Slave Power Converter No-Load Standby for Master Failure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power supply systems with master-slave power converters often experience temporary power termination when switching from a functional master converter to a slave converter, leading to instability due to the slave converter taking longer to reach operational voltage, potentially causing data loss or system damage.
Innovation Solution
A power supply apparatus and method where the slave power converter is configured to operate in a no-load state during normal master converter operation, allowing it to rapidly switch to full power mode when the master converter fails, by adjusting voltage levels based on load conditions and master converter operation states, ensuring continuous power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the slave power converter enters sleep mode during normal operation, then energy consumption is reduced, but the time required to resume power supply increases causing temporary power termination
Solution Approach 1:
The slave power converter dynamically adjusts its operational state based on system needs. Instead of fixed sleep mode, it operates in a low-power standby state that can rapidly transition to full power mode when the master converter fails, achieving both energy efficiency and rapid response capability
Solution Approach 2:
The slave power converter performs preliminary actions by pre-charging its output capacitor and maintaining readiness in standby mode before actual power supply is needed. This preliminary preparation eliminates the delay that would occur if it started from complete sleep mode, ensuring continuous power supply while still conserving energy
2Loss of time
If the slave power converter operates in standby mode with pre-charged capacitor, then power restoration time is reduced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The slave power converter performs partial action by only pre-charging the output capacitor to a sufficient level for immediate power supply, rather than maintaining full operational power. This partial preparation reduces energy consumption while still achieving rapid power restoration when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the slave converter, adjusting the standby voltage level and capacitor charge state based on system requirements. This allows optimization between energy consumption and power restoration speed by dynamically adjusting these parameters
3Reliability
If the slave power converter replaces the master power converter quickly, then system stability is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The master power converter monitors the operational status of the slave converter and provides feedback control signals. When the master converter fails, the feedback mechanism automatically triggers the slave converter to take over, ensuring stable power transition without complex manual control intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The slave power converter is designed with self-service capability to automatically detect when it needs to take over power supply duties and execute the transition independently. This self-service mechanism reduces control complexity by eliminating the need for complex external control systems while maintaining system stability
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply apparatus including a master power converter and a slave power converter is provided. The master power converter generates a main power having a working voltage level. The slave power converter generates an auxiliary power. According to its operation state, the master power converter provides a corresponding control signal to the slave power converter. If the master power converter determines the operation state is a first operation state, the slave power converter generates the auxiliary power having a voltage level lower than the working voltage level, so that the slave power converter can be operated in a no-load conversion state. If the master power converter determines the operation state is a second operation state, the slave power converter raises the voltage level of the auxiliary power to the working voltage level, so that the auxiliary power replacing the main power is supplied to a load.