Current Sharing Transformer for Switching Power Supply Heat Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Switching power supply devices face challenges in achieving high power density and efficiency, leading to increased heat generation and reduced product lifetime due to power loss, especially in high-capacitive applications like servers and large-scale information processing systems.

Innovation Solution

A switching power supply device utilizing a current sharing transformer configuration with parallel-connected primary sides, an inverter switching unit employing PWM control, and a rectifying unit with synchronized switches and filters to distribute current evenly between transformers, improving power conversion efficiency and reducing heat generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If switching frequency is increased to downsize power storage elements, then power supply device size is reduced, but power loss and heat generation increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply device sizeVSAvoidpower loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single transformer into two parallel transformers (T1 and T2), each handling a portion of the total power. This segmentation allows distribution of switching operations across multiple devices, reducing the switching frequency burden on each individual transformer and thereby reducing power loss while maintaining compact size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of energy

If power conversion efficiency is improved to reduce heat generation, then heat sink size is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat generationVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces share inductors (L1, L2) connected to each transformer primary winding to enable current sharing control. While this adds components, the segmentation allows each transformer to operate at optimized conditions, improving overall conversion efficiency and reducing heat generation that would require larger heat sinks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If single transformer is used to maintain simple structure, then device complexity is low, but current distribution function is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransformer configurationVSAvoidcurrent distribution function

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses two parallel transformers with share inductors to create redundant current paths. The inductors L1 and L2 are specifically designed to balance current distribution between the two transformers, improving current distribution function and reliability while maintaining relatively simple parallel connection structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Loss of energy

If parallel transformer configuration is used to improve current distribution, then power conversion efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower conversion efficiencyVSAvoidtransformer configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two transformers in parallel configuration where their primary windings are connected in parallel. This merging approach allows the system to achieve improved power conversion efficiency through better current distribution while sharing the functional load across multiple devices, balancing the increase in device complexity with performance benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution enhances current distribution and power conversion efficiency, reducing heat generation and enabling a more compact design while maintaining reliability, thus extending the product's lifespan and improving system performance.

Implementation Method 1

the inverter switching unit performs switching operation through phase control PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPulse Width Modulation (PWM):

Implementation Method 2

first and second transformers of which each primary side connected to the set of share inductors is connected in parallel to each other

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS7969752B2Switching power supply device using current sharing transformer

Publication Date: 2011.06.28 SAMSUNG ELECTRO MECHANICS CO LTD

AI summary

In accordance with the present invention, the switching power supply device using a current sharing transformer includes an inverter switching unit for switching an input voltage; a set of share inductors connected to the inverter switching unit for distributing a current applied by the inverter switching unit; first and second transformers of which each primary side connected to the set of share inductors is connected in parallel to each other; and a rectifying unit connected to secondary sides of the first and second transformers.