AC Inrush Current Testing Device Using Autotransformer Mediator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current AC inrush current testing devices face reliability issues due to insufficient power capacity and instability of public AC sources, leading to costly and time-consuming measurements to ensure the power supply can withstand inrush currents without damage.
Innovation Solution
An AC inrush current testing device comprising a grid voltage peak point calculator, a grid voltage period and timing detector, a switch, and an autotransformer, which converts AC input voltage signals into test signals with adjustable potential levels and calculates the optimal output time, allowing for precise testing without repeated measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an AC power supply with great power capacity is used to generate test electrical source equal to or larger than the greatest inrush current, then the reliability of inrush current testing is improved, but the cost of the testing device is largely increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an autotransformer as an intermediary device between the AC power source and the power supply unit being tested. The autotransformer can step up the voltage from the AC power source to achieve the necessary test voltage without requiring a high-power AC power supply. This mediator enables reliable inrush current testing while keeping the testing device cost-effective.
2Ease of operation
If a public AC source is used as the test electrical source, then the ease of operation is improved, but the measurement precision of inrush current magnitude is worsened due to instability and variability
Solution Approach 1:
The autotransformer serves as a mediator that stabilizes the test electrical source by transforming the public AC source into a controlled test voltage. This intermediary device allows the use of easy-to-access public AC sources while achieving precise and stable inrush current measurements through voltage transformation and control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameter through the autotransformer to achieve stable and controllable test conditions. By adjusting the transformation ratio of the autotransformer, the system can maintain consistent test voltage despite variations in the public AC source, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining ease of operation.
3Reliability
If repeated measurements are performed to ensure the power supply can withstand inrush current, then the reliability of testing is improved, but the loss of time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by using the autotransformer to pre-establish stable test conditions before the actual inrush current measurement. The grid voltage peak point calculator determines the optimal timing for measurement, and the autotransformer pre-regulates the voltage to ensure consistent test results in a single measurement, eliminating the need for repeated measurements and reducing time loss.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables precise and efficient testing of AC inrush currents, ensuring the power supply can withstand peak demands without damage, while reducing the need for high-capacity and costly AC power supplies.
Implementation Method 1
an autotransformer and a switch coupled to the autotransformer for switching the potential level of the test signal
Data Source
AI summary
An AC inrush current testing device is disclosure. The AC inrush current testing device includes a grid voltage peak point calculator, a grid voltage period and timing detector, a switch, an autotransformer, and a main relay. The grid voltage period and timing detector is connected to an AC power source and the grid voltage peak point calculator. A movable contact of the switch is connected to the AC power source. A first winding of the autotransformer is connected to the AC power source, a second winding of the autotransformer, and a first stationary contact of the switch. A third winding of the autotransformer is connected to a second stationary contact of the switch and the second winding. The main relay is electrically connected to the grid voltage peak point calculator, the second winding, and the third winding. A method for testing AC inrush current is further disclosed.