Server Power Supply Standby Efficiency via Dynamic Voltage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing server power supply devices have low overall efficiency due to the use of flyback converters in standby power units, which result in high voltage stress and hard switching, leading to inefficient power distribution.
Innovation Solution
A power supply device that includes a standby power unit converting DC voltage to an operating voltage and a main voltage, with a main/standby power unit that adjusts the voltage magnitude based on the supply of a second standby voltage, utilizing a switching unit and diodes to manage voltage levels and prevent leakage, thereby increasing system efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a flyback converter is used in the standby power unit, then the structure is simple, but the efficiency is low due to high voltage stress and hard switching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements soft switching by dynamically controlling the timing of switch activation during the flyback converter operation. The controller adjusts the switching sequence to ensure that switches turn on when voltage stress is minimized, thereby reducing switching losses and improving efficiency while maintaining the simple flyback converter structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the flyback converter by implementing controlled sequential switching. The controller modifies the switching timing and sequence to achieve soft switching conditions, transforming the hard switching operation into soft switching operation, which reduces voltage stress and improves efficiency without complicating the basic structure
2Reliability
If the standby power unit supplies standby voltage continuously, then the standby output is available, but the overall system efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage adjustment by controlling the standby power unit to vary its output voltage magnitude based on system conditions. When the DC/DC converting unit is operating, the standby power unit reduces or stops supplying voltage, thereby improving overall efficiency while ensuring standby voltage availability is maintained when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The controller monitors the operating state of the DC/DC converting unit and adjusts the standby power unit's output accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that the standby voltage is supplied only when necessary, preventing continuous power consumption and improving overall system efficiency while maintaining reliability
3Reliability
If multiple power conversion units are used, then the voltage supply is reliable, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the standby power unit multi-functional by enabling it to supply voltage to the standby output terminal under different operating conditions. The same unit that provides standby voltage can also operate as a primary power source when the DC/DC converting unit is not operating, thereby maintaining reliability without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The standby power unit is designed to automatically activate and supply voltage when the DC/DC converting unit is not operating. This self-service capability ensures continuous voltage supply reliability while avoiding the need for additional complex control mechanisms, as the system automatically switches between power sources
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 system efficiency by varying the voltage magnitude provided to the standby output terminal, reducing power consumption and preventing voltage leakage, thus improving the overall efficiency of the server power supply system.
Implementation Method 1
a switching unit connected between the passive element unit and the ground
Implementation Method 2
a first diode having an anode connected to the main output terminal and a cathode connected to the standby output terminal
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply device may include: a standby power unit converting a direct current (DC) voltage to an operating voltage and a first standby voltage and providing the first standby voltage to a standby output terminal; a DC/DC converting unit receiving the operating voltage from the standby power unit, converting the DC voltage to a main voltage, and providing the main voltage to a main output terminal; and a main/standby power unit converting the main voltage from the DC/DC converting unit to a second standby voltage and providing the second standby voltage to the standby output terminal. The standby power unit varies a magnitude of the first standby voltage based on whether or not the second standby voltage is supplied to the standby output terminal.