Bidirectional Low Voltage Power Supply With Single PWM Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor systems, particularly cryogenic cooler motors, and power supplies are inefficient in managing bidirectional power flow, leading to power dissipation and increased thermal load.
Innovation Solution
A bidirectional low voltage power supply (LVPS) system comprising a first power converter for providing power to a load, a second power converter for recycling power back to the input source, and control circuitry with a single pulse width modulator (PWM) and switching circuitry to selectively switch between the converters based on power flow direction, utilizing error amplification and absolute value calculations for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If power sourced from cryocooler motors is dissipated conventionally, then system simplicity is maintained, but energy efficiency deteriorates and thermal load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two power converter functions (power supply and power recycling) into a single bidirectional power supply system. The first converter supplies power to the motor, while the second converter recycles power from the motor back to the input source, both managed within one integrated system that reduces overall energy loss and thermal load.
Solution Approach 2:
The bidirectional power supply system performs multiple functions: it acts as a power source when the motor requires energy and as a power sink when the motor generates energy during braking or deceleration. This multi-functionality allows the system to handle both power delivery and power recovery, improving energy efficiency without requiring separate independent systems.
2Loss of energy
If a bidirectional power supply system with multiple converters is implemented, then energy efficiency improves, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuitry merges multiple control functions into a single integrated controller that manages both the first power converter and the second power converter. This unified control approach coordinates the switching and operation of both converters, enabling seamless transition between power supply and power recycling modes while reducing the overall complexity of having separate control circuits for each converter.
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 LVPS system enhances system efficiency by recycling power and reducing thermal load, achieving significant improvements over conventional techniques, with potential energy savings of up to 20 Watts in motor drive and cryogenic cooler applications.
Implementation Method 1
control circuitry comprising a single pulse width modulator PWM and switching circuitry, the switching circuitry configured to select either the first power converter or the second power converter for reception of an output of the PWM
Implementation Method 2
an error amplifier, an absolute value circuit configured to provide an absolute value of a difference between an output of an error amplifier and zero volts
Data Source
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
Embodiments of a bidirectional low voltage power supply (LVPS) with a single pulse width modulator and method are generally described herein. In some embodiments, the bidirectional LVPS may include a first converter arranged to provide power from an input power source to a load and a second converter arranged to selectively recycle power from the load at an output of the first converter back to the input power source. Control circuitry may include switching circuitry that may be configured to select either the first power converter or the second power converter for reception of an output of a single PWM.