Power supply device for controlling thermoelectric element and control method

Abstract

A power supply device for controlling a thermoelectric element and a control method according to an embodiment directly control a circuit for sensing and blocking leakage currents, which is embedded in the power supply device. In an embodiment, unlike conventional schemes in which a current sensor (for example, a Hall sensor) is used to measure the difference between upper and lower sides, a differential current itself detected through a current transformer (CT) connected to the positive electrode is input as an AC component and processed accordingly, thereby sensing leakage currents. In addition, in an embodiment, the power supply device is configured in an insulating type and enables blocking with regard to each thermoelectric element module such that only a channel in which a leakage current has occurred is blocked, and other channels continuously operate normally. In addition, in an embodiment, when configured in an insulating type, the output and input are separated such that, even if a leak current occurs in the output end, continuous operations are possible. In addition, in an embodiment, the output end is provided with a separate power supply capable of detecting leakage currents.

Description

Power supply device and control method for thermoelectric element control

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power supply device and a control method for controlling a thermoelectric element, and more particularly, to a method for detecting leakage current in a power supply using a thermoelectric element as a load and controlling the same.

[0002] Unless otherwise indicated herein, the materials described in this section are not prior art to the claims of this application, and their inclusion in this section is not intended to be admitted as prior art.

[0003] In semiconductor manufacturing, chiller equipment is used to maintain a constant ambient temperature of wafers, and thermoelectric devices are utilized for temperature control. Thermoelectric devices generate or absorb heat depending on the direction of the current supplied, thanks to the Peltier effect. Thermoelectric devices are configured as modules, connected in series or parallel, based on factors such as heat capacity. To maintain accurate temperatures, they are completely sealed with various insulating materials. Some of these thermoelectric modules can generate leakage current during operation due to moisture, aging of the connected wiring, or vibration. This leakage current can short-circuit with grounded metal equipment. This leakage current is difficult to detect externally. Continued operation without knowing the leakage current could lead to equipment failure or electric shock. Therefore, a power supply capable of individually shutting off the module and supplying power to the remaining thermoelectric modules is required.

[0004] Conventionally, to drive power supply technology, a thermoelectric module monitoring system has been provided, which includes a separate thermoelectric module failure detection product configured at the rear of the power supply. Referring to Figure 1, which illustrates a conventional thermoelectric module monitoring system, the conventional monitoring device is configured separately, which requires installation space within the equipment and increases the size and cost of the equipment due to the additional wiring connected to the power supply. Furthermore, since the power supply operates based on signal processing of the thermoelectric module failure detection product, there is a problem of delayed leakage current cutoff operation throughout the entire system.

[0005] The power supply device and control method for controlling a thermoelectric element according to an embodiment directly control the power supply device by incorporating a leakage current detection and blocking circuit into the power supply device.

[0006] In the embodiment, unlike the conventional method of measuring the difference between the upper and lower sides by using a current sensor (e.g., a Hall sensor), the differential current itself detected through a current transformer (CT) connected to the anode is input as an AC component and processed, thereby sensing the leakage current.

[0007] In addition, in the embodiment, the power supply is configured as an insulated type and can be shut off for each thermoelectric module, so that only the channel where leakage current occurs is shut off and other channels continue to operate normally.

[0008] In addition, in the embodiment, when configured as an insulated type, the output and input are separated, enabling continuous operation even if leakage current occurs at the output terminal. In addition, in the embodiment, a separate power source capable of detecting leakage current is provided at the output terminal.

[0009] A power supply for controlling a thermoelectric element according to an embodiment comprises: an input unit including a full-bridge circuit using a MOSFET or IGBT capable of high-frequency operation; a transformer for transmitting power while maintaining insulation between the input and the output; an output rectifier and an LC filter for smoothing a high-frequency AC voltage input from the transformer through full-wave rectification and changing it into a DC voltage; a polarity conversion unit for changing the polarity of the changed DC voltage; a leakage current blocking circuit configured in the polarity conversion unit for sensing a leakage current and then blocking the leakage current according to the magnitude of the sensed leakage current; and a leakage current blocking circuit connected to the leakage current blocking circuit; converts a differential current through a current transformer (CT) at an output terminal into a voltage, and converts it into an appropriate voltage using an amplifier and a filter including a circuit using an OPAMP, a BJT or a MOSFET, and then detects the leakage current through an AD conversion.

[0010] In the embodiment, the leakage current blocking circuit detects the differential current of two wires by passing a current transformer (CT) through the positive (+) and negative (-) poles of each channel. In addition, the blocking application circuit is configured as a controllable switch including a relay, a MOSFET, an IGBT, and a transistor, and is controlled according to a command or setting value of an upper controller, and blocks only the channel in which the detected differential current value exceeds the setting value during the setting detection time.

