Power Supply Energy Measurement via PFC Controller Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power-saving features in electrical equipment, such as Sleep states and auto-power down, do not fully leverage human participation for energy conservation, as they rely on inherent design without active user engagement to achieve additional energy savings.
Innovation Solution
A power supply circuit with a rectifier and a power factor correction (PFC) preregulator that includes a controller to determine and report energy consumption, encouraging human participation in energy conservation by providing accurate energy measurement and feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If power-saving features (Sleep state, auto-power down) are implemented, then energy consumption is reduced, but user engagement and active participation in energy conservation are not encouraged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by providing real-time energy consumption information to users through a display interface. The system measures energy consumption using a metering circuit and presents this data to users, enabling them to actively monitor and respond to their energy usage patterns. This feedback loop transforms passive power-saving operation into active user participation in energy conservation decisions.
2Measurement precision
If accurate energy measurement is implemented, then energy consumption can be accurately determined and reported, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the energy measurement function with the existing power factor correction (PFC) preregulator circuit. The controller of the PFC preregulator performs dual functions: maintaining power factor correction and measuring energy consumption. This integration allows accurate energy measurement to be achieved without adding a completely separate measurement system, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply includes a rectifier having an AC input and a DC output and a power factor correction (PFC) preregulator, coupled to the rectifier, that increases a power factor of the power supply. The PFC preregulator includes a controller that integrates an input power to determine energy consumption and outputs a signal indicative of the energy consumption.