Air Conditioner SMPS Standby Switching to Reduce Energy Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Air conditioners face inefficiencies in power consumption during standby mode due to ongoing operation of switched-mode power supplies (SMPS), which limits energy efficiency regardless of indoor or outdoor power source types.
Innovation Solution
A power supply apparatus with a standby power switching unit that selectively cuts off power to the SMPS using relays and a switching driver, driven by a control signal, to enter a power saving mode, reducing power consumption by disconnecting the main power supply to the outdoor unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the SMPS continues to operate in standby mode, then the outdoor unit can quickly resume operation when needed, but power consumption increases and energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into multiple independent power sources: main power supply (SMPS), auxiliary power supply, and battery power supply. The standby power switching unit selectively connects or disconnects these power sources based on operational state, allowing the SMPS to be disconnected during standby while maintaining system readiness through the auxiliary power supply and battery.
Solution Approach 2:
The standby power switching unit dynamically changes the power supply configuration based on operational requirements. During standby mode, it disconnects the SMPS and connects the auxiliary power supply with battery backup. During operation, it switches to the main power supply, enabling adaptive power management that balances energy efficiency with operational readiness.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the SMPS is disconnected in standby mode, then power consumption is reduced, but the system may not be able to quickly resume operation
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary power supply and battery are prepared in advance to take over immediately when the SMPS is disconnected. The battery is charged during operation and automatically activates in standby mode, ensuring the system can maintain essential functions and quickly resume operation without waiting for SMPS restart.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary power supply acts as an intermediary between the battery and the outdoor unit controller. It manages the transition between battery power and main power supply, smoothing the power delivery and ensuring stable operation during mode transitions without affecting system readiness.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a standby power switching unit is added to control power to the SMPS, then power consumption in standby mode is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The standby power switching unit is designed with multi-functionality, serving as a universal power management component that handles switching between main power supply, auxiliary power supply, and battery power supply. It integrates multiple functions (power switching, status monitoring, mode transition control) into a single device, reducing the need for separate control circuits and minimizing overall system complexity.
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
Effectively reduces power consumption in standby mode by stopping the SMPS operation, achieving lower energy usage than traditional methods, regardless of indoor or outdoor power source types, and allowing seamless transition between normal and power saving modes.
Implementation Method 1
This may include a relay and a relay driver configured to selectively drive the relay
Implementation Method 2
a first photocoupler connected to the second relay
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A power supply apparatus having a power saving function and an air conditioner including the same are disclosed. The power supply apparatus includes a first communication unit, a first controller configured to transmit a control signal to the first communication unit, a main power supply including a switched-mode power supply (SMPS) connected to an AC power supply and configured to supply power and a standby power switching unit configured to selectively switch on or off power supplied to the SMPS, an auxiliary power supply connected to the AC power supply, a second communication unit connected to the first communication unit via a communication line and configured to receive power from the auxiliary power supply, a switching driver connected to the auxiliary power supply and the second communication unit and configured to supply driving power to the standby power switching unit according to the control signal, and a second controller configured to receive power from the SMPS and selectively supply power to the switching driver.