[0011] In an embodiment, a leakage current blocking circuit; when the sensed leakage current is less than the leakage current blocking setting value, continues normal operation, continuously transmits the current leakage current value to the upper controller, and may block the leakage current by receiving a leakage current blocking command from the upper controller or may block the leakage current directly.

[0012] The power supply device and control method for thermoelectric module control described above performs power conversion and leakage current detection in real time, enabling continuous power supply without the need for a power-stage ELCB due to output-specific isolation. Furthermore, continuous operation extends the life of the thermoelectric module and reduces failures through continuous load monitoring.

[0013] In addition, by transmitting the leakage current for each channel to the upper controller through an embodiment, it is possible to diagnose the failure status of the thermoelectric module and predict the expected failure time.

[0014] In addition, the blocking delay time is shortened through direct control through the embodiment, and the installation space within the equipment is minimized due to miniaturization.

[0015] In addition, since the application of a separate thermoelectric element failure detection product is unnecessary through the embodiment, there is a cost-saving effect through reduced wiring.

[0016] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and should be understood to include all effects that can be inferred from the detailed description of the present invention or the composition of the invention described in the claims.

[0017] Figure 1 is a drawing showing a conventional thermoelectric module monitoring system.

[0018] Figure 2 is a block diagram of a power supply device for thermoelectric element control according to an embodiment.

[0019] Figure 3 is a diagram showing a circuit configuration in which a polarity conversion unit of a power supply device according to an embodiment is placed at the output terminal.

[0020] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the results of a simulation experiment to block leakage current using the power supply circuit shown in FIG. 3 according to an embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining a leakage current sensing method of a leakage current blocking circuit connected to a single channel according to an embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining a leakage current sensing method of a leakage current blocking circuit connected to two channels according to an embodiment.

[0023] Figure 7 is a drawing showing a leakage current blocking process of a power supply device for controlling a thermoelectric element according to an embodiment.

[0024] A power supply for controlling a thermoelectric element, comprising: an input unit for receiving AC power from a thermoelectric element; a transformer for transmitting power while maintaining insulation between the input and output; an output rectifier and an LC filter for smoothing a high-frequency AC voltage input from the transformer through full-wave rectification and changing it into a DC voltage; a polarity conversion unit for changing the polarity of the changed DC voltage; a leakage current blocking circuit configured in the polarity conversion unit for sensing a leakage current and then blocking the leakage current according to the magnitude of the sensed leakage current; and a load connected to the leakage current blocking circuit; wherein the leakage current blocking circuit converts a differential current through a current transformer (CT) into a voltage, converts it into an appropriate voltage using an amplifier and a filter, and then detects the leakage current through an AD conversion, and the amplifier includes a circuit using an OPAMP, a BJT, or a MOSFET.

[0025] Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Regardless of the drawing numbers, identical or similar components will be given the same reference numbers, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. The suffixes "module" and "part" used for components in the following description are assigned or used interchangeably only for the convenience of writing the specification, and do not in themselves have distinct meanings or roles. In addition, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a specific description of a related known technology may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the attached drawings are only intended to facilitate easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical ideas disclosed in this specification are not limited by the attached drawings, and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0026] Terms that include ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another.

[0027] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but that there may be other components intervening. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components intervening.

[0028] In this application, terms such as “include” or “have” are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in the specification, but should be understood not to exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0029] In this specification, the term "unit" includes a unit realized by hardware, a unit realized by software, and a unit realized using both. Furthermore, a single unit may be realized using two or more pieces of hardware, and two or more units may be realized by a single piece of hardware.

[0030] Some of the operations or functions described herein as being performed by a terminal, apparatus, or device may instead be performed by a server connected to the terminal, apparatus, or device. Similarly, some of the operations or functions described herein as being performed by a server may also be performed by a terminal, apparatus, or device connected to the server.

[0031] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0032] Fig. 2 is a block diagram of a power supply device for controlling a thermoelectric element according to an embodiment.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 2, a power supply device for controlling a thermoelectric element according to an embodiment may be configured to include an input unit (1), an inrush current limiting unit (2), a power conversion unit (3), a transformer (4), an output rectifier (5) and an output polarity conversion unit (5), an output unit (6) and a leakage current sensing unit (6), a first gate driving unit (7), a second gate driving unit (8), a power control unit (9), an interface unit (10), and a load (11). The term 'unit' used herein should be interpreted to include software, hardware, or a combination thereof, depending on the context in which the term is used. For example, software may be machine language, firmware, embedded code, and application software. As another example, hardware may be a circuit, a processor, a computer, an integrated circuit, an integrated circuit core, a sensor, a MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical System), a passive device, or a combination thereof.

