Dual Power Converter Module for Light Load Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power supply units in information handling systems have low efficiency at light loads, lack scalability, and are not optimized for increasing demand in standby power, leading to inefficiencies and complexity in meeting varying power requirements.
Innovation Solution
A power supply unit with a dual power converter system, where a first power converter and a second power converter with a higher capacity are selectively enabled and disabled based on parameters such as power demand, allowing for efficient operation across different load levels and enabling scalability without the need for multiple units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a main power stage is optimized for higher loads to meet thermal requirements, then thermal performance is improved, but efficiency at light loads deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply unit is divided into multiple power converter modules (first power converter and second power converter), each capable of operating independently. This segmentation allows the system to switch between different converter configurations based on load conditions, optimizing efficiency at light loads while maintaining thermal performance at high loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller dynamically adjusts the operating configuration by selectively enabling or disabling power converter modules based on real-time load conditions. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt its efficiency characteristics to match actual power demand, resolving the contradiction between light-load efficiency and thermal performance.
2Ease of manufacture
If a standby power converter is designed as low power cost optimized, then cost is reduced, but efficiency and power capacity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The power converter modules are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as main power converters and standby power converters. The same hardware infrastructure supports multiple operational roles, eliminating the need for separate optimized standby converters and achieving both cost efficiency and high performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the standby power conversion capability into the main power converter modules. By combining these functions into a unified system with shared components and control logic, the design achieves cost optimization without sacrificing efficiency or power capacity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power supply units with different capacities are designed to meet varying power demands, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply unit is segmented into multiple modular power converter modules with different power capacities. These modules can be selectively activated to match different power demand levels, providing adaptability across a wide range (500W to 2400W) without requiring multiple separate power supply units.
Solution Approach 2:
A single power supply unit is designed to perform multiple power capacity levels through selective module activation. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate power supply units for different capacity requirements, reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
4Device complexity
If a single power supply unit is used across a wide range of capacities, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to specific power demands deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply unit incorporates dynamic control capabilities that allow real-time adjustment of active power converter modules based on detected power demands. This dynamic adaptation enables a single unit to optimize its configuration for different capacity requirements, achieving both simplicity and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller uses feedback from power demand detection to dynamically adjust which power converter modules are active. This feedback mechanism ensures that the single power supply unit can adapt its output capacity to match actual system requirements, maintaining optimization across the full capacity range.
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply unit may include a first power converter configured to generate an output voltage to an output of the power supply unit, wherein the first power converter has a first power capacity, a second power converter configured to generate the output voltage to the output of the power supply unit, wherein the second power converter has a second power capacity substantially greater than the first power capacity, and a controller configured to selectively enable and disable each of the first power converter and the second power converter based on one or more parameters associated with the power supply unit.