Fault managed power supply system

Abstract

This invention provides a high-voltage AC power fault management system that includes precise fault detection. The high-voltage AC power fault management system includes a transmitter device and a receiver device coupled via a transmission line. The transmitter and receiver devices obtain status information by monitoring the voltage or current on the transmission line and share the detected status information with each other. When safety conditions are met based on the status information communication between the transmitter and receiver devices, high-voltage power can continue to be transmitted through the transmission line.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 568,502, filed March 22, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to a fault-managed power supply system (FMPS) that utilizes high-voltage alternating current (AC) power. Background Technology

[0004] A reliable and secure power distribution system is the backbone of the infrastructure solutions upon which people rely for their daily lives. In modern applications, high-voltage electricity is used in accordance with Category 4 power supply systems as defined by the National Electrical Code (NEC), making it possible to provide reliable and secure power over long distances. Category 4 power supply systems are defined as power supply systems that provide significant power over long distances while also meeting safety requirements.

[0005] However, even within the four categories of power supply systems, different solutions exist. Therefore, this disclosure describes a novel four-category power supply system that provides a solution not found in other systems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, a fault management power supply system using AC power is provided.

[0007] According to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, a method and system for fault detection in AC-FMPS are provided, capable of identifying a range of fault conditions, including: human contact, arcing faults, grounding faults, short circuits, connectivity faults, and voltage anomalies such as undervoltage, overvoltage, overcurrent, and unexpected high voltage on the power transmission line (PTL). The method involves monitoring the rotation angle of the line voltage and initiating fault detection when it reaches a set value (Øs) or approaches a zero-crossing point. This includes: disconnecting the high-voltage switch at the power transmitter (e.g., AC-PTX) to isolate the PTL during detection; setting a predetermined voltage level on the PTL at the power receiver (e.g., AC-PRX) side using a safety extra-low voltage (SELV) source and current absorber; initiating sampling of the PTL within a defined line test window (LTW) in this isolated state; and comparing the sampled voltage with defined boundary conditions to determine the operating state of the PTL. Finally, if safety conditions are met, the high-voltage switch is reconnected at Øe, thereby confirming a safe connection of AC-PRX 2 and the absence of leakage current.

[0008] According to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, a method and system for implementing an FMPS with high-voltage AC is provided, characterized by maintaining continuous AC flow in the high-voltage distribution system without voltage rectification or chopping, and directly utilizing high-voltage AC power from the grid. The method includes providing direct power category conversion between Class 1 and Class 4, thereby supporting various system topologies such as point-to-point and multi-point connections, and accommodating single-phase and three-phase AC inputs and outputs in different configurations. The method is adaptable to high-resistance neutral grounding (HRMG) or center-tapped grounding configurations to enhance line safety and adjusts voltage levels within the AC-FMPS to meet specific operational requirements. The method is adaptable to allowing AC loads to be directly connected to the receiver output without an isolation transformer, or to rectifying the output for use with DC loads. The method is adaptable to an input transformer to share its isolated output with multiple transmit channels, and / or to combine the rectified outputs of multiple receiver channels to supply higher load capacity.

[0009] According to non-limiting exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, a method and system are provided for performing safety check procedures in various states, including after system initialization, after recovery from a PTL failure event, and during LTW (Long-Term Warp) during normal system operation. The method may involve temporarily disconnecting the high-voltage switch, supplying power to the PTL solely by an SELV source, and loading it using a reference current sink on a power receiver (e.g., an AC-PRX). The method may further include sampling the PTL voltage for three boundary tests, each boundary defined by two thresholds, wherein the boundaries are configurable based on various operating configurations.

[0010] According to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, a method and system are provided for monitoring the phase angle and zero-crossing point of an AC waveform within a PTL using a rotation angle detector and a zero-crossing detector. The method involves triggering a time-to-live (LTW) at a predetermined phase angle, performing safety checks, fault detection, or system diagnostics during the LTW, sampling PTL voltage and current within a defined window using a power transmitter (e.g., AC-PTX) and / or a power receiver (e.g., AC-PRX), and testing the sampled voltage against predefined boundary conditions set by threshold pairs to maintain system safety and operational integrity.

[0011] According to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, a method and system are provided for appropriately detecting anomalies (such as overvoltage, undervoltage, overcurrent, or short-circuit conditions) when a power switch is closed, and responding appropriately by shutting down the unit and requiring an operator to check.

[0012] According to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, a method and system are provided for performing a self-diagnostic test (tester self-test) to ensure the integrity of a safety detection circuit in an AC-FMPS. This includes: performing self-verification of the safety detection circuit by introducing predetermined voltages, loads, and impedances to a PTL as part of the self-test; and comparing measurements obtained during the self-test with reference values ​​to evaluate the response of the safety detection circuit to an introduced fault scenario.

[0013] According to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, a method and system for integrating an RF communication layer in an AC-FMPS to enhance system functionality are provided. The method includes: implementing an RF communication layer on a PTL within the AC-FMPS; utilizing the RF layer for real-time communication between different units of the AC-FMPS; and transmitting control signals, system status, and diagnostic data. It enhances system security through immediate RF communication in response to detected faults or operational anomalies, facilitates efficient system management and control via RF communication, and integrates data reporting functionality through the RF layer for comprehensive system performance analysis and early detection of potential problems.

[0014] The following describes in detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings, an embodiment and other non-limiting exemplary embodiments of a fault-managed power supply system using AC power and a method for implementing such a fault-managed power supply system using AC power. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 The circuit architecture of an AC-FMPS according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0016] Figure 2 Exemplary non-limiting embodiments according to this disclosure are shown. Figure 1 The circuit architecture of AC-FMPS spanning two channels is shown.

[0017] Figure 3 Exemplary non-limiting embodiments according to this disclosure are shown. Figure 1 The system diagram shown is a point-to-point architecture diagram of AC-FMPS.

[0018] Figure 4 Exemplary non-limiting embodiments according to this disclosure are shown. Figure 3 The diagram shows a point-to-point architecture of AC-FMPS across multiple channels.

