Variable DC Supply AC/DC Converter for LED Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power converters for LED assemblies face inefficiencies due to varying load conditions, as they often require a fixed DC supply voltage, which can lead to reduced efficiency and increased energy consumption when the load voltage varies, especially when multiple LEDs are connected in series.
Innovation Solution
A power converter system that includes an AC/DC converter capable of providing a variable DC supply voltage, controlled by a control unit that adjusts the output voltage based on input signals representing the required load voltage, ensuring a better match between the supply voltage and the load voltage, thereby improving the efficiency of the switched mode power supply (SMPS).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a fixed DC supply voltage is provided to the SMPS, then the AC/DC converter design is simple, but the SMPS efficiency decreases when load voltage varies
Solution Approach 1:
The AC/DC converter is transformed from a fixed output voltage design to a variable output voltage design. The converter dynamically adjusts its DC output voltage based on the load voltage requirements, allowing the SMPS to operate at optimal efficiency across varying load conditions. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the supply voltage flexible rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The output voltage parameter of the AC/DC converter is made variable to match the load voltage requirements. By changing the DC supply voltage parameter dynamically based on load conditions, the system achieves better SMPS efficiency without requiring a completely new converter architecture, thus balancing efficiency improvement with acceptable design complexity.
2Productivity
If the DC supply voltage is adjusted to match load voltage, then SMPS efficiency improves, but the AC/DC converter requires additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
A control unit is implemented that receives feedback about the load voltage requirements and adjusts the AC/DC converter's output voltage accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables the system to automatically optimize SMPS efficiency by matching the supply voltage to the actual load needs, resolving the contradiction between improved productivity and increased control complexity through intelligent automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit proactively adjusts the DC supply voltage before the SMPS operates, ensuring optimal voltage matching is established in advance. This preliminary adjustment prevents efficiency losses from voltage mismatches and simplifies the overall control strategy by handling voltage optimization upfront rather than requiring continuous complex regulation during operation.
3Illumination intensity
If multiple LED units are connected in series, then the lighting output increases, but the load voltage varies substantially affecting SMPS performance
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts the DC supply voltage to match the varying load voltage caused by multiple series-connected LED units. As the lighting output requirements change, causing load voltage variations, the AC/DC converter and control unit work together to adjust the supply voltage in real-time, maintaining SMPS efficiency and preventing energy losses that would otherwise occur with fixed voltage supply.
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 solution enhances the efficiency of the SMPS by reducing power loss, allowing for more efficient energy consumption and easier miniaturization, while enabling precise control over LED lighting characteristics such as intensity and color.
Implementation Method 1
an AC/DC converter (100) arranged to provide a variable DC supply voltage (160) to a switched mode power supply (110)
Implementation Method 2
a switched mode power supply (110) arranged to power a load (120)
Implementation Method 3
an LED assembly arranged to, in use, being powered by the switched mode power supply, the LED assembly comprising one or more LED units, an LED unit comprising one or more LEDs (light emitting diodes)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a power converter for an LED assembly, the power converter comprising - a switched mode power supply arranged to power the LED assembly, - an AC/DC converter arranged to provide a DC supply voltage to the switched mode power supply, - a control unit arranged to receive an input signal representing a required load voltage for powering the LED assembly, the control unit being arranged to control the AC/DC converter based on the input signal.