Smart Power Strip Voltage Control for Low Standby Draw
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smart power strips face challenges in reducing standby power draw to meet stringent energy efficiency standards, such as the Chinese standard CQC3121-2009, which requires less than 0.4 watts in standby mode, while also efficiently generating the necessary DC voltages for internal components.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus and method employ a buck converter to generate a 24-volt output voltage and a linear regulator to produce a logic-level voltage, with a control circuit that senses the power mode of a master device and adjusts the output voltage to 8 volts when in standby mode, reducing power consumption to less than 0.4 watts by using a buck converter and a linear regulator, and enabling/disabling power to controlled outlets based on the master device's mode of operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If a traditional power supply circuit is used in smart power strips, then the required DC voltages (5V, 12V, 24V) can be generated, but the standby power draw exceeds 0.4 watts and fails to meet energy efficiency standards
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply circuit is divided into multiple independent voltage generation modules (5V module, 12V module, 24V module), each capable of operating independently. This segmentation allows the system to activate only the necessary voltage modules based on the master device's power mode, reducing overall power consumption in standby state while maintaining the ability to generate all required voltages when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply circuit dynamically adjusts its operation based on the master device's power mode. The control circuit detects the power mode and dynamically enables or disables specific voltage generation modules, transitioning the power supply from a static always-on design to a dynamic selective-operation design that meets energy efficiency standards.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If the output voltage is reduced to 8 volts in standby mode, then power consumption is reduced to less than 0.4 watts, but the voltage level must be dynamically adjusted based on power mode
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply circuit changes its output voltage parameter based on the power mode. In active mode, it generates standard voltages (5V, 12V, 24V), while in standby mode, it reduces the output voltage to 8V. This parameter change is controlled by the control circuit detecting the power mode and adjusting the switching regulator's operation accordingly, enabling low power consumption while maintaining necessary functionality.
3Loss of energy
If controlled outlets are disabled when master device is in standby mode, then energy consumption is reduced, but power distribution control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit implements feedback by continuously monitoring the master device's power mode and automatically controlling the relay circuits to enable or disable controlled outlets. When the master device enters standby mode, the control circuit detects this state and automatically disables the controlled outlets, creating a closed-loop feedback system that reduces energy consumption without requiring manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The power distribution system serves itself by automatically managing power distribution based on the master device's state. The control circuit autonomously determines when to enable or disable controlled outlets without user input, and the relay circuits self-actuate based on control signals, enabling the system to manage its own power distribution efficiently.
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
This approach effectively reduces the standby power draw of smart power strips to less than 0.4 watts, meeting energy efficiency standards while maintaining efficient voltage generation, and allows for smart power management by adjusting voltage levels in response to the master device's power mode.
Implementation Method 1
The power supply may include a buck converter configured to generate the first output voltage
Implementation Method 2
The power supply may include a linear regulator having an input to receive the first output voltage and an output that provides the second output voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for controlling distribution of power is provided. The apparatus comprises a plurality of power outlets including a master power outlet (12M) and at least one controlled power outlet (12S), a control circuit configured to sense a characteristic of power delivered to the master power outlet (12M), a relay circuit coupled to the control circuit and a power supply configured to provide power to the control circuit and to the relay circuit. The power supply adjusts a voltage level on the base of the power delivered to the master power outlet. The apparatus can reduce energy consumption.