[0019] Figure 5 Exemplary non-limiting embodiments according to this disclosure are shown. Figure 3 The system diagram shown is a multi-point architecture diagram of AC-FMPS.

[0020] Figure 6A system diagram of an exemplary AC-FMPS according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, the AC-FMPS including a rectifier circuit for connecting a direct current (DC) load.

[0021] Figure 7 A system diagram of an exemplary AC-FMPS configured to transmit to multiple transmitter channels is shown, according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 8 A system diagram of an exemplary AC-FMPS configured to transmit to multiple transmitter channels and including rectifier circuitry for connecting a DC load, according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown.

[0023] Figure 9 A system diagram of an exemplary AC-FMPS including a three-phase AC power supply and a single-phase load is shown according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 10 A system diagram of an exemplary AC-FMPS including a three-phase AC power supply and a three-phase load is shown according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 11 An exemplary graph illustrating the monitored power on an AC-FMPS transmission line is shown according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 12 An exemplary graph illustrating the monitored power on an AC-FMPS transmission line is shown according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 13 An exemplary graph illustrating the monitored power on an AC-FMPS transmission line is shown according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 14 An exemplary graph illustrating the monitored power on an AC-FMPS transmission line is shown according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 15 An exemplary graph illustrating the monitored power on an AC-FMPS transmission line is shown according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 16 An exemplary flowchart illustrating the operation of the AC-FMPS initialization process according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0031] Figure 17An exemplary flowchart describing the security check operation of AC-FMPS according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0032] Figure 18 Exemplary non-limiting embodiments according to this disclosure are shown. Figure 11 The diagram shown further includes a superposition of voltage boundary conditions according to the first configuration.

[0033] Figure 19 Exemplary non-limiting embodiments according to this disclosure are shown. Figure 12 The diagram shown further includes the superposition of voltage boundary conditions according to the second configuration.

[0034] Figure 20 Exemplary non-limiting embodiments according to this disclosure are shown. Figure 13 The diagram shown further includes the superposition of voltage boundary conditions according to a third configuration.

[0035] Figure 21 Exemplary non-limiting embodiments according to this disclosure are shown. Figure 14 The diagram shown further includes the superposition of voltage boundary conditions according to the fourth configuration.

[0036] Figure 22 Exemplary non-limiting embodiments according to this disclosure are shown. Figure 15 The diagram shown further includes the superposition of voltage boundary conditions according to the fifth configuration.

[0037] Figure 23 An exemplary flowchart describing the operation of the main program of AC-FMPS according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0038] Figure 24 An exemplary graph showing the relationship between voltage and rotation angle during a cycle of AC-FMPS is shown according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0039] This document discloses detailed, non-limiting embodiments. However, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary models and various alternative forms may be taken. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and features may be exaggerated or reduced to show details of specific components. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but only as a representative basis for guiding those skilled in the art.

[0040] This document describes a fault-managed power supply system using AC power, also known as an AC fault-managed power supply system (AC-FMPS). The AC-FMPS disclosed herein represents a novel approach to high-voltage AC power transmission and distribution. Innovatively designed to comply with UL Standard 1400-1, the AC-FMPS ensures enhanced safety, reliability, and ease of installation in Class 4 power supply systems as defined by the National Electric Code (NEC). A unique feature of the AC-FMPS is its maintenance of continuous AC flow through conductor cables, eliminating the need for voltage chopping found in pulsed power supply systems. The AC-FMPS disclosed herein is configured to intelligently manage power delivery, adapting voltage levels to specific customer needs to power a variety of end devices. For example, the AC-FMPS disclosed herein may include embodiments providing + / - 57 VDC, + / - 380 V, or other high-voltage power.

[0041] AC-FMPS integrates a comprehensive fault detection system capable of identifying various fault states, such as human contact, arcing, grounding, short circuits, connectivity issues, and voltage anomalies. For example, upon detecting a fault, AC-FMPS rapidly disconnects the high-voltage output, following a predefined safety response curve. AC-FMPS employs a Safe Extra-Low Voltage (SELV) mechanism, thus meeting the "let-go" threshold described in UL1400-1 to ensure line safety before reactivation.

[0042] A major innovation of AC-FMPS is its ability to directly convert AC power categories (e.g., from Category 1 to Category 4). This feature improves power efficiency and reduces switching stress, resulting in a safer and more noise-efficient system. The simplicity of copper conductor installation facilitates easier and more cost-effective installations without requiring specialized electrical expertise and infrastructure.

[0043] Additionally, AC-FMPS integrates multiple RF communication layers on the same transmission line. This feature not only enhances system security and management but also provides scalable control and data reporting capabilities, paving the way for more adaptable and manageable distribution networks. This disclosure refers below to this innovative AC-FMPS solution, which represents a significant advancement in the field of distribution technology.

[0044] The development of Category 4 power supply systems represents a paradigm shift in long-distance power transmission, prioritizing optimal safety and efficiency. These Category 4 systems are characterized by a maximum voltage of 450V and no power limitations, setting a new standard in power distribution technology. At the heart of the Category 4 system lies its design philosophy, which places safety at the forefront. Integrated safety circuitry in the power supply / transmitter and receiver precisely controls power delivery, monitors for potential faults, and limits energy and power during fault occurrences.

[0045] Recent developments in the regulatory framework, such as the release of UL 1400-1 and UL 1400-2, have played a crucial role in defining and shaping the future of Fault-Managed Power Systems (FMPS). UL 1400-1 outlines the fundamental requirements for FMPS, while UL 1400-2 delves into safety considerations and assessment standards for Category 4 circuit wiring. These documents, submitted through the ANSI process, will establish new industry standards.

[0046] Designated as a Category 4 system under the NFPA / NEC guidelines, the FMPS revolutionizes safety in power distribution. It is an energy-constrained power supply designed to mitigate the risks of electric shock and fire in a unique way. The FMPS operates by continuously monitoring for any faults in the wiring. In the event of a fault, such as accidental human contact with exposed wires, the FMPS responds immediately, reducing the fault energy to a safe level.

