Dynamic Power Adapter Voltage Control for Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computer systems face challenges with increasing power consumption leading to thermal dissipation issues and power supply limitations, particularly in mobile systems where power adapters can overheat or fail, affecting battery life and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A power management system that includes a power monitor module to dynamically control the output voltage of the power adapter based on the power demand of both electrical loads and battery packs, ensuring that the power adapter's rating is not exceeded and balancing power supply and demand by adjusting the activities of electrical loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If processor speed is increased to provide more powerful computer systems, then processing capability is improved, but power consumption increases leading to thermal dissipation problems
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the output voltage of the power adapter based on real-time power demand monitoring. The power management module continuously monitors power consumption and adjusts voltage levels to match actual needs, preventing excessive power delivery that would cause overheating while maintaining high processing capability when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the power management module monitors power consumption from multiple sources (battery packs, electrical loads) and uses this information to adjust the power adapter's output voltage. This closed-loop control ensures power delivery matches actual demand, resolving the contradiction between providing sufficient power for high-speed processing and preventing thermal issues from excessive power delivery.
2Power
If power adapter output is increased to meet higher power demands, then power delivery capability is improved, but the power adapter becomes overheated and experiences functional failures
Solution Approach 1:
The power adapter's output voltage is made dynamic rather than fixed. The power management module continuously adjusts the output voltage based on monitored power demand, ensuring the adapter delivers only the necessary power level. This prevents the adapter from operating at excessively high power levels that would cause overheating and failure, while still maintaining the capability to deliver high power when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
A feedback control system monitors the total power demand from battery packs and electrical loads, and uses this information to adjust the power adapter's output. This feedback mechanism prevents the adapter from delivering more power than necessary, thereby preventing overheating and functional failures while maintaining reliable operation under varying load conditions.
3Duration of action of moving object
If power is allocated to charge battery packs, then battery life is extended, but power available for electrical loads may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically allocates power between battery charging and electrical load operation based on real-time conditions. The power management module monitors both battery charge status and electrical load power requirements, continuously adjusting the power distribution to optimize both battery life extension and electrical load performance according to current system needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the power system by adjusting voltage levels and power allocation ratios based on monitored conditions. When battery charging is prioritized, the system adjusts power distribution parameters to favor charging; when electrical load performance is critical, parameters are adjusted to ensure sufficient power availability, thereby resolving the contradiction between these two competing requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus to balance adapter power supply and computing device power demand. In one embodiment, power to/from battery pack(s) maybe controlled by adjusting the output voltage of the power adapter via the current input to the power adapter through a feedback pin to meet power demand of electrical loads. Another embodiment provides a way to adjust the activities of the electrical loads such that neither adapter power rating nor the electrical load power limit is exceeded while avoiding system shutdown.