Power Supply Extended Hold-Up Time via Switched Capacitor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Information handling systems face challenges in maintaining extended hold-up time and minimizing re-rush current when input power is restored after an interruption, which can lead to component damage and inefficiencies in power supply systems.
Innovation Solution
A power supply system incorporating a rectifier circuit, power factor correction circuit with a bulk capacitor, an extended hold-up capacitor, and a control circuit, along with a digital signal controller, which operates an electronic switch to manage the parallel connection of capacitors and reduce re-rush current through DC to DC conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the hold-up capacitor is increased to extend hold-up time, then the hold-up time is improved, but the re-rush current increases causing component damage
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system segments the capacitor function into two distinct components: a bulk capacitor for standard power storage and an extended hold-up capacitor specifically for extending hold-up time. This segmentation allows each capacitor to be optimized independently, with the extended hold-up capacitor being selectively connected only when extended hold-up time is needed, thereby avoiding the re-rush current problem that would occur if a single large capacitor were always connected.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically connects and disconnects the extended hold-up capacitor based on operational requirements. A controller monitors the power supply state and selectively engages the extended hold-up capacitor only during conditions where extended hold-up time is needed, rather than having it permanently connected. This dynamic operation prevents re-rush current while maintaining extended hold-up capability when required.
2Duration of action of moving object
If a large bulk capacitor is used to extend hold-up time, then the hold-up time is improved, but the power supply efficiency and size are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitor system is segmented into a standard bulk capacitor and an additional extended hold-up capacitor. This allows the base power supply to maintain its original compact design with the bulk capacitor, while the extended hold-up capacitor serves as a modular add-on that only increases size when extended hold-up time functionality is actually implemented.
Solution Approach 2:
The extended hold-up capacitor serves multiple functions: it extends hold-up time during power interruptions, and when selectively connected, it can also serve as additional bulk capacitance during normal operation. This multi-functionality allows the same component to address both hold-up time extension and potential bulk capacitance needs without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the bulk capacitor voltage is reduced to extend hold-up time, then the hold-up time is improved, but the re-rush current increases causing component damage
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage support function is segmented between the bulk capacitor and the extended hold-up capacitor. The extended hold-up capacitor is specifically dedicated to maintaining voltage during extended hold-up periods, allowing the bulk capacitor to maintain its optimal voltage level without being discharged to excessively low levels, thereby preventing re-rush current when power is restored.
Solution Approach 2:
The extended hold-up capacitor acts as an intermediary energy storage element between the input power source and the load. During power interruptions, it specifically targets and supports the voltage decay problem, absorbing the stress of voltage maintenance and preventing the bulk capacitor from experiencing the harmful voltage swings that would cause re-rush current.
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 system extends hold-up time and reduces re-rush current when input power is re-connected, ensuring safe and efficient operation of information handling systems by managing capacitor energy and controlling current flow.
Implementation Method 1
An extended hold-up capacitor is coupled in parallel to the bulk capacitor, via a first electronic switch
Implementation Method 2
The first electronic switch has a first terminal coupled to the bulk capacitor and a second terminal coupled to the extended hold-up capacitor
Implementation Method 3
A DC to DC converter is coupled to the extended hold-up circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply for an information handling system includes a rectifier circuit that is coupled to a power factor correction circuit. The power factor correction circuit includes a bulk capacitor. An extended hold-up capacitor is coupled in parallel to the bulk capacitor, via an electronic switch. The electronic switch has a first terminal coupled to the bulk capacitor and a second terminal coupled to the extended hold-up capacitor. A control circuit is coupled to a third terminal of the electronic switch and controls the operation of the electronic switch. An extended hold-up circuit is coupled to the extended hold-up capacitor and an output terminal of the power factor correction circuit. A digital signal controller is coupled to the extended hold-up circuit. The digital signal controller controls the operation of the extended hold-up circuit, and a DC to DC converter is coupled to the extended hold-up circuit.