[0047] A key feature of FMPS is its ability to deliver high power levels—significantly exceeding the limitations of traditional systems (such as a 100W Category 2 system or a 100-meter Power over Ethernet (PoE) system). For example, FMPS can transmit 2kW over 400 meters or 400W over 2000 meters using a pair of 18 AWG cables, achieving an efficiency greater than 70%. Furthermore, FMPS ensures operator safety and operates under strict safety guidelines to prevent hazardous incidents.

[0048] The system facilitates centralized remote power management and distribution, enabling power metering and backup without the need for cable conduits. Compared to lower voltage Category 2 power supply systems, Category 4 systems (e.g., up to 450V) can transmit more power over longer distances using thinner copper conductors.

[0049] The current AC-FMPS solution described in this article provides the ability to transform a Class 1 power supply system into a Class 4 system without changing the form of the current, marking a significant leap forward in power distribution efficiency and security.

[0050] Figure 1The circuit architecture diagram of the single-channel AC-FMPS 100 is shown. The AC-FMPS 100 includes three (3) main components: 1) AC power transmitter (AC-PTX) 1, AC power receiver (AC-PRX) 2, and power transmission line (PTL) 3. Figure 1 The architecture view of the AC-FMPS 100 shown also incorporates basic subsystems (such as filter 12 on the AC-PTX 1 side and filter 18 on the AC-PRX 2 side) that overlay high-voltage power and RF communication data onto the PTL 3.

[0051] The AC-FMPS 100 includes a high-voltage AC power supply 21 adaptable to various AC voltages and frequencies. The high-voltage AC power supply 21 can represent the power grid. An isolation transformer 5 ensures grid isolation while enabling voltage regulation (i.e., boost or buck) and potential frequency conversion (e.g., 50Hz to 400Hz), with a maximum output voltage up to ±225V AC peak. This output from the high-voltage AC power supply 21 can include a high-resistance neutral ground (HRMG) configuration or a center-tapped ground configuration.

[0052] The safety-grade power switch 6 is precisely controlled by the safety circuit 11. An additional switch 6 can also be used. To cut off the current on the return path during normal operation of the AC-FMPS100 or when the AC-FMPS100 is turned off.

[0053] Current sensing circuits 7, 7 This is an ultra-precision current sensing circuit for continuous monitoring of the current on PTL 3 and the leakage current of AC-FMPS 100. It includes redundant voltage sensing circuitry 8 to ensure real-time monitoring of the voltage on PTL 3.

[0054] SELV voltage source 9 applies a safety extra-low voltage (SELV) to PTL 3, which can be used to: 1) verify the safety status of PTL 3 before reactivating high-voltage power to be transmitted to PTL 3; 2) provide a line reference voltage during the line test window (LTW); and / or 3) power AC-PTX 2 during system initialization and after recovery from a fault event to establish a communication link between AC-PTX 1 and AC-PRX 2. Switch 10 can be used to engage and disengage SELV voltage source 9.

[0055] The differential RF communication signal is superimposed onto PTL 3 via the differential high-voltage coupling filter 12 on the AC-PTX 1 side and the corresponding differential high-voltage coupling filter 18 on the AC-PRX 2 side. It can be used for system safety, management, control and data reporting to ensure that AC-FMPS is a scalable and manageable power distribution system.

[0056] An auxiliary power supply (AUX-PSU) 13 is included to power the circuitry on AC-PTX 1 from the input source voltage. An auxiliary power supply (AUX-PSU) 22 is also included on AC-PRX 2 to power the circuitry on AC-PRX 2 directly from PTL 3.

[0057] Includes current limiter 14 for soft-starting AC-FMPS 100, thereby ensuring a soft transition into and out of the line test window (LTW), and / or providing a safe, current-limited path to power AC-FMPS 100 and check for the presence of AC-PRX2 on PTL 3.

[0058] The circuit detector 15 may be a rotation angle detector and / or a zero-crossing detector. The circuit detector 15 is used by the safety circuit 11 to perform a PTL safety check procedure within the Line Test Window (LTW).

[0059] The AC-PRX 2 uses voltage sensing circuit 25 for line voltage monitoring and current detector 16. Perform current monitoring.

[0060] Current absorber 24 serves as a reference current absorber, used in conjunction with SELV voltage source 9 and / or current limiter 14, and is employed by the fault detection circuitry included in the AC-FMPS 100. This includes, for example, verifying receiver disconnection, touch fault, arc fault, and ground fault detection states. Current absorber 24 can be configured to be continuously active or activated only when SELV voltage source 9 is engaged, controlled by switch 23.

[0061] Switch 17, Switch 17 Provides mechanisms to disconnect the load in various scenarios, such as: 1) load disconnection state, 2) system initialization state, 3) system calibration state, and / or 4) system verification / tester self-test state. Switch 17 and / or Switch 17 It can be optionally included on AC-PRX 2.

[0062] Safety circuits 11 and 19 on AC-PTX 1 and AC-PRX 2 maintain system integrity by handling real-time line status checks, power transmission and conversion control, and communication signal encoding and decoding, respectively.

[0063] The output from AC-PRX 2 is coupled to load 4 via another isolation transformer 20, which provides isolation to load 4, allows for output voltage adjustment (i.e., boost or buck), and provides isolation between different channels, thereby ensuring system integrity by effectively preventing leakage current, reverse feed, or return paths under fault conditions.

[0064] like Figure 2 As shown, the isolation provided by isolation transformer 5 and / or isolation transformer 20 is particularly important in preventing cross-transmitter connection problems between lines on different channels, thereby ensuring that each channel operates independently and safely. Figure 2 The diagram illustrates an exemplary fault-touch state between a line on channel 1 and another line on channel 2. The output of isolation transformer 20 can be rectified for use with a DC load.

[0065] like Figure 2 As shown, the high resistance neutral ground (HRMG) 53 is formed by two resistors 54 and 55.

[0066] Figure 1 The architecture of the AC-FMPS 100 described in the document supports several configurations, such as multiple AC-PTX 1 channels connected point-to-point to AC-PRX 2 channels on a single pair of PTL 3, as... Figure 3 The configuration shown illustrates this. This allows for system expansion from a centralized management point.

