Dual PFC Units for Stable Power Sharing in Large Displays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power sharing methods in large display apparatuses face challenges in reducing the weight and manufacturing cost of power supply devices due to high power consumption and the need for high-capacity PFC circuits to manage peak power during transient states.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a dual PFC unit system with controllers that detect and adjust the driving time of each PFC unit based on output voltage, allowing for efficient power sharing and preventing power imbalances, thereby stabilizing power supply even in initial transient states without requiring additional high-capacity inductors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional power sharing method using a single high-capacity PFC circuit is used, then peak power during transient states can be managed, but the weight and manufacturing cost of the power supply device increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepeak power management capabilityVSAvoidpower supply device weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The single high-capacity PFC circuit is divided into multiple low-capacity PFC circuits (first PFC circuit and second PFC circuit). Each circuit handles a portion of the power load, allowing the system to manage peak power through coordinated operation of multiple smaller units rather than requiring one large unit, thereby reducing overall weight and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic control of the PFC circuits by adjusting their operating states based on real-time power conditions. The controller monitors the operating state of each PFC circuit and dynamically switches between different operational modes (normal operation, power sharing, and power imbalance prevention) to optimize performance while managing peak power demands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a conventional power sharing method using a single high-capacity PFC circuit is used, then peak power during transient states can be managed, but the manufacturing cost of the power supply device increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepeak power management capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The single high-capacity PFC circuit is divided into multiple low-capacity PFC circuits (first PFC circuit and second PFC circuit). Each circuit handles a portion of the power load, allowing the system to manage peak power through coordinated operation of multiple smaller units rather than requiring one large unit, thereby reducing overall weight and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses multiple low-capacity PFC circuits that are cheaper and more readily available than a single high-capacity circuit. These smaller units can be manufactured at lower cost and are easier to replace or upgrade, reducing the overall manufacturing cost while maintaining the required power management capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Weight of stationary object

If multiple PFC units are used for power sharing, then weight and cost are reduced, but power imbalance and peak occurrence may occur during transient states

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply device weightVSAvoidpower sharing stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The controller continuously monitors the operating state of each PFC circuit and uses this feedback information to adjust their operation. By detecting voltage levels, current flow, and power output of each circuit, the controller can identify imbalances and implement corrective actions such as adjusting duty cycles or switching operational modes to maintain stable power sharing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary measures to prevent power imbalance before it occurs. The controller proactively monitors the operating conditions and adjusts the PFC circuits' operation in advance to prevent imbalance scenarios. The power imbalance prevention mode is specifically designed to detect early signs of imbalance and correct them before they affect system reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of manufacture

If multiple PFC units are used for power sharing, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but power imbalance and peak occurrence may occur during transient states

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidpower sharing stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The controller continuously monitors the operating state of each PFC circuit and uses this feedback information to adjust their operation. By detecting voltage levels, current flow, and power output of each circuit, the controller can identify imbalances and implement corrective actions such as adjusting duty cycles or switching operational modes to maintain stable power sharing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary measures to prevent power imbalance before it occurs. The controller proactively monitors the operating conditions and adjusts the PFC circuits' operation in advance to prevent imbalance scenarios. The power imbalance prevention mode is specifically designed to detect early signs of imbalance and correct them before they affect system reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11398774B2Electronic apparatus and control method thereof
Publication Date: 2022.07.26 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US11398774B2 patent drawing
  • US11398774B2 patent drawing
  • US11398774B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An electronic apparatus is disclosed. The electronic apparatus includes: a first power factor correction (PFC) unit comprising circuitry and a second PFC unit comprising circuitry connected to the first PFC unit, a first controller configured to control the first PFC unit, and a second controller configured to control the second PFC unit, wherein the first controller is configured to: detect a voltage output from the first PFC unit, control a driving time of the first PFC unit based on the detected output voltage, and provide information on the driving time to the second PFC unit through the second controller, and wherein the second controller is configured to control a driving time of the second PFC unit based on the information on the driving time.