[0034] In the embodiment, the input unit (1) receives AC power from a thermoelectric element, converts the AC voltage into DC voltage, smooths it, and compensates for the power factor for circuit protection and EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) blocking. The inrush current limiting unit (2) limits the inrush current flowing into the circuit when AC power is input. The power conversion unit (3) converts the DC voltage into a high-frequency AC voltage. The transformer (4) transmits power while maintaining insulation between the input and output. The output rectifier unit (5) changes the high-frequency AC voltage passed to the transformer (4) into a smooth voltage. The output polarity conversion unit (5) converts the polarity of the DC voltage applied to the load. The leakage current sensing unit (6) senses the output current and leakage current for each channel. The output unit (6) turns the channel on or off for each channel with a relay according to the leakage current sensing result. At this time, on may mean channel connection, and off may mean channel blocking. The first gate driving unit (7) can convert power into a PWM signal generated from the power control unit (9).

[0035] The second gate driver (8) performs polarity conversion using the PWM signal generated from the power control unit. The power control unit (9) inputs internal and external information and generates PWM and digital output. The interface control unit (10) transmits PLM and digital input / output signals and communication signals. The load (11) includes a thermoelectric module. A thermoelectric module is a device that converts heat and electrical energy using the thermoelectric effect.

[0036] The power supply device and control method for controlling a thermoelectric element according to an embodiment directly control the power supply device by incorporating a leakage current detection and blocking circuit into the power supply device.

[0037] In the embodiment, unlike the conventional method of measuring the difference between the upper and lower sides by using a current sensor (e.g., a Hall sensor), the differential current itself detected through a current transformer (CT) connected to the anode is input as an AC component and processed, thereby sensing the leakage current.

[0038] In addition, in the embodiment, the power supply for controlling the thermoelectric element is configured as an insulated type and can be shut off for each thermoelectric element module, so that only the channel where leakage current has occurred is shut off and other channels continue to operate normally.

[0039] In addition, in the embodiment, when configured as an insulated type, the output and input are separated, enabling continuous operation even if leakage current occurs at the output terminal. In addition, in the embodiment, a separate power source capable of detecting leakage current is provided at the output terminal.

[0040] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a circuit configuration in which a polarity conversion unit of a power supply device for controlling a thermoelectric element according to an embodiment is placed at an output terminal.

[0041] Referring to Fig. 3, a power supply for controlling a thermoelectric element can be configured to include an input unit (11), a transformer (12), an output rectifier and LC filter (13), a polarity conversion unit (14), a leakage current blocking circuit (15), and a load (16).

[0042] The input unit (11) includes a full-bridge circuit using a MOSFET or IGBT capable of high-frequency operation. The input unit (11) may be configured with a full-bridge converter, a half-bridge converter, a push-pull converter, a PSFB (Phase Shift Full Bridge) converter, a forward converter, etc. for operation in an isolated manner, and operates through a controller. In the embodiment, the input unit (11) includes a full-bridge circuit and models the input signal as a square wave.

[0043] The transformer (12) transmits power while maintaining insulation between the input and output.

[0044] The output rectifier and LC filter (13) smoothes the high-frequency AC voltage input from the transformer (12) through full-wave rectification and changes it into a DC voltage.

[0045] The polarity conversion unit (14) converts the polarity of the changed DC voltage.

[0046] The leakage current blocking circuit (15) is configured in the polarity conversion unit (14), senses the leakage current, and blocks the leakage current according to the size of the sensed leakage current. In the embodiment, the leakage current blocking circuit (15) converts the differential current through a current transformer (CT) at the output terminal into voltage, converts it to an appropriate voltage using an amplifier and a filter, and then detects the leakage current through AD conversion. In the embodiment, the amplifier means a circuit using an OPAMP, BJT, or MOSFET.

[0047] The load (16) is connected to a leakage current blocking circuit.

[0048] In the embodiment, the AC power for detection by a current transformer (CT) is grounded at the secondary center tap of the transformer (12) to monitor the output status in real time. In the embodiment, when the secondary center tap of the transformer (12) is grounded, an impedance circuit using RLC is applied to control the leakage current flowing directly through the transformer (12).

[0049] In addition, in the embodiment, the leakage current blocking circuit (15) detects the differential current of the two wires by passing a current transformer (CT) through the positive (+) and negative (-) poles of each channel.

