. For example, the power supply system may also include overcurrent protection circuit and overvoltage protection circuit. If the power supply system is applied to a high-power power supply scenario, the power supply system may also include lightning protection circuit. Of course, the power supply system may also include other functional circuits, which will not be described in detail here.

[0054] Specifically, the power supply equipment may include multiple power modules, which may be connected in series or in parallel; each power module may be connected to a power source and a load, converting the electrical energy output by the power source into the supply voltage of the load and supplying power to the load; the control circuit of each power supply equipment is connected to each power module and a monitoring system.

[0055] In practical applications, depending on the type and amplitude of the power supply and the power supply type and amplitude of the load, the power module provided in this application embodiment can have multiple structural topologies. The following describes several structures of the power module.

[0056] In some implementations, if the power supply outputs DC power and the load is powered by DC, then each power module is a DC converter that can convert the voltage on the power supply to the supply voltage of the load, thereby meeting the load's requirements for the supply voltage amplitude.

[0057] It should be noted that the structure of a DC-DC converter can be configured based on the amplitude of the power supply voltage and the amplitude of the load's supply voltage. For example, if the power supply voltage is higher than the load's supply voltage, the DC-DC converter can use a boost converter topology. If the power supply voltage is lower than the load's supply voltage, the DC-DC converter can use a buck converter topology.

[0058] In some implementations, if the power supply outputs AC power and the load is powered by DC power, then each power module is an AC converter that can convert the AC power from the power supply into DC power. If the voltage amplitude of the DC power is different from the voltage amplitude of the load's supply voltage, the AC converter can also regulate the voltage of the DC power before outputting it to the load, thereby supplying power to the load.

[0059] It should be noted that the AC converter can adopt industry-standard circuit topologies with rectification functions, such as a bridge rectifier circuit composed of diodes or switching transistors. In order to improve the power of the AC converter, the AC converter can also include an inductor. The inductor and the diodes or switching transistors form a power factor correction (PFC) circuit. Of course, the AC converter can also use other circuit topologies or chips, which will not be described in detail here.

[0060] In some implementations, the power modules may also employ devices with energy storage capabilities. For example, each power module may be a battery system or a supercapacitor module. The battery system or supercapacitor can store electrical energy, and when the load requires power, the battery system or supercapacitor module can output the stored energy to the load, thus supplying power. If the voltage of the battery system or supercapacitor module differs from the supply voltage required by the load, the power module may also include a DC-DC converter. This DC-DC converter can regulate the voltage of the battery system or supercapacitor module before outputting it to the load, thereby meeting the load's requirements for the supply voltage.

[0061] It should be noted that a battery system may include one or more batteries. When a battery system includes multiple batteries, the batteries may be connected in parallel or in series. A supercapacitor module may include one or more supercapacitors. When a supercapacitor module includes multiple supercapacitors, the supercapacitors may be connected in parallel or in series.

[0062] In practical applications, the monitoring system can also communicate with each power module; that is, the power supply system also includes communication lines. (See [link]). Figure 5 As shown, the communication line connects to the monitoring system and each power module. When the monitoring system detects that a control switch in the power supply equipment's control circuit is closed, it sends a control signal to each power module via the communication line, thereby controlling each power module to perform the corresponding operation. For example, if the closure of the control switch in the power supply equipment's control circuit triggers an emergency power-down signal, the monitoring system uses the emergency power-down signal sent by the power module to control all power modules to stop operating. This ensures that even if the power supply equipment's control circuit fails, it can still perform its corresponding functions, guaranteeing the reliability of the power supply equipment. Figure 5 The red line shown is a schematic diagram of the communication line connection.

[0063] In some implementations, the control circuit and monitoring system of the power supply equipment can be integrated into a single cabinet, which is equipped with interfaces through which the power supply equipment can connect to its control circuit and monitoring system.

[0064] In some implementations, the control circuit of the power supply equipment and the monitoring system can also be integrated into different devices. For example, the control circuit of the power supply equipment can be installed on the same device as the power supply equipment, while the monitoring system is a separate device. Both devices are equipped with interfaces, and the two devices can be electrically connected through the interfaces and cables.

[0065] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the scope of this application. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application also intends to include such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A control circuit for a power supply device, characterized in that, include: First signal line, second signal line, third signal line, and control switch; The first signal line is connected to the first power module of the power supply equipment; The second signal line is connected to the last power module of the power supply equipment; The third signal line is used for connection between multiple power modules of the power supply equipment; The control switch is connected to the first signal line and the second signal line, and is used to transmit the control signal to each power module of the power supply equipment through the signal loop formed by the first signal line, the second signal line and the third signal line when the control switch is closed.

2. The circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, If the control switch is connected to the first signal line and the second signal line via a connector, the control circuit of the power supply equipment further includes a fourth signal line. The monitoring system of the power supply equipment is connected to the fourth signal line via the connector. The fourth signal line is connected to each power module of the power supply equipment. The fourth signal line is used to send the connection status of the first signal line, the second signal line, and the third signal line to the monitoring system.

3. The circuit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The control circuit of the power supply equipment also includes a first switch; The first switch and the control switch are linked switches. The first switch is used to connect to the monitoring system of the power supply equipment and send the switch status of the control switch to the monitoring system.

4. The circuit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The control switch is located on the monitoring equipment of the power supply equipment.

5. The circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control signal is either a high-level signal or a low-level signal.

6. A power supply system, characterized in that, include: The power supply equipment, the monitoring system, and at least one control circuit for the power supply equipment as described in any one of claims 1 to 5; wherein the power supply equipment includes multiple power modules, and the control circuit of each power supply equipment has a different control switch: Each power module is used to connect to a power source and a load, converting the electrical energy output by the power source into the supply voltage for the load, and supplying power to the load; wherein, the multiple power modules are connected in series or in parallel; The control circuit of each power supply device is connected to each power module and the monitoring system.

7. The power supply system according to claim 6, characterized in that, Each power module is a DC-DC converter.

8. The power supply system according to claim 6, characterized in that, Each power module is an AC converter.

9. The power supply system according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that, Each power module is either a battery system or a supercapacitor module.

10. The power supply system according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that, The power supply system also includes a communication line, which is connected to the monitoring system and each power module. The monitoring system is used to send a control signal to each power module through the communication line when the control switch in the control circuit of the power supply equipment is closed.

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