Peak-Load Power Supply Control Using an Energy Storage Capacitor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power supply systems face challenges in maintaining stability during peak loads, as they often experience current surges when increasing power output, which can damage internal components.
Innovation Solution
A power supply system comprising a first power unit and a redundant second power unit with an energy storage capacitor, first-stage and second-stage converters, and a processor that switches to a power supply mode during peak loads, disabling the first-stage converter and using the capacitor to provide power through the second-stage converter, thereby avoiding current surges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the power supply system increases power output during peak loads, then the power supply capacity is improved, but current surges occur which can damage internal components
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage capacitor is pre-charged during normal operating conditions before peak load occurs. When peak load is detected, the pre-charged capacitor immediately discharges to supplement power, avoiding the need to increase current from the power source during peak demand.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy storage capacitor acts as an intermediary between the power source and the electrical load. It buffers the power flow by storing energy when demand is low and releasing energy when demand is high, preventing direct current surges from the power source to the load.
2Reliability
If a redundant power unit is added to handle peak loads, then the power supply stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second power unit is designed with multi-functionality: during normal operation it remains in standby mode with minimal impact, but during peak loads it activates to provide additional power. The energy storage capacitor serves multiple purposes - normal operation, peak load supplementation, and power factor correction.
Solution Approach 2:
The critical power delivery function is extracted from the first power unit by separating the energy storage function into a dedicated capacitor in the second power unit. This allows the second unit to provide peak power supplementation without requiring a complete redundant power conversion system.
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
The system effectively manages peak loads without increasing current from the power source, preventing damage to components and ensuring power supply stability by utilizing stored energy from the capacitor.
Implementation Method 1
The second power unit comprises an energy storage capacitor, a first-stage converter, a second-stage converter and a processor. The energy storage capacitor is coupled between the first-stage converter and a second-stage converter in the second power unit.
Data Source
AI summary
A control method applied to a power supply system. The power supply system comprises at least one first power unit and a second power unit, and the at least one first power unit is configured to provide power to an electrical load according to a power provided by a power source. The control method comprises: detecting a load status of the power supply system; when the load status is determined to be a peak load, generating a trigger signal; and in response to the trigger signal, disabling a first-stage converter in the second power unit, and controlling an energy storage capacitor in the second power unit to provide power to the electrical load, wherein the energy storage capacitor is coupled between the first-stage converter and a second-stage converter in the second power unit.