Modular Power Supply Unit Load Balancing Across Series and Parallel Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power supply systems with multiple units face challenges in flexible connection and operation, requiring complex signal wiring and control methods, leading to instability in output start timing and risk of damage due to unbalanced load distribution upon unit failure.
Innovation Solution
A power supply system with multiple units that includes a power supply main circuit, current and voltage detection units, parameter storage, control, and communication units, allowing for optional connection in series or parallel configurations, and automatic balance adjustment through inter-unit communication, enabling easy operation mode switching and user-friendly construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional power supply systems connect multiple units with fixed wiring and control methods, then the system can operate in specific modes, but the system lacks flexibility and requires complex signal wiring for different connection configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal communication protocol that allows power supply units to function in multiple connection configurations (series, parallel, or combinations) without requiring different wiring schemes. Each unit can dynamically determine its role and adjust its behavior based on communication with other units, enabling the same hardware to serve multiple operational modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operational characteristics of each power supply unit based on real-time communication and detected connection topology. Units can switch between master and slave roles, and adjust their output parameters dynamically, rather than being fixed in predetermined configurations.
2Extent of automation
If digital communication is used to transmit output start commands between power supply units, then the system can operate remotely and automatically, but deviation in output start timing occurs causing instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the master unit monitors the actual start timing of each slave unit and provides correction signals. When timing deviations are detected through communication feedback, the system adjusts the timing of subsequent commands or applies phase correction to synchronize the output starts across all units.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary timing synchronization before actual output operation begins. The master unit sends pre-synchronization commands to slave units, allowing them to prepare and align their internal timing circuits before the actual output start command is issued, thereby minimizing timing deviations.
3Reliability
If one power supply unit fails during operation, then the system can continue operating with remaining units, but load becomes unbalanced causing excessive stress and potential damage to remaining units
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system continuously monitors the operational status of each power supply unit. When a unit failure is detected through lack of response or error signals, the master unit receives feedback about the failed unit and automatically redistributes the load among remaining operational units, preventing excessive stress concentration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes redundant communication channels and load distribution mechanisms before failures occur. The control architecture is designed in advance to handle unit failures, with pre-configured load sharing algorithms that activate automatically when a unit goes offline, cushioning the remaining units from excessive stress.
4Ease of operation
If users without specialized knowledge need to construct and operate power supply systems, then the system becomes more accessible and easier to use, but complex balance adjustment and control configuration becomes a barrier
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply units automatically perform balance adjustment and control configuration through inter-unit communication without requiring user intervention. Each unit self-identifies its role (master or slave), and the system automatically configures the control parameters and communication protocols, eliminating the need for users to have specialized knowledge.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the complex control functions and balance adjustment algorithms into the internal software of each power supply unit. Users interact with a simple interface while the underlying complex control logic is handled automatically by the integrated control systems within the units themselves.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a power supply system in which two or more power supply units are optionally connected and used in any operation mode. The present invention includes a power supply main circuit 30 that converts AC power 21 into DC power; a current detection unit 302 that detects an output current Io; a voltage detection unit 301 that detects an output voltage Vo; a parameter storage unit 34 that rewritably holds, as a target value Cr, operation mode information Cm selectively indicating constant current operation or constant voltage operation, and one of a target current Iref and a target voltage Vref corresponding to the operation mode information Cm; a control unit 36 that controls the power supply main circuit 30 such that one of the output current Io and the output voltage Vo corresponding to operation mode information Cm matches the target value Cr; a balance information transmission unit 32 that transmits the other of the output current Io and the output voltage Vo as balance information Bi; and a balance information reception unit 32 that receives, as balance information Bi, the other of the output current Io and the output voltage Vo from another one of the power supply units, in which the control unit 36 controls the power supply main circuit 30 based on balance information Bi of the own unit and of the another power supply unit and performs balance adjustment with the another power supply unit.