Power Supply Unit Converter Switching Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power supply units that convert voltage for loads operating at different voltages from the power source suffer from voltage fluctuations when switching between converters, leading to inefficiencies and unreliable power supply.
Innovation Solution
A power supply unit comprising a first converter, a second converter, and an electronic control unit that gradually transitions the output voltage of the first converter to zero while activating the second converter, ensuring a stable voltage supply by maintaining the first converter's output until the second converter can handle the load, thereby minimizing voltage fluctuations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If converters are switched to improve energy efficiency, then energy efficiency is improved, but voltage supplied to the load fluctuates
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic control unit activates the second converter before completely deactivating the first converter. This preliminary action ensures that the second converter is ready to take over the load, preventing voltage fluctuations during the switching process while maintaining energy efficiency by transitioning to the more efficient converter
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic control unit acts as an intermediary that coordinates the transition between the first and second converters. It manages the gradual transfer of load from the first converter to the second converter, ensuring smooth switching that maintains voltage stability while achieving energy efficiency improvements
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 effectively suppresses voltage fluctuations during converter switching, improving energy efficiency and ensuring a stable power supply to loads with varying current demands.
Implementation Method 1
The first converter is connected between the power source and a load power line connected to the load, and is configured to supply the power from the power source to the load power line with conversion of the voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply unit includes an electronic control unit that executes; a first control for controlling first and second converters such that a voltage of the load power line becomes a predetermined voltage by driving the first converter in a state where the second converter is stopped, and a second control for controlling the first and second converters such that the voltage of the load power line becomes the predetermined voltage by driving the second converter in a state where the first converter is stopped. The electronic control unit is configured to, when shifting from first to second control, control the first and second converters such that the voltage of the load power line becomes the predetermined voltage by driving the second converter, and stop the first converter after an output current of the first converter has become less than a predetermined current.