[0067] The AC-FMPS 100 also supports combining several AC-PRX 2 channels to support higher output power, such as... Figure 4 The configuration shown is illustrated. Such a configuration combining multiple channels may include an integrated power combiner circuit 29, which employs n controlled output switches, n reverse current / polarity blocking / protection controllers, n load sharing controllers, and a complex load initiation algorithm. Load 4 can then be connected to the output of the integrated power combiner circuit 29.

[0068] The interconnection between AC-PTX 1 and AC-PRX 2 is not limited to... Figure 3 and Figure 4 The configuration shown illustrates a point-to-point connection, and may also include connections to, for example... Figure 5 The configuration shown indicates support for "bus or multi-drop" connection topologies. Figure 5 In the "bus or multipoint" connection topology configuration shown, a single AC-PTX 1 can drive multiple AC-PRX 2 channels. Each AC-PRX 2 channel is addressed by a unique address assigned via the RF communication link at system startup.

[0069] The implementation of this concept is not limited to using isolation transformer 20, such as Figure 1As shown in AC-FMPS 100. According to some embodiments, if voltage conversion (boost or buck) is not required, the AC load can be directly connected to the output of receiver AC-PRX 2. If the load is a DC load, a rectifier 20A can be used instead to connect the DC load 4 to receiver AC-PRX 2, as shown in the example. Figure 6 As shown.

[0070] The input isolation transformer 5 shown on the AC-PTX 1 side of the transmitter can also share its isolated output with multiple AC-PTX 1 channels, such as... Figure 7 As shown. Similarly, this implementation can be applied to receiver rectified outputs, allowing multiple receiver output channels to be combined to supply higher load capacity, such as... Figure 8 The configuration shown is illustrated.

[0071] The conceptual implementation is not limited to single-phase AC input. For example, such as... Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the AC-FMPS 100 can be powered by the three-phase isolation transformer 27 using the AC power supply 26. Figure 9 An embodiment of an AC-FMPS 100 with a three-phase AC power supply 26 and a single-phase load 4 is shown. Figure 10 An embodiment of an AC-FMPS 100 with a three-phase AC power supply 26 and a three-phase load 4 is shown. Each phase can power one or more transmitter devices AC-PTX 1. The output from transformer 28 can be configured in any way, including delta, star, center tap, or to remain fully isolated for three-phase or single-phase loads.

[0072] The AC-FMPS 100 is configured to provide fault detection features for detecting unwanted fault conditions that may occur on PTL 3. These fault detection features are based on sensing and monitoring the transmission line voltage and / or current on PTL 3 during periodic "Line Test Window" (LTW). The AC-PTX 1 output consists of safety-grade redundant power switches 6 included on the AC-PTX 1. Precise control. Switch 6 has two functions: 1) enabling / disabling the high-voltage output from AC-PTX 1; and 2) floating the line at a specific rotation angle of the AC line within a predetermined LTW for fault detection. An additional switch 6 may also be included. To cut off the current on the return path during normal operation of the AC-FMPS 100 or when the AC-FMPS 100 is turned off.

[0073] The safety circuit 11 on AC-PTX 1 controls the power switch 6 based on the instantaneous output of the circuit detector 15 (e.g., a rotation angle detector). This is to perform a security check procedure on PTL 3 during the LTW cycle.

[0074] The trigger point of the LTW is defined by the rotation angle configuration (i.e., positive cycle, negative cycle, 0-90° rotation angle, etc.). The period of the LTW can be configured based on the frequency of the line voltage or the characteristics of the PTL 3. The following configurations detail different implementations.

[0075] Figure 11 Graph 1100 shows the power transmitted through PTL 3 monitored according to Configuration-1. Graph 1100 is depicted as a curve plotting the voltage (y-axis) versus time (x-axis). The curve of Graph 1100 can be used to test for faults on PTL 3 during a specified operating cycle (e.g., positive cycle) of the AC-FMPS 100. For example, in Figure 11 In the configuration-1 shown in Figure 1100, the redundant power switch 6 is controlled to trigger the LTW at a specific time during the positive cycle 30 of the sinusoidal waveform with one of the following rotation angles: LTW is set during the positive cycle from 0 to 90° (31), or LTW is set during the positive cycle of 90–180° (32), or LTW is set during the positive cycle 0-90° (31) and 90-180° (32).

[0076] Figure 12 Graph 1200 shows the power transmitted through PTL 3 monitored according to Configuration-2. Graph 1200 is depicted as a curve plotting the voltage (y-axis) versus time (x-axis). The curve of Graph 1200 can be used to test for faults on PTL 3 during a specified operating cycle (e.g., negative cycle) of the AC-FMPS 100. For example, in Figure 12 In the configuration-2 shown in Figure 1200, the redundant power switch 6 is controlled to trigger the LTW at a specific time during the negative cycle 40 of the sine wave with one of the following rotation angles: LTW is set during the negative cycle 180–270° (33), or LTW is set during the negative cycle 270–360° (34), or LTW is set during negative cycles of 180–270° (33) and 270–360° (34).

[0077] Figure 13A graph 1300 is shown illustrating the power transmitted through PTL 3 according to Configuration-3. Graph 1300 is depicted as a curve plotting voltage (y-axis) versus time (x-axis). The graph of Graph 1300 can be used to test for faults on PTL 3 during specified operating cycles of AC-FMPS 100 (e.g., positive cycle 30 and / or negative cycle 40). For example, in Figure 13 In the configuration-3 shown in Figure 1300, the redundant power switch 6 is controlled to trigger the LTW at a specific time during the positive cycle 30 and / or negative cycle 40 of the sinusoidal waveform with one of the following rotation angles: LTW is set during the positive cycle from 0 to 90° (31), or LTW is set during the negative cycle 180–270° (33), or LTW is set during the positive cycle 0-90° (31) and the negative cycle 180-270° (33).

