Adaptive on-time control for light-load power factor
This technology improves the energy efficiency of power factor correction (PFC) circuits — components found in nearly every AC-powered device — when those devices are running at low power loads. It works by automatically switching between two operating modes: a continuous mode for normal loads and a discontinuous mode at light loads, where it stretches the time between switching pulses to dramatically reduce switching frequency and the energy losses that come with it. A multi-phase version also intelligently adjusts phase angles to cancel electromagnetic interference that would otherwise increase as the switching frequency drops. The result is a smarter, self-adapting controller that wastes less energy when devices are idle or lightly used.
What you could build
A licensable control algorithm or IC design for power supply manufacturers building AC-DC converters for consumer electronics, server power supplies, and industrial equipment, where light-load efficiency is required to meet Energy Star or 80 Plus certification standards.
Who in Virginia should care
Northern Virginia data center operators and their power supply vendors have strong incentives for light-load efficiency given massive idle-power costs; defense electronics contractors in the region building ruggedized power supplies are also plausible licensees.
Readiness: Lab validated
Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.
Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.
The record
- Inventors
- Qian Li, Fred C. Lee, Ming Xu, Chuanyun Wang
- Granted
- August 12, 2014
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 8803489
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.