LED Power Supply Standby Control via Capacitor Voltage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LED power supply devices with DALI compatibility face challenges in minimizing standby power consumption due to continuous electrical power consumption by the control unit, leading to increased mean power draw from the mains during long idling or off phases.
Innovation Solution
The control unit's operating voltage is drawn from the output-side smoothing-and-buffer capacitor, eliminating the need for a separate voltage supply unit, with charge pulses maintaining the capacitor voltage above the minimum operating voltage for continuous control unit operation while keeping it below the LED threshold voltage, thereby reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the control unit is supplied with electrical power from the power supply input to ensure continuous operation, then the control unit can respond to control requests at any time, but the mean power consumption from the mains increases during standby periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using pulse-like control signals to charge the output-side smoothing-and-buffer capacitor at specific intervals rather than maintaining continuous power supply. The control unit is supplied with energy through periodic charging pulses that maintain the capacitor voltage above the minimum operating voltage threshold while keeping the LED component deactivated, thus reducing mean power consumption during standby periods while ensuring continuous operational readiness.
2Reliability
If a separate voltage supply unit is provided for the control unit, then continuous operation is ensured, but additional design outlay and circuit complexity are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the output-side smoothing-and-buffer capacitor serve dual functions: it continues to perform its traditional role of smoothing output voltage for the LED component while simultaneously functioning as an energy storage element to supply power to the control unit during standby periods. This eliminates the need for a separate voltage supply unit, reducing circuit complexity and design outlay while ensuring continuous operation readiness of the control unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by utilizing the existing output-side smoothing-and-buffer capacitor and its stored energy to supply power to the control unit, rather than requiring an external or separate power supply. The capacitor that is already part of the power supply circuitry is made to serve the additional function of controlling unit power supply, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating additional components.
3Reliability
If the capacitor voltage is maintained above the LED threshold voltage to ensure continuous power supply, then the control unit can operate continuously, but the LED component cannot be properly deactivated during standby periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the capacitor voltage to remain within a specific range: above the minimum operating voltage threshold required for control unit operation but below the LED component's threshold voltage. This parameter optimization allows the control unit to operate continuously while the LED component remains properly deactivated, achieving both continuous control readiness and energy efficiency during standby periods.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach significantly lowers mean power consumption by leveraging the existing smoothing capacitor to supply the control unit, reducing additional circuitry and power supply costs, and ensuring continuous operation during standby periods without excessive mains power draw.
Implementation Method 1
the operating voltage of the control unit is drawn from a capacitor voltage of a smoothing-and-buffer capacitor that is located at the power supply output connection to a load
Data Source
AI summary
An LED power supply device includes a power supply to control an LED component, a control unit (with control interface) to control the power supply, and a voltage supply unit connected to a connection of the power supply. the control unit receives operating voltage from the voltage supply unit for continuous operation in an activated and non-activated control state of the LED component, and the voltage supply unit uses a capacitor coupled to an output side of the power supply to supply a capacitor voltage as operating voltage to the LED power supply device. The control unit is configured to charge the capacitor using pulse-like control of the power supply such that, in the non-activated control state, the maximum charging voltage lies below the LED threshold voltage.