Power Supply Sections Selective Enablement for Load Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computer power supplies face inefficiencies due to varying power requirements across different systems and loads, with existing designs optimized for specific ranges, leading to suboptimal performance and increased costs and environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
A power supply system with multiple AC to DC and DC to DC conversion sections, where sections are selectively enabled based on load magnitude to maximize efficiency, using a controller to adjust the combination of sections for optimal power output and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a power supply is designed and built to be most efficient when operating in a target power range, then efficiency is improved for that specific range, but efficiency deteriorates when operating outside the target range
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply is divided into multiple independent power conversion sections, each optimized for a specific power range. The controller selectively activates the appropriate section based on the detected load, ensuring optimal efficiency for the current operating condition while maintaining adaptability across different load ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts which power conversion section is active based on real-time load detection. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the power supply to maintain high efficiency across varying load conditions by always operating the active section within its optimal power range.
2Loss of energy
If multiple power supply designs are created to cover different power ranges, then efficiency is improved for each specific range, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple power conversion sections that would traditionally require separate power supply designs are merged into a single integrated power supply unit. The controller intelligently selects and activates the appropriate section based on load requirements, achieving the efficiency benefits of multiple specialized designs while maintaining a single product platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple power ranges through a single device. By incorporating multiple convertible sections within one unit, the power supply can adapt to different power requirements without requiring separate specialized power supplies for each application.
3Device complexity
If a single power supply design is used for all power ranges, then device complexity is reduced, but efficiency deteriorates for non-optimal loads
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply performs self-diagnosis and self-configuration by detecting the load requirements and automatically activating the appropriate power conversion section. This eliminates the need for external configuration or complex user setup while ensuring optimal efficiency for the detected load condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates load detection feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor power requirements and adjust the active power conversion section accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures the power supply operates at peak efficiency by responding to changing load conditions in real-time.
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 approach allows a single power supply to efficiently handle a wide range of loads, reducing the number of power supply part numbers, improving power efficiency, and minimizing environmental impact by dynamically adjusting to varying power demands.
Implementation Method 1
at least one AC to DC conversion section configured for converting AC from an AC input to DC at an upper DC voltage value
Implementation Method 2
at least one DC to DC regulation section configured for regulating at least a portion of the DC at the upper DC voltage value to DC at a lower DC voltage value
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for maximizing the efficiency of a power supply according to the value of a load to be powered. One embodiment provides a power supply system including a first and second stage. The first stage has at least one AC to DC conversion section for converting an AC input to DC at an upper DC voltage value. The second stage has at least one DC to DC regulation section for converting at least a portion of the DC at the upper DC voltage value to DC at a lower DC voltage value and supplying the lower DC voltage value to a DC output. One or both of the first and second stages includes more than one section operating in parallel. A controller selectively enables a selected combination of the AC to DC conversion sections and the DC to DC regulation sections according to an expected or actual value of the load.