[0078] Figure 14 Graph 1400 shows the power transmitted through PTL 3 monitored according to Configuration-4. Graph 1400 is depicted as a curve plotting voltage (y-axis) versus time (x-axis). The curve of Graph 1400 can be used to test for faults on PTL 3 during specified operating cycles of AC-FMPS 100 (e.g., positive cycle 30 and / or negative cycle 40). For example, in Figure 14 In the configuration-4 shown in Figure 1400, the redundant power switch 6 is controlled to trigger the LTW at one of the following rotation angles during the positive cycle 30 and / or negative cycle 40 of the sinusoidal waveform: LTW is set during the positive cycle of 90–180° (32), or LTW is set during the negative cycle 270–360° (34), or LTW is set during the positive cycle 90-180° (32) and the negative cycle 270-360° (34).

[0079] Figure 15 A graph 1500 is shown illustrating the power transmitted through PTL 3 according to Configuration-5. Graph 1500 is depicted as a curve plotting voltage (y-axis) versus time (x-axis). The graph of Graph 1500 can be used to test for faults on PTL 3 during a specified operating cycle of AC-FMPS 100 (e.g., near the zero-crossing cycle between positive cycle 30 and negative cycle 40, or in the reverse direction from negative cycle 40 to positive cycle 30). For example, in Figure 15 In this configuration-5, as shown in Figure 1500, the redundant power switch 6 is controlled to trigger the LTW during the transition between the positive cycle 30 and / or the negative cycle 40 of the sinusoidal waveform at one of the following rotation angles with respect to zero crossing: LTW is set near zero by introducing a short, low-voltage pulse, or LTW is set near the zero crossing during the transition from the positive cycle to the negative cycle (35), and / or LTW is set near zero during the transition from negative to positive cycle (36).

[0080] The main safety-related circuits and functions are housed in safety circuits 11 and 19. These functions employ fault detection circuitry to check for various fault events in PTL 3, including, but not limited to: 1) Testing when the PTL is in a high-impedance state – for example, switch 6 is open: a. Human body touch cable: introduces human body impedance across the PTL.

[0081] b. Short-circuited cable: Introduces very low impedance to the PTL.

[0082] c. Cable / receiver disconnection: causes high impedance (i.e., floating) on ​​the PTL.

[0083] d. Arc event: When the arc passes through the zero crossing point, the resistance of the plasma increases due to deionization, introducing a series resistance in the PTL.

[0084] e. Grounding fault event: Introducing human body impedance between the line and the ground.

[0085] f. Unexpected high voltage: A dangerous voltage is detected on the line during the shutdown period.

[0086] 2) Testing when the PTL is in a low-impedance state – for example, switch 6 is closed: a. Undervoltage condition: The PTL voltage drops below a predetermined threshold.

[0087] b. Overvoltage condition: PTL voltage overshoot or exceeds the predetermined threshold.

[0088] c. Overload / Short Circuit Condition: PTL current exceeds the predetermined threshold.

[0089] In the event of any or more of the exemplary fault events described above, the safety circuit 11 in AC-PTX 1 can cooperate with the safety circuit 19 in AC-PRX 2 to detect changes in the voltage and current distribution of PTL 3, and by disconnecting switch 6 and / or switch 6 Immediately disconnect the high-voltage AC power supply 21.

[0090] System initialization process: AC-PTX 1 uses SELV voltage source 9 (e.g., a current-limiting voltage source), which is controlled by safety circuit 11 via switch 10. The primary function of SELV voltage source 9 during system initialization and after recovery from a fault event is to power AC-PRX 2 to establish a communication link between AC-PTX 1 and AC-PRX 2. According to an embodiment, this can be achieved through… Figure 16 The flowchart 1600 shown describes the system initialization process in more detail.

[0091] The initialization process begins by activating the auxiliary power supply (AUX-PSU) 13, which powers the AC-PTX 1 circuit, at 1601. Safety circuit 11 runs a self-diagnostic test (i.e., tester self-test) to verify the integrity of the various safety detection circuits included in safety circuit 11. The self-diagnostic test is based on introducing a calibration voltage to PTL 3 using SELV voltage source 9 and sampling the PTL voltage and current using redundant voltage sensing circuit 8 and voltage sensing circuit 25. A defined load is then introduced to PTL 3 by current absorber 24, while current sensing circuit 7 and voltage sensing circuit 8 sample the PTL. AC-PRX 2 sends the collected measurements to AC-PTX 1, which then runs an analysis to verify the integrity of the sensing circuitry. AC-PTX 1 can also set current limiter 14 to supply a current-limiting high voltage to PTL 3 and activate safety circuit 11 to verify its functionality; they should trip. AC-PTX 1 can also temporarily introduce impedance at its output to simulate human touch to verify the functionality of the safety circuits.

[0092] If an unexpected voltage is detected on PTL 3 at 1602, a safety event is flagged at 1609, and the initialization process fails at 1610. However, if all verifications pass at 1601, and the safety circuit 11 uses the voltage sensing circuit 8 to sample PTL 3 and confirms that no unexpected voltage exists, the initialization process continues at 1602.

[0093] Once confirmed, safety circuit 11 activates SELV voltage source 9, which powers safety circuit 19 on low-power AUX-PSU 22 and AC-PRX 2, at 1603. Once powered, AC-PRX 2 performs self-verification at 1604, and both AC-PTX 1 and AC-PRX 2 initiate a communication link on PTL 3 at 1605. Once initiated, a clock recovery procedure is activated. Safety circuit 11 relies on the PTL frequency to calculate and detect the rotation angle. Circuit detector 15 runs in the background to generate a synchronization signal from PTL 3.

[0094] If no acknowledgment is received at 1606, the initialization process fails at 1610. If an acknowledgment is received at 1606, the initialization process is considered successful at 1607, and the synchronization signal recovery procedure is enabled at 1608.

[0095] Security check procedure: According to the embodiment, Figure 17 An exemplary flowchart 1700 is shown, describing a PTL security check procedure that can be executed in the following states: 1) after system initialization; 2) after recovery from a PTL failure event; 3) during LTW (Long-Term Warp) during normal system operation.

