LED Load Control Circuit for AC/DC Power Loss Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transition to DC power distribution from renewable energy sources introduces inefficiencies due to the need for rectification and active power factor correction in AC electrical loads, leading to energy loss.
Innovation Solution
A load control device that operates in both AC and DC modes, disabling the power converter in DC mode to reduce losses and adjusting bus voltage based on load requirements, using a control circuit to manage power delivery to LED light sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If rectification and active power factor correction are used in AC electrical loads to accommodate DC power distribution, then the electrical load can operate with DC power, but energy loss increases due to the conversion process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power converter function from the AC-only design and creates a hybrid system that can operate in both AC and DC modes. The power converter is configured to be bypassable, allowing DC power to pass through directly without conversion, thereby eliminating the energy loss associated with rectification and active power factor correction while maintaining adaptability to DC power distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic operation modes where the system can switch between AC mode and DC mode based on the input power type. The control circuit dynamically adjusts the configuration of the power converter and bypass switch to optimize performance for the current operating mode, reducing energy loss in DC mode by bypassing the power converter when appropriate
2Reliability
If the power converter operates continuously to regulate bus voltage, then stable power delivery is maintained, but energy efficiency decreases due to unnecessary conversion losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operation modes where the system can switch between AC mode and DC mode based on the input power type. The control circuit dynamically adjusts the configuration of the power converter and bypass switch to optimize performance for the current operating mode, reducing energy loss in DC mode by bypassing the power converter when appropriate
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the power converter based on the input power type. In DC mode, the system modifies the bus voltage regulation strategy and can bypass the power converter entirely for certain load conditions, adjusting the conversion ratio and operating point to minimize losses while maintaining stable power delivery when conversion is necessary
3Loss of energy
If a bypass switch is added to allow direct DC power passage, then energy efficiency improves by reducing conversion losses, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass switch is integrated into the existing power converter circuitry, allowing the same component to serve dual functions: power conversion when operating in AC mode and direct power passage when operating in DC mode. This multi-functionality approach reduces overall device complexity compared to having separate dedicated circuits for AC and DC operation
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit acts as an intermediary that manages the complexity of coordinating the power converter and bypass switch operations. It automatically detects the input power type and configures the circuit accordingly, shielding the user from the underlying complexity while enabling the energy efficiency benefits of the bypass capability
Data Source
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AI summary
A load control device for controlling power delivered from a power source to an electrical load may comprise a control circuit configured to control the load regulation circuit to control the power delivered to the electrical load. The control circuit may be configured to operate in an AC mode when an input voltage is an AC voltage and in a DC mode when the input voltage is a DC voltage. The control circuit may be configured to disable the power converter in the DC mode. The control circuit may be configured to render a controllable switching circuit conductive in the AC mode, and non-conductive in the DC mode. The rectifier circuit may be configured to rectify the input voltage to generate a rectified voltage when the input voltage is an AC voltage, and to pass through the input voltage when the input voltage is a DC voltage.