[0050] In addition, in the embodiment, the leakage current blocking circuit (15) is configured as a controllable switch including a relay, MOSFET, IGBT, and transistor as a blocking application circuit at the time of blocking, and is controlled according to a command or set value of the controller, and blocks only the channel generated by the set detection time when the set value is exceeded.

[0051] The leakage current detection according to the embodiment reads the differential current through the CT at the output terminal, converts it to an appropriate voltage using an amplifier and filter, and then detects it through the MCU's AD conversion. In contrast, the existing patent applies current sensors to the (+) and (-) terminals respectively and reads the difference in the two current values, which differs from the leakage current sensing process according to the embodiment.

[0052] In addition, in the embodiment, the leakage current blocking circuit (15) continues normal operation when the sensed leakage current is less than the leakage current blocking setting value. In addition, in the embodiment, each channel includes a separate voltage sensing unit and a current sensing unit, thereby providing individual blocking functions for basic alarms including overcurrent, overvoltage, overpower, and output terminal no-load.

[0053] For example, the sensed leakage current value can be compared with the leakage current cutoff setting value set in the basic alarm, and if the sensed leakage current value exceeds the leakage current cutoff setting value, the connection of the corresponding channel can be cut off.

[0054] In the embodiment, the leakage current blocking circuit (15) can continuously transmit the current leakage current value to the upper controller and block the leakage current by receiving a leakage current blocking command from the upper controller.

[0055] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the results of a simulation experiment to block leakage current using a power supply circuit for controlling a thermoelectric element as shown in FIG. 3 according to an embodiment.

[0056] Referring to Fig. 4, the power supply for controlling a thermoelectric element according to the embodiment detects the differential current of the output cathode terminal leakage current and the output anode terminal leakage current by passing a current transformer (CT) through the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals of each channel. Then, if the differential current exceeds a set value, it is recognized that a leakage current has occurred, and when the leakage current occurs, it is blocked through switch and relay on / off control. As illustrated in Fig. 4, the power supply for controlling a thermoelectric element according to the embodiment can confirm the experimental results that the output load current is not detected after the blocking point when the leakage current occurs.

[0057] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a leakage current sensing method of a leakage current blocking circuit connected to a single channel according to an embodiment.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 5, a leakage current detection circuit according to an embodiment converts a differential current through a current transformer (CT) to the positive and negative poles of the channel into a voltage when the output terminal is a single channel, converts it to an appropriate voltage using an amplifier (501) and a filter (56), and then detects the leakage current through AD conversion. As illustrated in FIG. 5, in the leakage current detection circuit according to the embodiment, the positive and negative lines of the output terminal are connected to the positive and negative poles, respectively, using an amplifier (501) and a filter (56). In the embodiment, the differential current is input to the filter (56), and after AD conversion is performed in the converter (58), the leakage current can be detected.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 6, a leakage current blocking circuit according to an embodiment converts a differential current through a current transformer (CT) to a voltage at each positive and negative pole of each channel when the output terminal is connected to two channels, converts the voltage to an appropriate voltage using an amplifier (501, 502) and a filter (56, 59), and then detects the leakage current through AD conversion. In the embodiment, the leakage current detection circuit has a positive line and a negative line of each output terminal connected to the positive and negative poles of the amplifier and the filter, respectively. In the embodiment, the differential current is input to the filter (56), and after AD conversion is performed in the converter (58), the leakage current can be detected.

[0060] In an embodiment, the amplifier (56, 59) may include a circuit using an OPAMP, BJT or MOSFET.

[0061] In the embodiment, the leakage current detection circuit and the leakage current blocking circuit are exemplarily described using FIGS. 5 and 6, but are not limited thereto and may be applied in multiple numbers depending on the load quantity.

[0062] Hereinafter, a control method for a power supply for controlling a thermoelectric element will be sequentially described. Since the operation (function) of the control method for a power supply for controlling a thermoelectric element according to the embodiment is essentially the same as the function of the power supply for controlling a thermoelectric element, any description overlapping with that in FIGS. 2 to 6 will be omitted.

[0063] Fig. 7 is a drawing showing a leakage current blocking process of a power supply device for controlling a thermoelectric element according to an embodiment.

[0064] Referring to Fig. 7, in step S100, the differential current through a current transformer (CT) at the output terminal of the leakage current blocking circuit is converted into voltage.

