Transformer Winding Reconfiguration for Standby Loss Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power supplies for electrical devices are inefficient during standby mode due to high no-load losses in transformers, which are designed based on maximum power requirements for active mode, leading to increased core and copper losses.
Innovation Solution
A power supply design that adjusts the number of turns in the primary winding from N turns during active mode to more than N turns during standby mode by connecting primary windings in series, reducing power losses through decreased magnetic flux density and impedance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the transformer is designed based on maximum power requirements for active mode, then the transformer can deliver sufficient power during active mode, but the transformer becomes larger than required and operates inefficiently during standby mode with high no-load losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the transformer winding configuration adjustable between two states: parallel connection during active mode to deliver high power, and series connection during standby mode to reduce no-load losses. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the transformer to adapt its characteristics to match the current operational requirements, resolving the contradiction between power delivery capability and energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters of the transformer by altering the winding connection configuration. During active mode, windings are connected in parallel to provide high current and power output. During standby mode, the same windings are reconfigured in series to increase impedance and reduce magnetizing current, thereby minimizing core and copper losses while maintaining voltage transformation capability.
2Power
If the transformer is designed for maximum power output, then it can meet the power requirements during active mode, but it incurs high core losses and copper losses during standby mode
Solution Approach 1:
The transformer employs dynamic reconfiguration of its winding connections to optimize performance for different operational modes. During active mode, parallel connection maximizes power output by reducing impedance and increasing current capacity. During standby mode, series connection minimizes core and copper losses by increasing impedance and reducing magnetizing current, while the transformer maintains its ability to deliver maximum power when needed.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If the transformer operates at reduced load during standby mode, then power consumption is reduced, but the transformer is still larger than required and efficiency remains low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical parameters of the transformer by reconfiguring the winding connections from parallel to series during standby mode. This parameter change increases the transformer's impedance and reduces the magnetizing current, thereby minimizing core losses and copper losses. The transformer becomes more efficient at reduced load by adapting its electrical characteristics to match the lower power requirements of standby operation.
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 design significantly reduces power losses during standby mode by decreasing core and copper losses, while maintaining efficient operation during active mode, thus enhancing energy conservation and reducing waste.
Implementation Method 1
The transformer comprises a primary winding on the primary side and a secondary winding on the secondary side, wherein said primary winding is connectable to an AC voltage supply and is arranged to comprise N turns when said electrical device is in active mode and more than N turns when said electrical device is in standby mode
Implementation Method 2
These three types of losses will be discussed further below... copper losses due to the current flowing through the copper wire of the winding, which has a finite resistance
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a power supply for an electrical device operable in active mode and in standby mode. The power supply comprises a transformer having a primary winding on the primary side and a secondary winding on the secondary side. The primary winding is connectable to an AC voltage supply and is arranged to comprise N turns when the electrical device is in active mode and more than N turns when the electrical device is in standby mode. Circuitry on the secondary side is arranged to provide an output voltage for the electrical device during active mode.