Power supply apparatus having power saving function and air conditioner including the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Air conditioners have low energy efficiency in power saving mode due to continued power consumption by the switched-mode power supply (SMPS) even when in standby mode, as it is not completely shut off.
Innovation Solution
A power supply apparatus with a standby power switching unit that can be selectively turned off by a switching driver based on control signals from communication units, ensuring the SMPS is completely powered down during power saving mode, reducing overall power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the air conditioner enters power saving mode to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but the SMPS continues to operate and consume power, resulting in undesirably low energy efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the SMPS from the continuous power supply and introduces a standby power switching unit that can disconnect power to the SMPS during power saving mode. This separation allows the main power supply to be cut off while enabling complete shutdown of the SMPS, thereby eliminating unnecessary power consumption and improving energy efficiency during standby operations.
2Use of energy by moving object
If power is cut off to the outdoor unit to prevent compressor operation in power saving mode, then power consumption is reduced, but the SMPS should also be completely shut off to achieve better energy efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power supply system into distinct controllable sections by introducing a standby power switching unit positioned between the main power supply and the SMPS. This segmentation enables independent control of power delivery to different components, allowing the system to completely shut off power to the SMPS during power saving mode while maintaining the ability to quickly restore power when needed, thus reducing overall power consumption without excessive complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply apparatus having a power saving function and a related air conditioner are disclosed. The power supply apparatus includes a first communication unit, a first controller transmitting a control signal to the first communication unit, a main power supply including a switched-mode power supply (SMPS) connected to an AC power supply and supplying power and a standby power switch selectively switching power supplied to the SMPS, an auxiliary power supply connected to the AC power supply, a second communication unit connected to the first communication unit via a communication line and receiving power from the auxiliary power supply, a switching driver connected to the auxiliary power supply and the second communication unit and supplying driving power to the standby power switch according to the control signal, and a second controller receiving power from the SMPS and selectively supplying power to the switching driver.