[0065] In the embodiment, the differential current of two wires passing through a current transformer (CT) on the positive (+) and negative (-) poles of each channel is detected. In step S200, leakage current blocking is controlled according to the detected differential current value. For example, when the detected differential current exceeds a set value, only the channel in which the differential current exceeding the set value is detected is blocked, and the other channels continue to operate normally. In addition, in the embodiment, each channel includes a separate voltage sensing unit and a current sensing unit, through which overcurrent, overvoltage, overpower, no-load of the output terminal, etc. are detected, and the channel in which at least one of overcurrent, overvoltage, overpower, and no-load of the output terminal is detected is individually blocked.

[0066] The power supply device and control method for thermoelectric module control described above performs power conversion and leakage current detection in real time, enabling continuous power supply without the need for a power-stage ELCB due to output-specific isolation. Furthermore, continuous operation extends the life of the thermoelectric module and reduces failures through continuous load monitoring.

[0067] In addition, by transmitting the leakage current for each channel to the upper controller through an embodiment, it is possible to diagnose the failure status of the thermoelectric module and predict the expected failure time.

[0068] In addition, the blocking delay time is shortened through direct control through the embodiment, and the installation space within the equipment is minimized due to miniaturization.

[0069] In addition, the embodiment eliminates the need for a separate thermoelectric element failure detection product, thereby creating a cost-saving effect through reduced wiring.

[0070] The disclosed content is merely an example, and various modifications and implementations can be made by a person skilled in the art without departing from the gist of the claims claimed in the patent, so the scope of protection of the disclosed content is not limited to the specific embodiments described above.

[0071] The power supply device and control method for thermoelectric module control described above performs power conversion and leakage current detection in real time, enabling continuous power supply without the need for a power-stage ELCB due to output-specific isolation. Furthermore, continuous operation extends the life of the thermoelectric module and reduces failures through continuous load monitoring.

[0072] In addition, by transmitting the leakage current for each channel to the upper controller through an embodiment, it is possible to diagnose the failure status of the thermoelectric module and predict the expected failure time.

[0073] In addition, the blocking delay time is shortened through direct control through the embodiment, and the installation space within the equipment is minimized due to miniaturization.

[0074] In addition, since the application of a separate thermoelectric element failure detection product is unnecessary through the embodiment, there is a cost-saving effect through reduced wiring.

Claims

1. In a power supply device for controlling a thermoelectric element, An input section that receives AC power from a thermoelectric element; A transformer that transmits power while maintaining insulation between input and output; An output rectifier and LC filter that smooths the high-frequency AC voltage input from the above transformer and changes it into a DC voltage through full-wave rectification; A polarity conversion unit that converts the polarity of the above-mentioned changed DC voltage; A leakage current blocking circuit configured in the above polarity conversion section, which senses leakage current and blocks the leakage current according to the size of the sensed leakage current; A load connected to the above leakage current blocking circuit; including; The above leakage current blocking circuit; The differential current is converted into voltage through a current transformer (CT), and then converted into an appropriate voltage using an amplifier and filter, and then the leakage current is detected through AD conversion. The above amplifier A power supply device characterized in that the amplifier includes a circuit using an OPAMP, BJT or MOSFET.

2. In the first paragraph, the input unit; A power supply device comprising at least one of a full-bridge converter, a half-bridge converter, a push-pull converter, a PSFB (Phase Shift Full Bridge) converter, and a forward converter for driving in an isolated manner, and characterized in that it operates through a controller.

3. In the first paragraph, the AC power for detection by the current transformer (CT) is A power supply device characterized by grounding the secondary center tap of a transformer to monitor the output status in real time.

4. A power supply device characterized in that, in the third paragraph, when the center tap of the secondary side of the transformer is grounded, an impedance circuit using RLC is applied to control the leakage current flowing directly through the transformer.

5. In the first paragraph, the leakage current blocking circuit; A power supply device characterized in that it detects the differential current of two wires by passing a current transformer (CT) through the positive (+) and negative (-) poles of each channel.

6. In the fifth paragraph, the leakage current blocking circuit; The circuit for applying the blocking at the time of blocking is composed of a controllable switch including a relay, MOSFET, IGBT, and transistor, A power supply device characterized in that it is controlled according to a command or setting value of an upper controller and blocks only a channel in which a detection value of a differential current exceeds a setting value during a setting detection time.

7. In the first paragraph, the leakage current blocking circuit; A power supply device characterized in that normal operation is continued when the sensed leakage current is less than the leakage current cut-off setting value.

8. In the 7th paragraph, the leakage current blocking circuit; A power supply device characterized in that it continuously transmits the current leakage current value to the upper controller and receives a leakage current blocking command from the upper controller to block the leakage current.

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