Switching Power Supply Controller Optimizes Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switching power supply apparatuses fail to effectively reduce power usage due to inefficient power conversion at light loads and frequent battery charge/discharge cycles, leading to battery deterioration and increased annual power usage.
Innovation Solution
A switching power supply apparatus with a converter circuit, a switching unit, a charge unit, and a controller that adjusts power supply based on battery charge levels, optimizing power conversion efficiency by switching between supply and shutoff states and using a charge unit like a secondary battery or capacitor to minimize power loss and extend battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the power supply unit directly supplies power to the system at light-load, then the power conversion efficiency is improved, but the battery cannot be effectively used and annual power usage is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameter from load-state-based switching to battery charge-state-based switching. The controller monitors the battery charge level and switches between power supply unit and battery based on whether the charge is above or below a threshold, thereby optimizing energy usage based on battery status rather than load status
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the controller continuously monitors the battery charge level and adjusts the power supply source accordingly. When battery charge drops below a threshold, the system automatically switches to battery power, creating a closed-loop control that optimizes energy usage based on real-time battery status
2Adaptability or versatility
If control circuits are added to manage battery charge and discharge, then battery usage is enabled, but device complexity increases and power conversion efficiency at light-load is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs multiple functions: it monitors battery charge level, determines when to switch between power supply unit and battery, and manages the overall power distribution. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated control circuits for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the battery management control functions into the existing controller that also manages the power supply unit switching. By combining charge monitoring, discharge control, and power source selection in a single controller, the overall device complexity is minimized while maintaining full battery usage capability
3Adaptability or versatility
If the switching unit frequently switches between power supply unit and battery based on load state, then load state adaptability is improved, but battery deterioration accelerates and battery life is shortened
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of switching based on load state (conventional approach), the patent inverts the control logic to switch based on battery charge state. This inversion reduces unnecessary switching by maintaining a stable power source (battery or power supply unit) until the charge level crosses a threshold, thereby reducing battery cycling and extending battery life
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 apparatus achieves high power conversion efficiency at rated loads, reduces accumulated power usage, and prolongs battery life by controlling the switching unit based on charge levels and using a capacitor for efficient energy storage, thereby minimizing power loss and improving reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a charge unit configured to store the direct-current voltage output from the converter circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A switching power supply apparatus includes an isolated converter that has efficiency characteristics in which power conversion efficiency at a rated load is higher than power conversion efficiency at a light load and that converts power-supply voltage into direct-current voltage to output the direct-current voltage; an FET that switches supply and shutoff of the power-supply voltage to the isolated converter; a secondary battery that stores the direct-current voltage output from the isolated converter; a voltage detector that detects an amount of charge in the secondary battery; and a controller that switches the FET on the basis of the amount of charge in the secondary battery.