Adaptive Power Regulator with Zero-Crossing Coordination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power regulators for circuit protection applications face issues such as high power wastage, slow start-up and reaction times, large physical size, and complexity, especially when dealing with varying input voltages and high current demands, leading to inefficiencies and potential EMC issues.
Innovation Solution
A power regulator that adapts between power switching and linear regulation modes based on operating conditions, utilizing a controllable switching element and a Zener diode to manage current flow and voltage, reducing power dissipation and size while maintaining quick start-up and efficient operation across a wide range of input voltages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a standard linear regulator circuit is used, then the circuit can be implemented relatively cheaply, but at higher input voltages there is large power dissipation within the circuit leading to power wastage and undesirable heating
Solution Approach 1:
The linear regulator is divided into two separate regulators: a first high-voltage linear regulator that operates efficiently at higher input voltages, and a second low-voltage linear regulator that takes its input from the output of the first regulator. This segmentation allows each regulator to operate in its optimal voltage range, reducing overall power dissipation while maintaining ease of implementation through the use of standard linear regulator components
2Device complexity
If a zero cross switch is used to switch off current flow when Vin exceeds a threshold, then the circuit can provide simple regulation, but it leads to high ripple at V INT and requires further regulation to smooth the output
Solution Approach 1:
The regulation function is segmented between a zero-crossing switching element that handles gross voltage regulation by switching at zero-crossing points, and a subsequent linear regulator that smooths the ripple and provides fine voltage regulation. This segmentation allows the switching element to provide simple regulation while the linear regulator ensures output stability
3Device complexity
If a zero cross switch is used for regulation, then the circuit can operate with simple switching, but it is severely limited in response time to transient high loads and can take a long time to charge up the capacitor at the output
Solution Approach 1:
The regulation system is segmented into a zero-crossing switching element for bulk power management and a linear regulator for responsive fine-tuning. The linear regulator portion provides fast response to transient load changes while the switching element handles steady-state operation, combining simplicity with rapid response capability
4Ease of operation
If multiple circuit breakers are turned on simultaneously causing large currents at zero cross, then the zero crossing arrangement can provide simple startup, but it causes potential EMC issues and may affect the electrical supply from the transformer
Solution Approach 1:
The zero-crossing switching element operates by switching at the zero-crossing points of the AC waveform, distributing the inrush current over periodic cycles rather than concentrating it at a single moment. This periodic action at zero-crossing points reduces electromagnetic interference and prevents disturbance to the electrical supply while maintaining simple startup operation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The adaptive power regulator achieves rapid start-up in under 5ms, reduces power dissipation by one-third compared to standard linear regulators, and operates efficiently over a wide voltage range with minimal component size, addressing the inefficiencies and size constraints of prior art.
Implementation Method 1
a second switching element (e.g. a Zener diode) arranged to provide a current bypass to the first switching element when a voltage difference exceeds a predetermined threshold
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A power regulator having a linear regulator for outputting a first signal derived from a rectified AC signal; and a switching means having an input connected to the output of the linear regulator and having an output, the switching means including first and second switching elements each respectively connected between the input and output of the switching means, the operation of the first switching element being determined by a first difference between a voltage value associated with the rectified AC signal and a first reference voltage value, and the operation of the second switching element being determined by a second difference between the voltage value at the output of the switching means and a second reference voltage value; wherein when said second difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, the second switching element operates to provide a current bypass to the first switching element.