[0096] During this PTL safety check procedure, high-voltage switch 6 is temporarily disconnected and load 4 is disconnected. The only voltage on PTL 3 is generated by SELV voltage source 9, which is current-limited, and the only load on PTL 3 is reference current sink 24 on AC-PRX2. Reverse current from AUX PSU 22 is blocked, and the energy storage components on AUX PSU 22 power the AC-PRX 2 circuit during LTW.

[0097] The PTL safety check procedure first initiates the verification of switch 6, and can also verify reference current sink 24 by executing the tester self-test procedure. Next, AC-PTX 1 and / or AC-PRX 2 sample the PTL voltage and current within a defined sampling window. At the end of the sampling window, the sampled PTL voltage is tested against three boundaries, each defined by two thresholds. The boundaries can be determined based on... Figures 11 to 15 It is defined by one of the five configurations depicted in Figures 1100 to 1500.

[0098] For example, Figure 18 A diagram 1800 depicting the boundary of configuration-1 is shown, where the boundary is a reference. Figure 11 The parameters provided in the diagram 1100 are used to define this. More specifically, the boundary definition for configuration -1 is as follows: 1) Disconnect the AC-PRX or cable; by Th + 1. Unit (41) and Th + 2. Unit (42), boundary definition.

[0099] In this scenario, the current sink 24 does not sink any current on the AC-PRX, resulting in high impedance (i.e., floating) on ​​the PTL.

[0100] The voltage on the oPTL will be relatively close to the voltage generated by the SELV voltage source 9, which is defined by unit (37).

[0101] Leakage current in the system (if any) may cause a slight voltage drop.

[0102] 2) PTL is in a normal / safe state; caused by Th + 3. Unit (43) and Th + 4. Unit (44) Boundary Definition.

[0103] The voltage drop across the oPTL will be proportional to the current absorbed by the current sink 24 on the AC-PRX and the parasitic capacitance of the PTL.

[0104] 3) The PTL is in an unsafe state; caused by Th + 5. Unit (45) and Th + 6. Element (46) boundary definition.

[0105] The voltage drop across the oPTL exceeds the current absorbed by the current sink 24 on the AC-PRX, caused by introducing a low impedance or an alternative current path into the PTL. This could be due to one of the following faults: i. Human body touch cable: introduces human body impedance across the PTL.

[0106] ii. Short-circuited cable: Introduces very low impedance to the PTL.

[0107] iii. Arcing Event: The arc exhibits a nonlinear resistance proportional to its length. Near the zero-crossing point, the arc's burning gradually weakens, and its resistance subsequently increases due to plasma deionization. However, it does not increase to infinity, meaning the space between the contacts still possesses some conductivity. When a voltage is applied across the gap, it accelerates ions and electrons to opposite polarities. Thus, an after-arc current forms between the contacts.

[0108] iv. Grounding fault event: Introducing human body impedance between the line and the ground.

[0109] Assuming the SELV voltage source 9 is 50V / 2.2mA, the sink current I... REF The current absorber 24 is 2mA, and the human body impedance is 2KΩ.

[0110] Under normal conditions, unit (6) has a source impedance that can supply the load impedance of current absorber 24. The voltage on the PTL will be at the level of Th + 3, Unit (43) and Th + 4. Within the boundary defined by unit (44).

[0111] i. If an impedance (i.e., 2KΩ human touch) is added to the PTL, the voltage across the PTL will collapse during the LTW period due to the Th + 5. Unit (45) and Th+ 6. The boundary defined by unit (46) is due to the combined load impedance of human touch and current absorber 24.

[0112] ii. In the case of a short-circuit cable during LTW, the safety circuit will detect a more significant voltage drop (i.e., close to 0V) on the PTL.

[0113] iii. Arcing events can cause safety circuits to trip in various ways, including introducing a series voltage drop across the PTL during LTW, which drops into the circuit caused by Th. + 5. Unit (45) and Th + 6. Boundary defined by unit (46); overshoot spikes during LTW, exceeding Th + 1, Unit (41); or the switching noise that triggers the dummy clock recovery and causes the safety circuit to trip and check the line to restore synchronization signal.

[0114] iv. A ground fault event introduces impedance from the line to ground, causing current to flow through the reference ground.

[0115] a) If the system has an HRMG configuration, the current passing through the HRMG from the line is considered to be below the let-go-limit line (i.e., safe).

[0116] b) If the system has a center-tapped ground configuration, the current flowing from the line through the center-tapped ground will cause a voltage drop across the PTL during the LTW cycle, which will then flow into the system via Th. + 5. Unit (45) and Th + 6. The boundary defined by unit (46) will be detected by the security circuit.

[0117] 4) An unexpected high voltage was detected on the PTL; caused by a voltage exceeding Th. + 1. Horizontal definition of unit (41).

[0118] exist Figure 19 The boundaries of Configuration-2 are depicted in Figure 1900. In this case, the boundaries are defined during the negative cycle; therefore, they are the same as those of Configuration-1 but with negative thresholds, and are defined as follows: 1) Disconnect the AC-PRX or cable; by Th - 1, Unit (47) and Th - 2. Definition of unit (48) boundary.

[0119] 2) PTL is in a normal / safe state; caused by Th - 3, Unit (49) and Th - 4. Element (50) boundary definition.

[0120] 3) The PTL is in an unsafe state; caused by Th - 5. Unit (51) and Th - 6. Element (52) boundary definition.

[0121] 4) An unexpected high voltage exists on the PTL; caused by a voltage exceeding Th - 1. Horizontal definition of unit (47).

[0122] Similarly, Figure 20 and Figure 21 The boundaries of Configuration-3 and Configuration-4 are depicted in Figures 2000 and 2100, respectively. The advantage of Configuration-3 and Configuration-4 is that they test the circuitry during both positive and negative loops.

[0123] On the other hand, by Figure 22 The boundary of Configuration-5, as depicted in Figure 2200, sets the LTW near the zero crossing, which allows for a longer LTW cycle and provides a smoother transition from positive to negative and vice versa. The same fault detection scheme as in Configuration-1 and Configuration-2 applies to all configurations. The difference lies in the rotation angle at which the LTW begins and ends.

