Power Distribution Controller Current Spike Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices with multiple power sources face inefficiencies due to current spikes, leading to significant power losses when power is transferred between components, as existing systems lack effective management of power distribution.

Innovation Solution

A power distribution controller is implemented to set an upper limit of current from a first power source to a second component based on the average charge level of the second power source over a predetermined time, using a charge measurement module and an average determination module to monitor and adjust current draw, thereby reducing power loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If power is transferred between components through a power bus, then components can share power sources, but current spikes cause significant power losses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower sharing capabilityVSAvoidpower loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The power distribution controller proactively monitors charge levels and predicts future power needs before current spikes occur. By setting upper current limits in advance based on predicted charge depletion, the system prevents harmful current spikes before they happen, thereby reducing power loss while maintaining power sharing capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The controller continuously monitors the charge level of the second power source and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the upper current limit. This closed-loop control ensures that current draw is optimized based on real-time battery status, preventing power loss from spikes while enabling adaptive power sharing between components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Power

If current draw is increased to meet peak power demands, then power delivery is improved, but power losses due to current spikes increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower deliveryVSAvoidpower loss

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the upper current limit based on the second power source's charge level rather than using a fixed limit. When charge is high, higher current can be drawn to meet peak demands. When charge is low, the limit is reduced to prevent spikes. This dynamic adjustment optimizes power delivery while minimizing power loss at all operating points

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The controller changes the current limit parameter based on the charge level parameter. By establishing a relationship between these two parameters (higher charge allows higher current limits), the system enables adequate power delivery when energy is available while preventing harmful current spikes when energy is constrained, thereby reducing overall power loss

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10312713B2Power distribution controller

Publication Date: 2019.06.04 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

The described technology includes a power distribution controller configured to control functioning of a first power source configured to supply power to a first component and to a second component and a second power source configured to supply power to the second component. The power distribution controller sets an upper limit of current from the first power source to the second component based on average level of charge at the second power source over a predetermined amount of time. The power distribution controller reduces the amount of power loss due to spikes in current from the first power source to the second component.