Power Converter Switch Control for No-Load Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rechargeable electronic devices continue to consume standby power even when turned off or fully charged, contributing significantly to overall energy usage, necessitating a reduction in no-load power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A power device with a switch and switch control module that automatically detects no-load conditions and decouples the power converter from the power source, using a rectifier and power converter to manage AC input power and reduce standby power consumption without requiring additional power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the power converter remains connected to the power source, then the electronic device can receive power when needed, but no-load power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between connected and disconnected states based on real-time load detection. The controller continuously monitors the electronic device state and dynamically adjusts the switch position to either connect or disconnect the power converter, transforming a static connection into a dynamic, adaptive system that optimizes between power availability and energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback control through load detection circuits that monitor whether the electronic device is in a loaded or no-load state. This feedback information is fed to the controller, which then adjusts the switch state accordingly. The feedback mechanism enables the system to automatically respond to changing conditions, ensuring power is available when needed while eliminating unnecessary power consumption during no-load conditions.
2Loss of energy
If a switch is added to control connection, then no-load power consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the switch control functionality with the existing power converter control circuitry. Rather than adding a completely separate control system, the patent integrates the load detection and switching control into the existing power management architecture, combining multiple functions into unified control logic that reduces overall system complexity despite adding switching capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The power device performs self-service through automatic load detection and self-controlled switching. The system monitors its own operating conditions and autonomously adjusts its connection state without requiring external control or additional complex management systems. This self-service approach simplifies the overall control architecture while achieving energy reduction goals.
3Loss of energy
If the switch is frequently switched on and off, then power consumption is optimized, but reliability may decrease due to switch wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary detection of no-load conditions before executing the switch-off action. The load detection circuit continuously monitors device state and prepares for switching in advance, allowing the controller to make informed decisions about when switching is necessary. This preliminary action prevents unnecessary frequent switching while ensuring timely disconnection when no-load conditions are detected, optimizing the balance between energy savings and switch durability.
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 solution effectively reduces no-load power consumption in electronic devices like phone chargers and notebook power supplies by automatically detecting and responding to no-load conditions, minimizing power draw from the AC power source, thereby decreasing overall energy usage.
Implementation Method 1
a rectifier that converts AC input power received from an AC power source to rectified power
Implementation Method 2
a power converter that converts the rectified power to DC output power that can be supplied to an electronic device
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods (“utility”) are provided for reducing the no-load (standby) power of power devices such as chargers for electronic devices and power converters for electronic devices. The utility may include a controllable switch that is operative to decouple circuitry of the power device from a power source under certain no-load conditions. In one embodiment, the utility provides a switch control module that is operative to sense when an electronic device is coupled to the power device, and in response, to control the switch to couple the power device to the power source. The switch control module may also be operative to detect a condition when the electronic device is no longer drawing power from the power device, and in response, to control the switch to decouple the power device from the power source.