Multi-mode Current-Allocating Device for Power Supply Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power supply systems with multiple parallel-connected devices are limited to a single control mode, leading to low efficiency and high power loss when the load state changes, as they cannot adapt to different control modes without re-designing the hardware.
Innovation Solution
A multi-mode current-allocating device with a DC to DC converter, current switch, feedback circuit, current-sharing bypass circuit, droop current sharing control circuit, and MCU, which allows for active and droop current sharing modes by controlling switch states based on load and input power conditions, enabling flexible operation and improved efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single control mode is used in conventional power supply devices, then the hardware design is simple, but the device cannot adapt to different load states and control modes without re-designing the hardware
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control mode switching by using switches (first switch connected to active current sharing control circuit, second switch connected to droop current sharing control circuit) that can be controlled by a microcontroller to select between different control modes based on load conditions. This dynamic switching capability allows the power supply device to adapt to varying load states without hardware re-design, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and hardware complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal control circuit that can perform multiple control modes (active current sharing, droop current sharing, and current allocating modes) within a single hardware configuration. By integrating multiple control circuits and using switch-based selection, the circuit achieves multi-functionality, allowing the same hardware to serve different control mode requirements without re-design, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and hardware complexity.
2Loss of energy
If conventional current-sharing control mode is used during light-loading state, then each power supply device supplies equivalent current, but the power supply efficiency is low and overall power loss is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically switches between control modes based on load conditions. During light-loading states, the microcontroller activates the current allocating mode by controlling the switches, which allows one power supply device to supply most of the current while others operate at higher efficiency points. This dynamic adaptation reduces overall power loss while maintaining control mode flexibility, resolving the contradiction between energy loss and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from fixed current-sharing to variable current-allocating mode based on load conditions. By using the microcontroller to monitor load state and switch between control modes, the system optimizes the current distribution parameters to minimize power loss during light-loading states while maintaining adaptability to different operational conditions, thus resolving the contradiction between energy loss and control mode adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-mode current-allocating device serves to control the DC to DC converter in each power supply device of a distributive power supply system. The multi-mode current-allocating device has an active current-sharing control circuit, a current-allocating bypass circuit, and a droop current sharing control circuit to be selectively operated under an active current-sharing mode, a current-allocating mode or a droop current-sharing mode according to the factors of the type of input power of each power supply device, the state of system load, and the system reliability so as to maintain the power supply efficiency of entire power supply system and reduce unnecessary power loss.