Variable Bias Power Module for Inrush Current Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Distributed power supply systems experience excessive inrush current when switching from idle to normal mode, causing voltage stress on power conversion elements.
Innovation Solution
A power module with a variable bias supply unit that adjusts bias voltage levels for the DC/DC conversion stage, supplying lower voltage in cold standby mode and higher voltage in powering mode to control power switching and reduce inrush current.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If power modules continuously operate in normal mode to meet high power demands, then power supply capacity is improved, but power consumption increases and heat generation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic mode switching between normal mode and idle mode based on real-time power demand. The control circuit monitors output power levels and automatically transitions power modules between operational states, allowing the system to adapt its power consumption to actual load requirements rather than operating continuously at full capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables power modules to be discarded from active operation (transferred to idle mode) when their output is not currently needed, and recovered (returned to normal mode) when power demand increases. This allows the system to temporarily deactivate modules to reduce power consumption while maintaining the capability to quickly reactivate them when needed
2Power
If power modules are switched from idle mode to normal mode to meet increased power demand, then power supply capacity is improved, but inrush current is generated causing voltage stress on power conversion elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by gradually increasing the bias voltage to the control circuit before full power operation begins. The control circuit receives a ramped bias voltage that starts at a lower level and increases to the full operating voltage, allowing power conversion elements to be pre-conditioned and preventing sudden inrush current when transitioning from idle to normal mode
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the bias voltage parameter dynamically during mode transitions. The bias voltage supplied to the control circuit is varied based on the operational state - using a reduced voltage level during idle mode and transitioning to full voltage in normal mode, which controls the switching behavior of power elements and prevents excessive current spikes
Data Source
AI summary
There are provided a power module in which a bias voltage is varied and supplied to a control circuit controlling power conversion when an idle mode is switched to a normal mode, and a distributed power supply apparatus having the same. The power module includes: a power factor correction stage; a DC/DC conversion stage switching power to convert the power into pre-set DC power in a powering mode in which normal power is output; a standby stage converting the power into pre-set standby power in a cold standby mode in which the DC/DC conversion stage outputs power having a level lower than that of normal power; and a variable bias supply unit varying a voltage level of bias power for controlling DC/DC power conversion and supplying the same to the DC/DC conversion stage in the cold standby mode and the powering mode.