Power Manager With Variable Bus Voltage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power managers suffer from underutilization of device ports and excessive power loss due to fixed bus voltage leading to unnecessary power conversions, as they cannot efficiently handle multiple power sources and loads with different non-bus compatible voltages.
Innovation Solution
A power manager system with a variable DC bus voltage and enhanced power channel configuration, including universal ports and controllable switches, that dynamically selects bus voltage points to minimize power conversion losses by connecting devices directly or through power converters based on their operating voltages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a fixed DC bus voltage is used in conventional power managers, then the system structure is simple and stable, but power loss increases due to unnecessary power conversions when connecting devices with different voltages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a variable DC bus voltage system where the bus voltage can dynamically adjust between multiple operating points (e.g., 12V, 24V, 48V) based on the voltage requirements of connected devices. This dynamic voltage adjustment eliminates unnecessary power conversions by matching the bus voltage to device voltages, thereby reducing power conversion losses while maintaining system stability through controlled transitions between voltage levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the electrical parameter of bus voltage from a fixed value to a variable value that can be adjusted according to device requirements. By implementing multiple DC bus voltage operating points and selecting the appropriate voltage level based on connected devices, the system optimizes power transfer efficiency and reduces conversion losses without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If device ports are dedicated as input or output ports in conventional power managers, then the control logic is simple, but device port utilization is low when multiple non-bus voltage compatible devices need to be connected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal device ports that can function as either input ports or output ports depending on the voltage compatibility requirements of connected devices. When a device with non-bus voltage is connected, the port can operate in power conversion mode to accommodate the device's voltage requirements. This multi-functionality increases device port utilization and allows flexible connection of various devices without being constrained by fixed input/output port assignments.
Solution Approach 2:
The power channel configuration dynamically reconfigures based on device connection status and voltage requirements. The system can switch between direct connection mode (for bus-voltage compatible devices) and power conversion mode (for non-bus voltage devices), allowing device ports to adapt their function and connection path based on real-time requirements, thereby maximizing port utilization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If power conversions are performed for all non-bus voltage compatible devices, then all devices can be connected, but power loss increases due to the conversion process
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the bus voltage parameter to match device voltage requirements, eliminating the need for power conversion. By implementing multiple DC bus voltage operating points (e.g., 12V, 24V, 48V), the system can adjust the bus voltage to align with connected device voltages, thereby achieving device compatibility without incurring power conversion losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects the appropriate bus voltage operating point based on the voltage requirements of connected devices. When a device is connected, the system determines the device's voltage requirements and adjusts the bus voltage accordingly, enabling direct connection without power conversion and thus maintaining energy efficiency while supporting diverse device voltages.
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 increases device port utilization and reduces power loss by optimizing power conversions, allowing more non-bus voltage compatible devices to be connected and minimizing the difference between input and output voltages during conversions.
Implementation Method 1
an input power converter having an input side and an output side disposed along an input power converting channel between the power bus and an input device port
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An improved power manager includes a power bus (410) and multiple device ports (1-5), with at least one device port configured as a universal port (3 and 4) to be selectively connected to the power bus over an input power channel that includes an input power converter (510) or over an output or universal power channel (412, 416) that includes an output power converter (440, 442). The universal power channel (412) allows the input port (4) to be selected as an output power channel instead of an input power channel (i.e. operated as a universal port) for outputting power to device port (4) over power converter (440). The improved power manager (500) includes operating modes for altering an operating voltage of the power bus (505), to minimize overall power conversion losses due to DC to DC power conversions used to connect non-bus voltage compatible power devices to the power bus.