Bridge Converter Standby Control With Precharged Drive Capacitor
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-module bridge converter systems, the standby mode power consumption is high due to the need for re-establishing drive power when converters are awakened, leading to potential deep voltage drops and current stress, as the drive power is forcibly turned off during low load conditions.
Innovation Solution
A bridge converter design that includes a switching circuit, rectifying circuit, transformer, control unit, and drive module, where the control unit fixes operation frequencies at a maximum frequency during standby and charges a capacitor during a first time period, then disables drive to the switches during a second time period, reducing power consumption and minimizing voltage drops upon awakening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the converter operates in standby mode with shared drive power, then cost is reduced, but power consumption increases and voltage drops occur when awakened
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitor is pre-charged to a predetermined voltage level before the converter enters standby mode. This preliminary action ensures that when the converter is awakened, the drive power is already available, eliminating the need for re-establishment and avoiding deep voltage drops. The capacitor stores energy in advance to support immediate switch operation upon activation.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the drive module is forcibly turned off during standby, then power consumption is reduced, but the power switch experiences large current stress upon activation
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitor serves as a cushioning energy reservoir that is charged beforehand to a predetermined voltage. When the converter transitions from standby to active mode, this pre-stored energy provides immediate support to the drive power, cushioning against the current stress that would otherwise occur during switch activation. This prevents large current spikes and protects the power switch from excessive stress.
3Reliability
If the converter uses multi-module parallel structure, then system reliability is improved, but standby mode power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive power function is extracted from the main power conversion path and stored separately in the capacitor during standby mode. This extraction allows the converter to maintain minimal power consumption while still having immediate drive capability available. The capacitor holds the extracted drive energy independently, enabling fast transition without requiring continuous power to the drive module during standby.
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
This approach reduces power consumption during standby mode and prevents deep voltage drops, ensuring smooth operation without initial current stress when the converter is activated, thereby enhancing efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the switching circuit is configured to be coupled to a capacitor; the control unit controls the drive module and the switching circuit to charge the capacitor in the first time period and controls the drive module and the switching circuit not to charge the capacitor in the second time period
Data Source
AI summary
A bridge converter is disclosed for converting an input voltage to an output voltage for providing to a load. The bridge converter has a switching circuit, a rectifying circuit, a transformer, a control unit and a drive module. The drive module drives the switching circuit to converting the input voltage according to control signals generated by the control unit. When a loading of the load is lower than a predetermined level, the control unit fixes operation frequencies of the control signals at a maximum frequency, controls the drive module to drive the switching circuit in a first time period, and disables the drive module to not drive the switching circuit in a second time period.