Diode Bypass Circuit for Power Supply Energy Savings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power supply apparatuses consume excessive energy when diodes of the bridge rectifier and negative temperature coefficient thermistors are not needed to suppress inrush current, as they continue to operate even after the risk of inrush current has passed.
Innovation Solution
An energy-saving power supply apparatus is designed with a bridge rectifier, a diode bypass circuit, and a control circuit that bypasses part of the diodes after receiving a power start signal, reducing energy consumption by minimizing the operation of diodes and thermistors when inrush current is not a concern, and optionally using a switch unit to further reduce energy wastage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If diodes of the bridge rectifier and negative temperature coefficient thermistor are used to suppress inrush current, then inrush current suppression is improved, but energy consumption increases when inrush current risk has passed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the diode configuration changeable over time. The control circuit dynamically switches between full-bridge rectification mode (all diodes active) during startup to suppress inrush current, and half-bridge rectification mode (some diodes bypassed) during normal operation to reduce energy consumption. This temporal differentiation resolves the contradiction between reliable inrush suppression and energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter of the bridge rectifier from fixed full-bridge configuration to variable configuration. By controlling the switching state of the diodes (on/off states), the system transitions between different rectification modes based on the operational phase, thereby optimizing the balance between inrush current suppression capability and energy consumption.
2Device complexity
If diodes continue to operate after inrush current risk has passed, then circuit simplicity is maintained, but energy wastage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bridge rectifier operation into distinct phases: startup phase requiring full-bridge rectification for inrush suppression, and normal operation phase where half-bridge rectification suffices. The control circuit divides the diode functions, activating only the necessary diodes during each phase, thereby reducing energy wastage while maintaining circuit simplicity through controlled segmentation of operational modes.
3Reliability
If negative temperature coefficient thermistor is used to suppress inrush current, then inrush current suppression is improved, but energy consumption and heat generation increase during normal operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using the negative temperature coefficient thermistor only during the startup phase to suppress inrush current. Once the startup is complete and the risk of inrush current has passed, the control circuit bypasses the thermistor and disables its function. This preliminary intervention resolves the contradiction by limiting the thermistor's energy-consuming operation to only when it is needed for reliable inrush suppression.
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 effectively saves energy by bypassing unnecessary diodes and thermistors, reducing energy consumption and preventing improper operation during zero cross conditions, thereby enhancing the energy efficiency of the power supply apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
the power supply apparatus usually comprises the negative temperature coefficient thermistor to suppress the inrush current. When the alternating current power supply apparatus or the load apparatus are just started, the temperature of the negative temperature coefficient thermistor is low, so that the impedance of the negative temperature coefficient thermistor is high to suppress the inrush current
Data Source
AI summary
An energy-saving power supply apparatus includes a bridge rectifier, a diode bypass circuit and a control circuit. The diode bypass circuit is electrically connected to the bridge rectifier. The control circuit is electrically connected to the diode bypass circuit and the bridge rectifier. The bridge rectifier includes a plurality of diodes. After the control circuit receives a power start signal, the control circuit is configured to control the diode bypass circuit, so that a part of the diodes are bypassed to save energy.