Transformerless Power Supply Heat Reduction via Phase Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transformer-based power supplies are costly, bulky, and generate excessive heat due to high current output during peak voltage levels, which is not efficiently managed in existing transformerless designs.
Innovation Solution
A transformerless power supply system that utilizes a timing circuit to activate an output transistor only when the input voltage is between a threshold and minimum level, and a phase control circuit to manage current draw based on input voltage levels, minimizing heat generation by limiting current flow during high voltage periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a transformer is used in the power supply, then voltage transformation is achieved, but the device becomes bulky, expensive, and generates excessive heat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the transformer component from the power supply circuit entirely, replacing it with a transformerless topology that uses capacitive voltage division and controlled rectification to achieve the desired voltage transformation without the bulky magnetic core and windings
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic transformation mechanism (transformer) with an electronic control mechanism using timing circuits, voltage detection circuits, and controlled switching of power transistors to regulate output voltage without magnetic components
2Power
If current is drawn during peak voltage levels, then power delivery is maximized, but heat generation at the output transistor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic current draw through timing-controlled switching, where the power transistor is activated only during specific phases of the AC cycle when voltage is within acceptable ranges, preventing continuous operation at peak current levels that would generate excessive heat
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of peak voltage/current into a beneficial timing signal, using voltage detection circuits to identify peak levels and use this information to control switching timing, thereby preventing overheating while maintaining efficient power transfer
3Stability of the object's composition
If the power supply operates continuously, then consistent power output is maintained, but energy efficiency decreases due to heat loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operation where the power transistor switching is continuously adjusted based on real-time voltage detection and timing control, allowing the system to adapt its operating state to match load requirements and minimize energy loss while maintaining stable output
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for a transformerless power supply configured to limit heat generation. A system includes a power supply input configured to receive power from a time-varying input voltage source. A phase control circuit is configured to generate a current control signal, where the current control signal commands power to be drawn from the power supply through an output transistor, where the current control signal commands the drawn power to have a minimum current when the time-varying input voltage is at a maximum, and where the current control signal commands the drawn power to have a maximum current when the time-varying input voltage is at a minimum. A power supply output is responsive to the output transistor, where the power supply output is configured to output power drawn from the power supply input via the output transistor, wherein the outputted power is at a consistent power level.