The right power supply could present a hidden opportunity for energy savings. While SCR power supplies have been invaluable for power regulation in many applications, they are bulky, require heating and cooling, and lack the efficiency of switch mode power. The global market size for switch mode power supplies is expected to reach $26.88 billion by 2024 as more businesses realize the benefits of investing in the transition.
Understanding the differences between SCR and switch mode power supplies is a critical step in making the transition successfully.
A silicon-controlled rectifier (SCR) power supply, or thyristor with an additional anode gate, is a device widely used for AC and DC power control. It's used in many industrial applications, such as reversing speed control for DC motors. An SCR has a gate in addition to an anode and a cathode. Users can control the phase of the gate signal, regulating the average power delivered to the load. The device only starts to conduct forward when a signal is applied to the gate.
The primary function of an SCR power supply is controlling the flow of electricity in a single direction. A dimmer switch is an excellent example of how the process works. This traditional power regulation technology is also common in motor control.
While SCR power supply is a more traditional form of power regulation, it still has advantages and applications:
Despite the advantages, this option has significant drawbacks, including:
A switch mode power supply (SMPS) incorporates switching regulators to efficiently convert electrical energy. In contrast to linear power supplies, the pass transistor of an SMPS constantly switches between low dissipations, full-on, and full-off. It's only in high-dissipation transitions when necessary, minimizing waste electricity.
Switch mode conversion applies to both AC and DC power supplies, although they are a popular method for DC-DC power conversion. The input power supply is fed to an inverter, where it's turned on and off at high frequencies by switching the metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor or power transistor. A feedback circuit monitors the output voltage and manages the control circuit adjustments, maintaining the output at the required levels.
SMPSs have considerable benefits and can be found in many applications, especially compact electrical appliances. Many compact switch-mode power supplies are reliable and robust for medical and industrial applications.
An SMPS has considerable advantages across many applications:
Like all energy regulation systems, an SMPS has some drawbacks, including:
SMPSs and SCR power supplies have significant design differences. SCRs have fewer power conversion steps, while SMPSs are more complex and produce DC at a much higher operating frequency, making them more efficient. SMPSs are also considerably lighter, easier to work with, and generate less heat, resulting in minimal power wastage.
From a business perspective, the improved efficiency and flexibility of SMPS are essential. They lower the consumption of cooling resourcing and perform at higher electrical efficiency, reducing overall operating costs and fitting seamlessly into many environments. As they operate at a higher frequency, SMPSs allow a tighter configuration while delivering the same overall power or more.
Transitioning to a different power supply can be complex, depending on the project's size, scope, and budget. Working with an experienced manufacturer that understands your needs can shorten the process, but it's best to be aware of additional elements, like maintenance changes and potential downtime.
SMPS are more complex, so your maintenance requirements must change to keep your system running optimally. Although the systems are reliable, they have more moving parts, and your team must monitor performance carefully. In addition, the transition requires careful planning to avoid potential downtime. Consulting a team of experts is the best way to keep your operations running throughout the transition.
An efficient, reliable, and versatile power supply is crucial to many applications, from medical and industrial to military and aerospace. You enjoy considerable cost savings when you can regulate your electricity output specifically to what you need.
Astrodyne TDI has decades of experience as an industry leader in meeting business power needs. Whether you want to upgrade your current power supply or require a customized option for a unique project, let us worry about the power so you don't have to. Contact us to learn more about switching to SMPS or request a quote and start your transition today.