Voltage Boosting Circuit Switching to Cut PFC Power Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power supply devices face inefficiencies due to significant power losses in switching transistors, particularly during transitions from on to off states, and the need to meet diverse geographic electrical power regulatory standards, which increases production costs.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an LLC resonant converter with a power factor correction (PFC) circuit and a voltage boosting circuit, where the voltage boosting circuit is selectively used under specific conditions to reduce power consumption and increase efficiency, allowing the power supply device to operate efficiently across different voltage and load conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a power factor correction (PFC) circuit is used to increase voltage from input voltage to converter voltage, then the power factor is improved, but power losses increase due to switching transistor dissipation
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two voltage boosting modes: PFC circuit operation for high power factor requirements and voltage doubling circuit operation for efficiency-critical conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize the trade-off between power factor improvement and power loss reduction based on real-time operating conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operating parameters by introducing a voltage doubling circuit that operates in parallel with the PFC circuit. By controlling which circuit is active based on input voltage levels and power factor requirements, the system can achieve both high power factor and low power losses under different conditions
2Power
If switching transistors are used for voltage conversion, then voltage regulation is achieved, but significant power losses occur during switching transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage doubling circuit uses the inherent switching behavior and parasitic elements to achieve voltage multiplication without requiring high-power switching transistors. By utilizing capacitor charging/discharging cycles and diode rectification, the system converts what would normally be lossy switching transitions into useful voltage boosting action
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical switching transistor-based voltage conversion mechanism with an electronic capacitor-diode based voltage doubling circuit. This substitution eliminates the need for high-power switching transistors and their associated switching losses while maintaining voltage regulation capability
3Adaptability or versatility
If PFC circuit is always on to maintain high power factor, then power factor is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage doubling circuit serves multiple functions: it provides voltage boosting capability, reduces power losses, and can operate independently or in conjunction with the PFC circuit. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain high power factor when needed while avoiding the constant operation of the full PFC circuit, thereby reducing overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage conversion function is segmented into two separate circuits: the PFC circuit for power factor correction and the voltage doubling circuit for efficient voltage boosting. By dividing the functionality, the system can activate only the necessary circuit for each operating condition, reducing the effective complexity at any given time while maintaining comprehensive capability
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 configuration minimizes switching losses, reduces the size and cost of components, and enhances overall power efficiency while ensuring compatibility with various geographic regions' electrical standards, achieving a 4% or greater efficiency improvement compared to traditional designs.
Implementation Method 1
An LLC resonant converter is configured to regulate an output voltage based at least on the input voltage and a system load
Implementation Method 2
A voltage boosting circuit is configured to turn off the PFC circuit and increase the voltage of the electrical power from the input voltage to the converter voltage
Data Source
AI summary
Examples are disclosed that relate to a power supply device having improved power efficiency. In one example, a power supply device includes an electrical power interface configured to receive electrical power from a power source. A power factor correction (PFC) circuit is configured to increase a voltage of the electrical power from an input voltage to a converter voltage and increase a power factor of the power supply device. An LLC resonant converter is configured to regulate an output voltage based at least on the input voltage and a system load. A voltage boosting circuit is configured to turn off the PFC circuit and increase the voltage of the electrical power from the input voltage to the converter voltage based at least on an operating condition of the power supply device.