AC Power Controller Using Line Coupled Capacitor Converter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical power control systems face challenges in efficiently managing and monitoring AC power consumption across numerous electrical devices without significantly increasing the electrical load, which discourages the use of monitoring and control devices.
Innovation Solution
The development of a power control system utilizing a line coupled capacitor AC to DC converter circuit and an adaptive triac control circuit, combined with RF communication, to selectively control and measure AC power, reduce power requirements, and transmit power-related characteristics, enabling efficient management of AC loads while minimizing additional electrical load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If monitoring and control devices are added to manage AC power consumption, then power management capability is improved, but electrical load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power control system powers itself by drawing minimal power from the AC lines it monitors. The capacitor AC-to-DC converter circuit harvests sufficient power from the existing AC lines to operate the control circuitry, communication circuit, and sensing components without requiring external power sources or significantly increasing the overall electrical load.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a capacitor AC-to-DC converter circuit as an intermediary component that bridges the AC power lines and the low-voltage control circuitry. This intermediary efficiently converts and regulates power from the AC lines, enabling the control system to operate with minimal impact on the overall electrical load while providing comprehensive power management capabilities.
2Productivity
If power control and monitoring functionality is integrated into AC devices, then energy management efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power control system integrates multiple functions into a single unified device: AC-to-DC power conversion, load control, power sensing, and wireless communication. This multi-functional integration eliminates the need for separate monitoring devices, control switches, and communication modules, thereby reducing overall system complexity while improving energy management efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the power control circuitry, sensing components, and communication capabilities into a single integrated unit that operates within the AC power line infrastructure. By merging these previously separate functions into one device, the system achieves improved energy management without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If adaptive triac control is used to reduce power requirements, then energy consumption is reduced, but control precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs adaptive triac control that dynamically adjusts the gate drive signal parameters (pulse width, current magnitude) based on real-time operating conditions and load characteristics. This dynamic adaptation enables the system to maintain precise control across varying power levels while minimizing energy consumption by using only the necessary drive signal strength required for effective triac switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The power control system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor triac switching effectiveness and adjust the gate drive signal accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that the adaptive control maintains precise control by detecting whether the triac is properly switching and modifying the drive signal parameters to optimize both control precision and energy efficiency.
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 system effectively controls and senses AC power consumption, reducing power requirements and allowing for remote monitoring and control of electrical devices, enhancing energy management without adding significantly to the electrical load, thus encouraging the use of monitoring and control devices.
Implementation Method 1
a line coupled capacitor AC to DC converter circuit to convert AC power available on an AC power line to DC power
Implementation Method 2
an adaptive triac control circuit to supply a triac gate drive signal at successively lower levels of at least one of pulse width and current magnitude
Data Source
AI summary
A low voltage AC power controller uses a line coupled capacitor AC to DC converter circuit to obtain energy from AC line power supplied to an AC load and may be used with an external high voltage AC switching device to control power supplied to the AC load. The line coupled capacitor AC to DC converter circuit provides a low power device that senses characteristics of the power supplied to the load and can communicate sensed information and/or receive control information related to the power supplied to the load.