Autotransformer Current Regulation for Equal Multi-Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems require separate active current regulators for each load, leading to complexity, inefficiency, and increased cost in regulating currents to multiple loads.
Innovation Solution
A constant current circuit utilizing a single active regulator combined with an autotransformer, divided to ensure equal inductances, to regulate currents to multiple loads using passive components, reducing the need for multiple active regulators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate active current regulators are used for each load, then current regulation precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple current regulation functions into a single active regulator that controls multiple autotransformers. Instead of having separate regulators for each load, one regulator manages all loads through the autotransformer network, reducing component count and system complexity while maintaining regulation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single active regulator is designed to universally control multiple autotransformers and their corresponding loads simultaneously. This multi-functional regulator replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized regulators, simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Reliability
If separate active current regulators are used for each load, then current regulation is achieved, but weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple regulator units into a single regulator that controls multiple autotransformers. This consolidation significantly reduces the total weight of the system by eliminating redundant regulator components while maintaining reliable current control across all loads through the shared regulator-autotransformer architecture.
3Device complexity
If a single active regulator is used for multiple loads, then device complexity is reduced, but current distribution equality becomes difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The autotransformers serve as intermediary devices between the single active regulator and the multiple loads. These transformers are specifically designed with divided windings having substantially equal inductances, which passively enforce equal current distribution to each load while the regulator simply controls the total current. This intermediary structure resolves the conflict between simplified regulation and precise current balancing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the inductance parameter of the autotransformers by dividing each transformer into sections with substantially equal inductances. This parameter design ensures that currents to multiple loads are substantially equal without requiring complex active control, achieving precise current distribution through passive component design rather than active regulation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple active regulators are used, then current control flexibility is improved, but system reliability decreases due to more failure points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple regulator functions into a single regulator, reducing the number of potential failure points in the system. While the regulator controls multiple loads, the consolidation into one device improves overall system reliability by eliminating redundant components that could fail, while the autotransformers provide the necessary current distribution flexibility.
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
This approach simplifies the system, reduces weight and cost, and enhances reliability by using a single active regulator to manage currents across multiple loads, maintaining equal current distribution efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
a current regulator and an autotransformer coupled to the current regulator, wherein said autotransformer is divided so that each half has substantially equal inductances
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments disclosed herein reduce numerous active regulators (e.g., to only one) used in previous circuits that require regulated current and still accomplish the current regulation provided to each load by means of an array of autotransformers, and if required, rectifiers, and filters. Therefore, in an exemplary embodiment, there is eliminated the numerous active regulators by replacing them with simple passive components and an active regulator.