Dual-PSU Standby Power Supply With Automatic Voltage Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power supplies face issues with voltage mismatch detection, leading to potential damage and inefficiency due to manual selection errors and voltage fluctuations, and require improved standby modes with lower energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A power supply system with two separate power supply units, including a first ancillary unit for ancillary functions and a second main unit, where a processor automatically selects the appropriate voltage setting based on measured input voltage, ensuring seamless transitions and efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a manual voltage selection switch is used, then the power supply can be configured for different voltage regions, but user error can lead to catastrophic damage to electrical components
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply automatically detects the input voltage level and configures itself without user intervention. The processor measures the mains electric power voltage and autonomously selects the appropriate voltage setting, eliminating the manual switch that causes user errors while maintaining adaptability to different voltage regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the input voltage through the processor and adjusts the voltage setting based on real-time measurements. This feedback mechanism ensures the power supply adapts to the correct voltage region while preventing misconfiguration, as the processor compares measured voltage against predefined thresholds and automatically corrects any setting errors.
2Speed
If the power supply remains fully operational in standby mode, then it can switch on quickly, but energy consumption is higher than necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply is divided into two separate units: a first power supply unit that remains active during standby to power the processor and enable quick switching, and a second power supply unit that is fully deactivated during standby to minimize energy consumption. This segmentation allows the system to maintain rapid response capability while dramatically reducing standby power draw.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically transitions between different operational states. During standby, only essential components are active; upon receiving a power-on command, the system rapidly activates the full power supply chain. This dynamic operation enables quick switch-on while minimizing energy consumption during idle periods.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the second PSU is deactivated in standby mode, then energy consumption is reduced, but the processor cannot perform voltage detection and region selection
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into two distinct units: the first power supply unit remains active during standby to power the processor and enable voltage detection and region selection, while the second power supply unit is deactivated to minimize energy consumption. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by ensuring detection capabilities are maintained without requiring full power supply operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The first power supply unit performs preliminary actions during standby by detecting the input voltage and pre-configuring the appropriate voltage setting. When the power-on command is received, the system is already prepared with the correct configuration, allowing rapid activation of the second power supply unit without requiring it to be continuously active for detection purposes.
4Productivity
If voltage spikes occur on the mains electric power, then the transformer outputs proportional voltage spikes, but these can cause devices to malfunction or operate at reduced efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The processor continuously monitors the input voltage and detects spikes in real-time. When a voltage spike is detected, the system automatically adjusts the voltage setting to compensate, preventing the transformer from outputting proportional spikes. This feedback mechanism protects connected devices from voltage-related damage and maintains optimal operating efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system takes preliminary protective action by detecting voltage anomalies before they can cause damage. The processor identifies voltage spikes and pre-adjusts the voltage configuration to counteract the harmful effects, preventing device malfunction before it occurs rather than responding after damage has been done.
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply may include a power input operable to receive a mains electric power, computing means comprising a processor, a first power supply unit (PSU) electrically coupled to the computing means, the first PSU operable to receive the mains electric power when the power supply is switched on and to provide power to the computing means. The power supply may include a second PSU, a first switching means electrically coupled to the power input, to the first PSU and to the second PSU, the first switching means operable to divert the mains electric power to the first PSU or to the second PSU. The power supply may include a second switching means operable to select a high voltage setting or a low voltage setting of the second PSU.