Variable DC Voltage Power Management for Information Handling Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Information handling systems face inefficiencies in power management due to fixed direct current voltage inputs, leading to increased power consumption and reduced battery life in portable systems, as higher voltage levels decrease the efficiency of DC-to-DC converters.
Innovation Solution
A power manager system that adjusts the direct current voltage output from an AC-to-DC adapter based on the information handling system's power consumption, maintaining current below a threshold while conserving power by reducing voltage during low consumption and increasing it during high consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If higher DC voltage (19.5 VDC) is used to reduce current and cable size, then current requirements are reduced and cable diameter can be smaller, but DC-to-DC converter efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the DC voltage level based on real-time power consumption monitoring. The power manager communicates with the adapter to switch between 19.5 VDC and 14 VDC operating modes, making the voltage level adaptive rather than fixed. This resolves the contradiction by allowing high voltage (smaller cable) when needed and low voltage (efficient conversion) when sufficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operating voltage parameter from a fixed value to a variable parameter. The system monitors power consumption and adjusts the DC voltage input parameter accordingly - using 19.5 VDC when high power is needed and 14 VDC when lower power suffices. This parameter change allows optimization of both cable size and converter efficiency at different operating points.
2Speed
If fixed high voltage (19.5 VDC) is used, then current is reduced for a given power level, but power consumption increases due to reduced converter efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic voltage adjustment to match the power delivery rate to actual system needs. The power manager monitors power consumption and communicates with the adapter to select appropriate voltage levels, ensuring high power delivery when needed while minimizing energy waste through efficient converter operation at lower voltages when sufficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the voltage parameter from fixed to variable, allowing the system to optimize the balance between power delivery rate and energy consumption. By switching between 19.5 VDC and 14 VDC based on monitored power needs, the system achieves appropriate power delivery while minimizing overall energy consumption through improved converter efficiency.
3Loss of energy
If fixed low voltage (14 VDC) is used, then DC-to-DC converter efficiency is improved, but current increases for high power consumption levels
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects voltage levels based on power consumption monitoring. The power manager communicates with the adapter to switch between 14 VDC (efficient conversion) and 19.5 VDC (lower current) modes, making the voltage adaptive to current system needs rather than fixed at the lower efficient level.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the voltage parameter from fixed low voltage to variable voltage. The system monitors power consumption and adjusts the DC voltage input parameter - using 14 VDC when converter efficiency is the priority and 19.5 VDC when current reduction is needed for high power levels, optimizing both parameters across different operating conditions.
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 approach improves system efficiency by maintaining lower current levels during high power consumption, allowing DC-to-DC converters to operate more efficiently and reducing power consumption by up to 30% by adjusting voltage from 19.5 VDC to 14 VDC.
Implementation Method 1
Power supplies generally accept power from an external alternating current source, convert the power to a set direct current voltage level
Implementation Method 2
DC-to-DC converters of the information handling system tend to operate less efficiently at the higher Voltage levels
Data Source
AI summary
A power manager of an information handling system selectively commands a first or second source voltage from an AC-to-DC adapter based upon power consumption of the information handling system. A lower direct current voltage is provided during reduced power consumption so that DC-to-DC conversion in a power supply is more efficient. A higher direct current voltage is provided during increased power consumption so that the current required to provide the increased power remains below a threshold current, thus allowing the power system to have components that operate at lower current levels under high power consumption operations yet with increased efficiency during low power consumption operations.