Single SMPS Power Supply for Home Appliances
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power supply systems for home appliances continue to consume standby power even in idle states due to the presence of separate switching mode power supplies (SMPS), leading to increased energy consumption and costs, as well as larger and more expensive printed circuit board assemblies.
Innovation Solution
A power supply apparatus that incorporates a single SMPS with a main relay, load switches, and a controller to manage AC power switching, rectification, and voltage conversion, ensuring compliance with standby power regulations by selectively disconnecting power during idle states and using a filter and inverter to optimize energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a standby-only SMPS is added in parallel to the existing power supply circuit, then standby power consumption is reduced to meet 0.5 watts regulation, but the size of the printed circuit board and the cost of assembly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the standby power supply function and the main power supply function into a single integrated SMPS unit. The controller selectively connects this unified SMPS to either the standby circuit or the main load circuit based on operational state, eliminating the need for separate standby-only and main SMPS units. This merging approach reduces the number of components and PCB space while maintaining compliance with standby power regulations.
Solution Approach 2:
The single SMPS unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can supply power to the standby circuit, to the main load circuit, or to both simultaneously. The controller manages the switching between different operational modes (standby mode, main operation mode, and hybrid mode), allowing one power supply unit to replace what would traditionally require two separate units.
2Loss of energy
If a standby-only SMPS is added in parallel to the existing power supply circuit, then standby power consumption is reduced to meet 0.5 watts regulation, but the cost of printed circuit board assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the standby power supply function and the main power supply function into a single integrated SMPS unit. The controller selectively connects this unified SMPS to either the standby circuit or the main load circuit based on operational state, eliminating the need for separate standby-only and main SMPS units. This merging approach reduces the number of components and PCB space while maintaining compliance with standby power regulations.
3Reliability
If AC power is supplied continuously through the power supply circuit, then the home appliance is ready for operation, but power is consumed continuously even in standby state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic power supply system where the controller continuously monitors the operational state of the home appliance and adjusts the power supply configuration accordingly. In standby state, the controller disconnects the main load circuit from the power supply while maintaining connection to the standby circuit. When operation is required, the controller quickly reconfigures the connections to supply power to the appropriate circuit, ensuring rapid transition between states.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller periodically checks the operational status and switches the power supply configuration between standby mode and main operation mode based on detected conditions. This periodic monitoring and switching ensures the system maintains readiness when needed while minimizing power consumption during idle periods.
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 reduces standby power consumption to meet regulatory standards of 0.5 watts, minimizing energy waste and costs while maintaining efficient operation and preventing damage from back electromotive forces, thus optimizing the power supply system for home appliances.
Implementation Method 1
first and second rectifiers, each of the first and second rectifiers rectifying the AC power supplied through the power line
Implementation Method 2
a switching mode power supply (SMPS) connected to an output of the second rectifier to generate a direct current (DC) voltage based on a rectified voltage from the second rectifier
Implementation Method 3
an inverter connected to an output of the first rectifier to convert a rectified voltage from the first rectifier into a 3-phase AC voltage
Implementation Method 4
a filter connected to the power line to remove a noise component of the AC power supplied through the power line
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A power supply apparatus of a home appliance which meets standby power regulation of 0.5 watts using one SMPS. As compared with a general circuit which meets the standby power regulation using two or more SMPSs, it may be possible to curtail expenses required for addition of a separate standby only SMPS and miniaturize a PCB, resulting in a reduction in cost. Further, in a washing machine employing a motor, a circuit is provided to bypass a back EMF generated in the motor even if AC power is not supplied to the washing machine due to occurrence of a power failure or unplugging of the washing machine. Therefore, it may be possible to prevent a PCBA from being damaged due to the back EMF.