Wide Range Power Supply Using Variable Resistance Boost Converter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switched mode power supplies for electricity meters face inefficiencies and increased complexity due to the need for multiple designs to accommodate a wide range of input voltages, often requiring two separate configurations to handle voltages from 40 volts RMS to 330 volts RMS, which increases cost and logistical issues.
Innovation Solution
A power conversion arrangement featuring a boost converter with a variable output voltage that adjusts based on input voltage, coupled with a buck converter to generate a stable output voltage, utilizing a variable resistance that changes with input voltage to optimize efficiency across a wide range of inputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single power supply design is used to accommodate a wide range of input voltages (40V to 330V RMS), then versatility and economies of scale are improved, but efficiency and complexity worsen due to the inability to operate switching transistors effectively across such a wide voltage range
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply is divided into two distinct design configurations: a first power supply design for lower voltage ranges (40V to 140V RMS) and a second power supply design for higher voltage ranges (85V to 330V RMS). Each configuration uses switching transistor parameters optimized for its specific voltage range, avoiding the complexity and inefficiency of designing a single configuration to handle the entire wide voltage range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the switching transistor (such as breakdown voltage, current handling capability, and switching characteristics) depending on the input voltage range. By selecting different transistor parameters for different voltage ranges, the power supply maintains high efficiency and reliability across the entire 40V to 330V RMS range without requiring a single complex design.
2Loss of energy
If two separate power supply configurations are used to cover different voltage ranges, then efficiency is improved for each specific range, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal meter platform that can accommodate both power supply configurations through modular design. The meter housing, mounting structures, and interface circuits are designed to accept either the first or second power supply configuration, allowing a single meter design to serve multiple voltage ranges while maintaining manufacturing efficiency and reducing overall system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a switching transistor is operated at very high input voltages near the threshold, then the power supply can handle higher voltages, but the maximum available power is reduced and the design must be oversized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically selects the appropriate power supply configuration based on the input voltage range. Rather than operating a single configuration near its voltage threshold where power capability is reduced, the system transitions between two configurations, each operating in their optimal voltage range where they can deliver maximum power efficiently. This dynamic approach ensures both high voltage capability and maximum power availability.
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 allows for a single power supply design to efficiently handle a wide range of input voltages, reducing strain and efficiency losses by varying the output voltage, thereby enabling a more compact and cost-effective power supply solution for electricity meters.
Implementation Method 1
a first power conversion stage 102 that includes a switching converter 108 configured to generate a first output voltage VOUT_1
Implementation Method 2
a second power conversion stage 104 configured to generate a second output voltage VOUT-2 having a voltage level that is substantially constant
Data Source
AI summary
A power conversion arrangement includes first and an optional second power conversion stages. The first stage has an input configured to receive an input voltage, an output having a first output voltage, a controller, a variable resistance, and a feedback node having a feedback voltage. The feedback node is coupled to the output by a first impedance. The controller receives the feedback voltage, and drives the output such that the feedback voltage is substantially at a predetermined value. The variable resistance is coupled between the feedback node and a reference voltage (e.g., ground). The variable resistance has a resistance value that varies as a function of the input voltage. The second stage has an input operably coupled to receive the first output voltage. The second stage is configured to generate an output voltage having a level that is substantially constant independent of the level of the first output voltage.