PSU Voltage Boosting via Capacitor Reconfiguration for Longer Hold-Up
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power supply units (PSUs) often have limited hold-up times after losing an AC source, which can lead to unpredictable device shutdowns and data loss.
Innovation Solution
A controller modifies the operational state of switches within the PSU to boost internal voltage levels by leveraging energy stored in bulk capacitors, extending the hold-up time and allowing safe device shutdown.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the PSU uses standard bulk capacitors for power storage, then the device can operate normally, but the hold-up time after AC source loss is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical parameters of the bulk capacitors by connecting them in series to increase voltage rating and reduce capacitance requirements. This parameter change allows the same energy storage capacity to be achieved with smaller capacitor values, thereby extending hold-up time without proportionally increasing capacitor quantity or size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control through a controller that monitors AC source status and switch states. The system dynamically reconfigures the bulk capacitor connections from parallel (during normal operation) to series (during hold-up mode), optimizing performance based on real-time conditions and extending hold-up time without requiring oversized capacitors.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the PSU operates in standard mode, then the system complexity is low, but the hold-up time is insufficient for safe device shutdown
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bulk capacitor bank into multiple individual capacitors that can be independently controlled and reconfigured. This segmentation allows the system to change connection topologies (parallel to series) without requiring a complete system redesign, managing complexity through modular, controllable units while achieving extended hold-up time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces switches as intermediary components that mediate between the bulk capacitors and the rest of the PSU. These switches enable dynamic reconfiguration of capacitor connections without requiring direct manual intervention or complex wiring changes, simplifying control while achieving the desired hold-up time extension.
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 effectively prolongs the hold-up time of the PSU, enabling safe and orderly device shutdowns by maintaining voltage levels above the cutoff threshold, thereby preventing data loss and unpredictable behavior.
Implementation Method 1
a first bulk capacitor and a second bulk capacitor of the PSU may be reconfigured from a parallel configuration to a series configuration, thereby boosting a voltage level of a power rail of the PSU
Data Source
AI summary
A disclosed apparatus may boost internal voltages of power supply units (PSUs) to extend hold-up times. For example, an apparatus may include a PSU and a controller. In one example, the PSU may be configured to convert power from an AC input into a direct current (DC) output and provide the DC output to a computing device. In this example, the controller may be configured to detect a loss of the AC input and extend a hold-up time of the PSU in response to detecting the loss of the AC input by modifying at least one switch included in the PSU. Various other apparatuses, systems, and methods are also disclosed.