[0124] The main operating procedures of AC-FMPS are as follows: Figure 23 The exemplary flowchart 2300 depicts a system initialization procedure, a security check procedure, and a normal operation procedure. The procedure depicted in flowchart 2300 can be executed as follows: The main operation process first performs system initialization at 2301, and then checks whether the system initialization was successful at 2302. If it fails, the program will be terminated and must be checked by the operator at 2316.

[0125] If successful, the process executes the PTL security check procedure to verify the security of the PTL at 2303. If it fails at 2304, a retry timer and counter are started at 2311. The system will retry executing the security check procedure a predetermined number of times after a predetermined delay at 2312, then terminate the process, and the operator must check the system at 2313.

[0126] If a safe state is successfully indicated at 2304, the process will wait until the rotation angle is at the end of the LTW cycle, Øe, at 2305. The relationship between voltage and rotation angle over one cycle is shown in... Figure 24 Described in the text.

[0127] Safety circuit 11 closure includes switch 6, switch 6 and switch 17, switch 17 The high-voltage switch, including the one at AC-PRX 2, notifies the control circuit within safety circuit 19 to close switch 6. and switch 17, switch 17 At 2306.

[0128] Safety circuits 11 and 19 both begin sampling line voltage and current to detect any abnormalities in the PTL voltage and current (including overvoltage, undervoltage, overcurrent, or short-circuit conditions) at 2307.

[0129] If a voltage anomaly is detected at 2308, safety circuit 11 reports the fault condition detected from the voltage anomaly at 2314, and immediately closes switch 16. The process is terminated at 2315, and the operator must check the system.

[0130] If not detected, the process continues until the rotation angle is at the starting point of the LTW cycle, Øs, at 2309. The safety control circuit in safety circuit 11 disconnects high-voltage switch 6. The safety check procedure is then initiated at point 2303. The process operates continuously in a loop during AC-FMPS 100 operation to detect fault conditions and ensure safe operation by the user.

[0131] Therefore, the AC-FMPS 100 provides a method for fault detection in AC-FMPS that can identify a range of fault conditions, including: human contact, arcing faults, grounding faults, short circuits, connectivity faults, and voltage anomalies (such as undervoltage, overvoltage, overcurrent, and unexpected high voltage on the PTL). The process involves monitoring the rotation angle of the line voltage and initiating fault detection when it reaches a set value (Øs) or approaches zero crossing. This includes disconnecting the high-voltage switch at AC-PTX to isolate the PTL during detection, setting a predetermined voltage level on the PTL at the AC-PRX side using a SELV source and current absorber, initiating sampling of the PTL within a defined LTW under this isolation state, and comparing the sampled voltage with defined boundary conditions to determine the operating state of the PTL. Finally, if safety conditions are met, the high-voltage switch is reconnected at Øe, thus confirming a safe connection of the AC-PRX and the absence of leakage current.

[0132] AC-FMPS 100 also provides a method for implementing FMPS with high-voltage AC, characterized by maintaining continuous AC flow in the high-voltage distribution system without voltage rectification or chopping, and directly utilizing high-voltage AC power from the grid. The method includes providing direct power class conversion between Class 1 and Class 4, thereby supporting various system topologies such as point-to-point and multi-point connections, and accommodating single-phase and three-phase AC inputs and outputs in different configurations. The method can be adapted to HRMG or center-tapped grounding configurations to enhance line safety and to adjust voltage levels within the AC-FMPS to meet specific operational requirements. The method can adapt AC loads to be directly connected to the receiver output without an isolation transformer, or to rectify the output for use with DC loads. The method can adapt input transformers to share their isolated outputs with multiple transmit channels, and / or combine the rectified outputs of multiple receiver channels to supply higher load capacity.

[0133] The AC-FMPS 100 also provides a procedure for performing safety checks under various conditions, including after system initialization, after recovery from a PTL failure event, and during LTW (Long-Term Warp) during normal system operation. This involves temporarily disconnecting the high-voltage switch, supplying power to the PTL solely from the SELV source, and loading it using a reference current sink on the AC-PRX. The procedure includes testing the sampled PTL voltage against three boundaries, each defined by two thresholds, where the boundaries are configurable based on various operating configurations.

[0134] The AC-FMPS 100 also provides a method for monitoring the phase angle and zero-crossing point of the AC waveform within the PTL using a rotation angle detector and a zero-crossing detector. This method involves triggering a time-to-live (LTW) at a predetermined phase angle, performing safety checks, fault detection, or system diagnostics during the LTW, sampling the PTL voltage and current within a defined window using AC-PTX and / or AC-PRX, and testing the sampled voltage against predefined boundaries set by thresholds to maintain system safety and operational integrity.

[0135] The AC-FMPS 100 also provides a method for detecting anomalies (such as overvoltage, undervoltage, overcurrent, or short-circuit conditions) when the power switch is closed, by shutting down the unit and requiring the operator to check in order to respond appropriately.

[0136] The AC-FMPS 100 also provides a method for performing self-diagnostic tests (tester self-test) to ensure the integrity of the safety detection circuitry in the AC-FMPS. This includes: performing self-verification of the safety detection circuitry by introducing predetermined voltages, loads, and impedances to the PTL as part of the self-test by the AC-PTX and AC-PRX individually or collaboratively; and comparing the measurements obtained during the self-test with reference values ​​to evaluate the response of the safety detection circuitry to the introduced fault scenarios.

[0137] The AC-FMPS 100 also provides a method for integrating an RF communication layer within the AC-FMPS to enhance system functionality. This method includes implementing an RF communication layer on the PTL within the AC-FMPS, utilizing the RF layer for real-time communication between different units of the AC-FMPS, transmitting control signals, system status, and diagnostic data. It enhances system security through immediate RF communication in response to detected faults or operational anomalies, facilitates efficient system management and control via RF communication, and integrates data reporting functionality through the RF layer for comprehensive system performance analysis and early detection of potential problems.

