Power Converter Bypass for Wide Input Voltage Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power supply apparatuses face challenges in maintaining high power conversion efficiency across a wide input voltage level range, especially during multi-stage power conversion, as they are limited by the voltage level at which high efficiency can be maintained and efficiency is lowered when dealing with varying input voltages.
Innovation Solution
A power supply apparatus that includes a first power converter for bypassing or converting input power within a predetermined voltage range to a preset voltage level, and a second power converter, such as an LLC resonant converter or phase-shifted full-bridge converter, which operates near its maximum resonance or duty point to maintain high efficiency, with a controller managing the operation based on input voltage levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multi-stage power conversion is performed to handle wide input voltage range, then adaptability to different voltage levels is improved, but power conversion efficiency deteriorates due to multiple conversion stages
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two power conversion paths based on input voltage conditions. When input voltage is within a reference range, the first power converter operates in bypass mode (direct connection). When input voltage is outside the reference range, the first power converter performs voltage conversion. This dynamic operation mode selection maintains high efficiency across different voltage conditions while preserving adaptability to wide input voltage ranges.
2Adaptability or versatility
If first power converter operates at all voltage levels, then coverage of input voltage range is improved, but power conversion efficiency deteriorates due to operation away from optimal point
Solution Approach 1:
The input voltage range is segmented into two regions: a reference voltage level range and an outside range. Within the reference range, the system uses a direct bypass path for high efficiency. Outside the reference range, the first power converter activates to perform voltage conversion. This segmentation allows the system to maintain optimal efficiency in the reference range while still handling extended voltage ranges through the converter when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The first power converter acts as an intermediary component that can operate in two modes: bypass mode (direct connection) and conversion mode (voltage transformation). The controller selects the appropriate mode based on whether the input voltage is within or outside the reference range. This intermediary approach enables the system to achieve both high efficiency in the reference range and extended voltage coverage when conversion is required.
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 solution allows for high power conversion efficiency by bypassing or converting input power to optimal voltage levels, enabling the second power converter to operate at its maximum efficiency point, even with varying input voltages, thus overcoming the limitations of traditional power supply apparatuses.
Implementation Method 1
a second power converter, such as an LLC resonant converter or phase-shifted full-bridge converter, which operates near its maximum resonance or duty point to maintain high efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a power supply apparatus supplying driving power. The power supply apparatus includes: a first power converter bypassing input power when a voltage level of the input power having a predetermined voltage level is within a reference voltage level range, and converting the input power to DC power having a preset voltage level when the voltage level of the input power is outside of the reference voltage level range; and a second power converter converting the power inputted from the first power converter to driving power having a preset voltage level.