Compensated Droop Method for Parallel Power Supply Load Regulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing droop method for connecting multiple power supply modules in parallel often results in poor load regulation due to variations in output voltage and load current, which is not acceptable for many applications.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a feedback control loop with a current sensor and compensation circuit that adjusts the reference signal based on the output current of each power supply module to maintain stable voltage and improve load regulation, using resistors and amplifiers to compensate for variations in output current.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the droop method is used to connect multiple power supply modules in parallel, then the output current capability is increased, but the load regulation deteriorates due to variations in output voltage and load current

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput current capabilityVSAvoidload regulation
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control loop that monitors the output current of each power supply module and adjusts its output voltage accordingly. The feedback mechanism detects variations in output current and automatically compensates by modifying the output voltage to maintain equal current sharing among parallel modules, thereby resolving the load regulation deterioration caused by the traditional droop method

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically changes the output voltage parameter of each power supply module based on real-time output current measurements. By adjusting the output voltage parameter in response to current variations, the system maintains optimal load regulation while preserving the increased current capability provided by parallel connection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If the droop method is used to connect multiple power supply modules in parallel, then the current capability is doubled, but the output voltage variation increases leading to poor load regulation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent capabilityVSAvoidoutput voltage stability
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The feedback control loop continuously monitors output current and adjusts output voltage to compensate for variations. This closed-loop control mechanism detects voltage instability caused by current sharing variations and automatically corrects it, maintaining stable output voltage despite the increased current capability from parallel connection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system takes preliminary action by proactively adjusting the output voltage before significant voltage instability occurs. The control mechanism anticipates voltage variations that would result from current sharing imbalances and pre-compensates by modifying the output voltage, thereby preventing rather than merely reacting to instability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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 enhances load regulation by ensuring that the output voltage remains stable even with increasing load current, improving the overall performance of parallel-connected power supply modules to within 0.1% tolerance.

Implementation Method 1

A first amplifier has first and second inputs coupled to first and second terminals of the first resistor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOhm's Law: Ohm's Law

Implementation Method 2

A second amplifier has a first input coupled for receiving the output voltage of the power supply module, a second input coupled for receiving a first reference signal, and an output coupled for providing a feedback signal to the power conversion circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFeedback control: Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS7304462B2Compensated droop method for paralleling of power supplies (C-droop method)
Publication Date: 2007.12.04 BEL POWER SOLUTIONS INC
  • US7304462B2 patent drawing
  • US7304462B2 patent drawing
  • US7304462B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A power supply has multiple power supply modules connected in parallel. Each power supply module has a power conversion circuit having an input coupled for receiving an input voltage. A resistor is serially coupled in an output of the power conversion circuit. A current limit amplifier has first and second inputs coupled to first and second terminals of the first resistor. A feedback amplifier has a first input coupled for receiving an output voltage of the power supply module, a second input coupled for receiving a reference signal, and an output coupled for providing a feedback signal to the power conversion circuit. A compensation resistor is coupled between an output of the current limit amplifier and the second input of the feedback amplifier for adjusting the reference signal to compensate for variation in output current of the power conversion circuit.