ATS Power Shelf Switching for Fewer AC Sources in Fault Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The efficiency of testing automatic transfer switch units in power shelves is low due to the need for multiple AC powers, leading to high manufacturing costs and inefficiencies in simulating fault scenarios during testing.
Innovation Solution
A power supply switching system with a switch controlling apparatus and switch apparatuses that reduce the number of AC powers required by controlling the electrical connections between AC powers and a power shelf, allowing simulation of fault scenarios with fewer AC powers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple AC powers are connected to the power shelf for testing ATS units, then the testing can be performed with realistic fault scenarios, but the manufacturing cost increases and testing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a power supply switching system as an intermediary device between the AC power sources and the power shelf. This system includes a switching apparatus that can simulate multiple AC power connections and fault scenarios using fewer physical AC power sources. The switching apparatus acts as a mediator that creates virtual power sources through switching operations, thereby reducing the need for multiple actual AC power connections while maintaining testing realism and efficiency
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple AC powers are connected to the power shelf for testing ATS units, then fault scenarios can be simulated, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a power supply switching system that creates virtual copies of AC power sources through switching operations. Instead of requiring multiple physical AC power sources, the system uses a switching apparatus to generate simulated power source behaviors, including fault conditions. This copying approach allows realistic fault scenario simulation while significantly reducing manufacturing costs associated with providing multiple actual AC power connections
3Productivity
If the number of AC powers is reduced for testing, then manufacturing cost decreases and testing efficiency improves, but the ability to simulate fault scenarios may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic power supply switching system that can change connection configurations in real-time during testing. The switching apparatus dynamically reconfigures the electrical connections between AC power sources and the power shelf, enabling a single or few AC power sources to simulate multiple different power source scenarios and fault conditions. This dynamic switching capability maintains comprehensive fault simulation ability while using fewer physical AC power sources, thereby improving testing efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply switching system includes a switch controlling apparatus, at least two switch apparatuses, alternating current (AC) powers, and a power shelf. The power shelf includes at least two AC inputting ends. Each of the at least two switch apparatuses is electrically connected between one of the AC inputting ends and the AC powers. A number of the AC powers is less than a number of the at least two AC inputting ends. The switch controlling apparatus is electrically connected with each of the at least two switch apparatuses, and controls the at least two switch apparatuses to turn on or turn off. The power supply switching system saves a number of the AC powers while executing an ATS test, thus an efficiency of the power shelf is improved. A switch apparatus is also provided.