Power Supply Unit Sharing Switches Between Main and Standby Converters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power supply units experience efficiency losses due to high voltage stress and hard switching in flyback converters used for standby power, which affects the overall power system performance.
Innovation Solution
A power supply unit design that shares switches between a main converter and a standby converter, utilizing a phase shift full bridge converter for main power and a two-switch flyback converter for standby power, with specific switch configurations and circuit elements to achieve improved efficiency through zero voltage switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate auxiliary converter (flyback converter) is used to supply standby power, then the power supply unit can maintain a ready state before normal operation, but the efficiency of the entire power system is lowered due to high voltage stress and hard switching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the standby converter and main converter into a single integrated power supply unit, allowing them to share common components (switches, magnetics, control circuitry) while maintaining independent operation modes. This integration eliminates the need for completely separate auxiliary converter hardware, reducing overall system losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality where the same switch network and magnetics serve both standby converter operations (during standby mode) and main converter operations (during normal operation). The controller dynamically configures the switch connections to provide different conversion topologies as needed, making the hardware universal for both functions.
2Device complexity
If a flyback converter is used for standby power, then the structure remains simple, but high voltage stress is applied to switches causing efficiency reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic switching configurations where the connectivity and topology of the converter are dynamically changed based on operating mode. During standby operation, the circuit is configured in a soft-switching topology that reduces voltage stress on switches, while during normal operation, it transitions to the main converter topology. This dynamic reconfiguration allows maintaining simple hardware while achieving efficient operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters including switch timing, duty cycles, and connectivity configurations to optimize performance for different modes. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system achieves soft-switching conditions during standby mode, reducing voltage stress and improving efficiency without requiring completely different hardware.
3Extent of automation
If hard switching is used in the standby converter, then the switching control is simple, but the voltage stress on switches increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic switching actions with carefully timed intervals to achieve soft-switching conditions. By using resonant oscillations and timed switching sequences, the system creates periodic zero-voltage or zero-current switching opportunities that reduce losses. The controller synchronizes switching events with the natural resonant periods of the circuit to minimize voltage stress.
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 solution enhances the efficiency of the power supply unit by reducing voltage stress and improving switching conditions, leading to better performance in both normal and standby modes.
Implementation Method 1
a secondary side circuit supplying a main power through a secondary side winding magnetically coupled to the primary side winding of the main transformer
Implementation Method 2
a secondary side circuit supplying a standby power through a secondary side winding magnetically coupled to the primary side winding of the standby transformer
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a power supply unit supplying a standby power by sharing a switch of a main converter. The power supply unit includes: a main converter, and a standby converter. The main converter controls a current flowing in a primary side winding of a main transformer and supplies a main power through a secondary side winding of the main transformer. The standby converter controls a current flowing in a primary side winding of a standby transformer and supplies a standby power through a secondary side winding of the standby transformer, and a portion of a plurality of switches of the main converter is included in switches of the standby converter.