Control Circuit for Power Supply Standby Energy Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The widespread use of electronic devices with rechargeable batteries leads to significant energy wastage due to power supplies remaining connected to electrical outlets even after charging is complete, resulting in continuous, albeit low, energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A control circuit that disconnects power to the power supply when it is no longer needed, such as when a device is fully charged or disconnected, and reconnects when the device requires charging, using sensors to monitor current and manage power input from the outlet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the power supply remains connected to the power source after charging is complete, then the device is ready for immediate use, but electrical energy is continuously consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit performs preliminary detection of the load's power needs before maintaining power supply connection. When no load is detected or the battery is fully charged, the control circuit proactively disconnects the power supply from the power source, preventing unnecessary energy consumption while ensuring the device can be quickly reconnected when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit continuously monitors the output current of the power supply and uses this feedback to determine whether to maintain or disconnect the power source connection. When output current falls below a threshold (indicating no load or full charge), the control circuit triggers disconnection, creating a closed-loop system that eliminates standby power consumption
2Loss of energy
If the power supply is disconnected from the power source when not needed, then energy consumption is reduced, but the device cannot be charged immediately when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit maintains the power supply in a disconnected state as a preliminary measure when no charging is needed, eliminating standby power consumption. The system is designed so that reconnection can occur immediately when a load is detected, minimizing any potential delay while maximizing energy savings during idle periods
3Loss of energy
If users manually unplug power supplies after charging, then energy waste is reduced, but user convenience is decreased and the solution is not scalable
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit autonomously monitors the charging status and load presence, then automatically disconnects or reconnects the power supply without requiring user intervention. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for users to manually unplug power supplies while achieving energy conservation, making the solution scalable to millions of devices without changing user behavior
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit uses feedback from current sensing to automatically determine when disconnection is appropriate, eliminating the need for user awareness or action. The system continuously monitors output current and autonomously makes connection decisions, providing both energy savings and user convenience simultaneously
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 reduces energy consumption by minimizing standby power usage in electronic devices, demonstrated by a 50% to 60% reduction in power consumption during testing.
Implementation Method 1
third circuitry to sense current at the output of the power supply; fourth circuitry to determine when the sensed current at the output of the power supply exceeds a threshold
Implementation Method 2
the power supply, which typically comprise a transformer and other circuitry, continue to consume electrical power
Data Source
AI summary
A control circuit includes a first input coupled to a power source, a second input coupled to an output of a power supply, and an output coupled to an input of the power supply. The control circuit senses current at the power supply output. If the sensed current exceeds a threshold, the control circuit connects the power supply input to the power source. If sensed current does not exceed the threshold, the control circuit disconnects the power supply input from the power source and applies a voltage to the power supply output. If the sensed current exceeds the threshold while the power supply input is disconnected from the power source and while the control circuit is applying voltage to the power supply output, the control circuit discontinues application of voltage to the power supply output and connects the power supply input to the power source.