[0138] As will be apparent from the foregoing, various non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the AC-FMPS solution have been described. While various embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, they are merely exemplary and are not intended to illustrate or describe all possibilities. Rather, the language used herein is descriptive rather than restrictive, and it should be understood that various changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An AC fault-managed power supply system (AC-FMPS), comprising: Power transmission lines; A power transmitter coupled to a first end of the power transmission line, the power transmitter comprising: A power source configured to transmit high-voltage AC power to the power transmission line; A voltage sensor configured to sense the voltage on the power transmission line; A safety extra-low voltage power supply (SELV power supply), the SELV power supply being configured to transmit low-voltage power to the power transmission line; A safety switch configured to interrupt the transmission of the high-voltage AC power to the power transmission line; Safety circuit, the safety circuit being configured as follows: Receive the sensed voltage of the power transmission line from the voltage sensor; Fault detection tests are performed on the power transmission line during the line test window period; and When a fault is detected on the power transmission line based on the sensed voltage received from the voltage sensor, the safety switch is controlled to open.

2. The AC-FMPS of claim 1, wherein the line test window occurs during either a positive or negative cycle of a sinusoidal waveform representing the high-voltage AC power.

3. The AC-FMPS of claim 1, wherein the line test window occurs during the positive and negative cycles of a sinusoidal waveform representing the high-voltage AC power.

4. The AC-FMPS of claim 1, wherein the line test window occurs during the zero-crossing period of the sinusoidal waveform representing the high-voltage AC power.

5. The AC-FMPS as claimed in claim 1, wherein the line test window includes at least a first voltage range corresponding to a safe state and a second voltage range corresponding to a fault state.

6. The AC-FMPS of claim 5, wherein the line test window further includes a third voltage range corresponding to an uncertain state, wherein the third voltage range is outside the first voltage range and the second voltage range.

7. The AC-FMPS of claim 1, wherein the safety circuit is further configured as follows: Monitoring the phase angle corresponding to the sinusoidal waveform representing the high-voltage AC power; and The circuit test window is controlled to appear during a predetermined test phase angle.

8. The AC-FMPS of claim 1, wherein the safety circuit is further configured to: The phase angle corresponding to the sinusoidal waveform representing the high-voltage AC power is monitored; Control the safety switch to open during a predetermined disconnect phase angle; and The safety switch is controlled to close during a predetermined closing phase angle.

9. The AC-FMPS of claim 1, wherein the fault is detected on the power transmission line when the sensed voltage is greater than a predetermined threshold voltage, wherein the predetermined threshold voltage is determined based on at least one of a predetermined type of fault state or the current state of the AC-FMPS.

10. The AC-FMPS of claim 1, wherein the fault is detected on the power transmission line when the sensed voltage is below a predetermined threshold voltage, wherein the predetermined threshold voltage is determined based on at least one of a predetermined type of fault state or the current state of the AC-FMPS.

11. The AC-FMPS of claim 1, wherein the power transmitter is included in at least one of a point-to-point system topology or a multipoint topology.

12. The AC-FMPS of claim 1, wherein the power transmitter is configured to support single-phase or three-phase power.

13. The AC-FMPS of claim 1, wherein the power transmitter further comprises: A high-resistance neutral ground (HRMG) is coupled to the output of the power transmitter.

14. The AC-FMPS of claim 1, wherein the power transmitter further comprises: A center-tap grounding configuration is provided, which is coupled to the output of the power transmitter.

15. The AC-FMPS of claim 1, further comprising: A power receiver coupled to a second end of the power transmission line, wherein the power receiver is configured to supply power to a load device; The safety circuit is further configured as follows: While the safety switch remains open after detecting the fault, the low-voltage power supplied by the SELV power supply is transmitted to the power transmission line, wherein the low-voltage power is configured to power a reference current absorber included in the power receiver when the load device is disconnected from the power receiver; Receive the sensing safety check voltage of the power transmission line from the voltage sensor; A safety inspection test is performed on the power transmission line during the line test window. as well as The safety status of the power transmission line is determined by comparing the sensed safety check voltage with at least a first safety voltage threshold.

16. The AC-FMPS of claim 15, wherein the first safe voltage threshold is determined based on whether the line test window occurs during a positive cycle, a negative cycle, or a zero-crossing of a sinusoidal waveform representing the low-voltage power supplied by the SELV power source.

17. The AC-FMPS of claim 1, further comprising: A power receiver coupled to a second end of the power transmission line, wherein the power receiver is configured to supply power to a load device, and the power receiver includes a receiver-side safety circuit configured to detect faults or safety conditions on the power transmission line; The safety circuit is further configured as follows: Receive fault status messages or security status messages from the receiver-side security circuit.

18. The AC-FMPS of claim 1, wherein the fault corresponds to one of human contact, arcing fault, grounding fault, short circuit, connectivity fault, overcurrent, overvoltage, undervoltage, or unexpected high voltage.

19. An AC fault-managed power supply system (AC-FMPS), comprising: Power transmission lines; A power receiver coupled to a second end of the power transmission line, wherein the power receiver is configured to supply power to a load device; A power transmitter coupled to a first end of the power transmission line, the power transmitter comprising: A power source configured to transmit high-voltage AC power to the power transmission line; A voltage sensor configured to sense the voltage on the power transmission line; A safety extra-low voltage power supply (SELV power supply), the SELV power supply being configured to transmit low-voltage power to the power transmission line; A safety switch configured to interrupt the transmission of the high-voltage AC power to the power transmission line; Safety circuit, the safety circuit being configured as follows: Execute the system initialization procedure; When the system initialization procedure is determined to be successful, while the safety switch remains open, the low-voltage power supplied by the SELV power supply is transmitted to the power transmission line, wherein the low-voltage power is configured to power a reference current absorber included in the power receiver when the load device is disconnected from the power receiver; Receive the sensing safety check voltage of the power transmission line from the voltage sensor; A safety inspection test is performed on the power transmission line during the line testing window; and The safety status of the power transmission line is determined by comparing the sensed safety check voltage with at least a first safety voltage threshold.

20. The AC-FMPS of claim 14, wherein the line test window occurs during a positive cycle, a negative cycle, or a zero-crossing of a sinusoidal waveform representing the low-voltage power supplied by the SELV power source.

Images