A power supply is a device that converts other forms of energy into electrical energy.
Power supply can convert mechanical energy, chemical energy, thermal energy and other forms of energy into electrical energy to provide power for various electronic devices.
Take a battery as an example. The chemical reaction that occurs inside the battery can convert chemical energy into electrical energy. When we apply a voltage across the battery, the chemical reaction between the positive and negative electrodes produces an electric current, which is electrical energy. This process is how the battery converts chemical energy into electrical energy.
In addition, generators are also a common power source. Generators use mechanical energy to produce electrical energy. As a generator turns, its rotor cuts field lines, creating an electric current in the rotor's coils. This process is the process by which the generator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.
A thermocouple is also a device that converts thermal energy into electrical energy. Thermocouples use the temperature difference between two conductors of different materials to generate an electrical current. When the two conductors have different temperatures, an electromotive force is generated at both ends of the thermocouple, resulting in an electric current. This process is the process by which the thermocouple converts thermal energy into electrical energy.
Types of power supplies:
1. Linear power supply: Linear power supply is a power supply that amplifies the input voltage through linear amplification components and then outputs a stable voltage. Its advantages are stable output voltage and low distortion, and is suitable for electronic equipment that requires high precision and low noise, such as audio equipment, medical equipment, etc. The disadvantage of the linear power supply is that its efficiency is relatively low, because its adjustment tube works in the linear region and needs to consume a large amount of power.
2. Switching power supply: A switching power supply is a power supply that modulates the input voltage on and off through a switching tube and then outputs a stable voltage. Its advantages are high efficiency, small size, and light weight. It is suitable for electronic devices that require high efficiency, small size, and light weight, such as computers, mobile phones, etc. The disadvantage of switching power supplies is that the output voltage may be affected by load changes and is noisy.
3. Pulse power supply: Pulse power supply is a power supply that pulse modulates the input voltage through pulse modulation and then outputs a stable voltage. Its advantage is that it can provide large current and high voltage, and is suitable for electroplating, electrolysis and other occasions. The disadvantage of the pulse power supply is that it is larger and requires a large amount of cooling water.