Interleaved Power Supply Architecture for Flat Low-Load Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing AC-DC power supplies experience a significant drop in efficiency at low loading conditions due to overhead power that does not scale down with reduced load, leading to lower overall system efficiency in IT applications like data centers and network systems.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an interleaved power supply architecture that includes an auxiliary power supply and multiple output modules, with a controller that dynamically directs the power supply to use fewer phases or the auxiliary power supply at low loading conditions to minimize overhead power and maintain high efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a power supply is designed for peak loading conditions, then peak efficiency is maximized, but efficiency at low loading conditions deteriorates sharply
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply is divided into multiple independent phases, each capable of operating autonomously. The controller can selectively activate only the necessary number of phases based on loading conditions, preventing all phases from consuming overhead power when full capacity is not needed. This segmentation allows the system to scale power consumption with actual demand.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of active phases based on real-time loading conditions through controller logic. At low loading, fewer phases are activated to minimize overhead power consumption; at peak loading, all phases are activated to maximize efficiency. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between peak and low-loading efficiency.
2Loss of energy
If all subsystems are designed for individual optimal performance at peak loading, then peak efficiency is improved, but overall system efficiency at typical operating conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Each phase is designed to be universally functional and can operate independently to provide the full range of power output capabilities. Any single phase can handle the complete load spectrum from minimal to peak demand, allowing the system to achieve high efficiency at any loading level by activating just one phase when needed, rather than requiring all subsystems to operate simultaneously at partial load.
Data Source
AI summary
A control method improves the efficiency profile of a power supply across a wide range of output loading. The method includes obtaining a measure of output power for a power supply, which includes one or more output modules and an auxiliary power supply. The method determines whether a maximum power rating of the auxiliary power supply is sufficient to provide the measure of output power. Responsive to a determination that the maximum power rating of the auxiliary power supply is sufficient to provide the measure of output power, the controller of the power supply directs the auxiliary power supply to provide the output power.