Intermediate Bus Voltage Control for Two-Stage Power Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transition to a 48-V voltage bus in power conversion systems for data centers results in significant switching losses and inefficiencies due to the use of buck converters, which reduces overall system efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A two-stage power conversion system with a first and second power conversion apparatus connected in cascade, dynamically adjusting the voltage on the intermediate bus based on operating parameters to improve efficiency and thermal management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a buck converter operates with a 48-V voltage bus and steps down to sub-1V, then the voltage conversion is achieved, but significant switching losses occur resulting in lower overall system efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single-stage voltage conversion process into two stages: a first power conversion apparatus that converts 48V to an intermediate voltage (e.g., 12V), and a second power conversion apparatus that converts the intermediate voltage to the final output voltage (sub-1V). This segmentation reduces the voltage stress on individual converters and minimizes switching losses in each stage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate voltage bus (e.g., 12V) as a mediator between the 48V input and the sub-1V output. This intermediate bus acts as a buffer that enables more efficient voltage conversion by breaking down the large voltage differential into smaller, more manageable steps, thereby reducing switching losses.
2Power
If a two-stage power conversion system is used to address 48-V bus challenges, then the system can provide efficient power conversion, but each stage involves inherent inefficiencies and power loss as heat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage adjustment on the intermediate voltage bus based on real-time operating parameters such as load conditions and thermal states. This dynamic control optimizes the operating point of each conversion stage, ensuring they operate at peak efficiency and minimizing cumulative power losses across both stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating voltage parameter on the intermediate bus dynamically rather than maintaining a fixed voltage. By adjusting the intermediate voltage based on operating conditions, the system optimizes the efficiency of both conversion stages and reduces overall power loss as heat.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes providing a power conversion system comprising a first power conversion apparatus connected between an input voltage bus and an intermediate voltage bus, and a second power conversion apparatus connected between the intermediate voltage bus and an output voltage bus, detecting a plurality of operating parameters of the power conversion system, and dynamically adjusting a voltage on the intermediate voltage bus based on the plurality of operating parameters so as to improve at least one desirable circuit characteristic of the power conversion system.