Power Storage Adapter Combining AC-DC Converter and Battery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Information handling systems, particularly portable devices, face challenges in meeting high power demands during high performance operating modes due to limitations in the maximum power supply capacity of AC-DC converters, which restricts their ability to sustain operation in such modes without compromising battery life or charging efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A power storage adapter (PSA) that combines power from an AC-DC converter and a battery, using a battery management unit and controller to adjust output voltage and supply combined power, exceeding the AC-DC converter's capacity when necessary, thereby supporting high performance modes and optimizing charging efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the AC-DC converter operates alone to supply power, then the device structure remains simple, but the maximum power supply capacity is limited and cannot meet high performance operating modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the AC-DC converter and battery into a unified power storage adapter system. The controller integrates power management functions to coordinate both power sources, merging their outputs through a combined power delivery interface. This allows the system to achieve higher power capacity by aggregating the output of the AC-DC converter and battery while maintaining a unified, manageable structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The power storage adapter is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate in AC-DC converter only mode, battery only mode, or combined mode. The system universally supports different power supply configurations and can adapt to various power demands, making the power supply structure versatile rather than specialized for a single mode.
2Power
If the AC-DC converter increases its power capacity to meet high performance modes, then the power supply capability improves, but the device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The battery is pre-charged to a specific state of charge level before operation. When high power is needed, the system activates the combined power mode using the pre-charged battery alongside the AC-DC converter. This preliminary charging action allows the system to deliver peak power without requiring the AC-DC converter to be continuously oversized.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the battery to supplement the AC-DC converter output only when and to the extent that high power is actually needed. The battery provides partial power assistance during high performance modes rather than continuously, allowing the AC-DC converter to be sized for normal operation while the battery handles peak demands.
3Power
If the system uses only battery power to meet high power demands, then the power capacity is sufficient, but the battery depletes quickly and requires frequent recharging
Solution Approach 1:
The AC-DC converter continuously supplies power to maintain the battery's charge level while simultaneously providing operational power to the device. This continuous dual-function operation ensures the battery remains charged and available for high power demands without depleting its energy reserves, extending the overall operating duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically manages its own power resources by monitoring battery charge levels and power demands. When the battery charge drops below a threshold, the system adjusts the power distribution to recharge the battery using the AC-DC converter, enabling self-sustaining operation without external intervention.
4Power
If the system operates in combined power mode, then the power capacity exceeds the AC-DC converter limit, but the power management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors the charge level of the battery, the power output requirements, and the operational state of the AC-DC converter. Based on this feedback, the controller dynamically adjusts the power distribution between the battery and AC-DC converter, optimizing the combined output while preventing over-discharge or overloading. This closed-loop control manages the complexity of combined power operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the battery, AC-DC converter, and power consuming device. It mediates the power flow by receiving power from both sources, managing their interaction, and delivering the combined output to the device. This intermediary role simplifies the overall system architecture by centralizing the complex power management functions in a single control unit.
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 PSA enhances the maximum power supply capacity when the battery is partially charged, allowing devices to operate in high performance modes for extended periods and charge internal batteries faster than with AC-DC converter power alone, while maintaining efficient power distribution.
Implementation Method 1
a battery, an AC-DC converter having a maximum power supply capacity
Implementation Method 2
an AC-DC converter having a maximum power supply capacity, coupled to a variable power bus
Implementation Method 3
a battery management unit comprising an adjustable DC-DC voltage converter to adjust an output voltage of the battery to a desired output voltage
Data Source
AI summary
An external power storage adapter (PSA) may supply electrical power to a portable information handling system or other power consuming device. The power storage adapter may include an AC-DC converter, a battery, and intelligent power management functionality. A PSA controller may cause a PSA battery management unit to combine electrical power supplied by the AC-DC converter and electrical power supplied by the battery in order to supply enough electrical power for the information handling system to operate in a particular operating mode. The power storage adapter may output power to a port of the portable information handling system, such as a USB Type-C port, over a variable power bus. The maximum power supply capacity of the power storage adapter, when the battery is at least partially charged, may be greater than the maximum power supply capacity of the AC-DC converter alone.