Backup Power Source for Capacitor Discharge Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power conversion systems in vehicles face challenges in quickly and safely discharging accumulated electric charges from smoothing capacitors during collisions, especially when the primary power source is disrupted, and there is a risk of abnormal output voltage due to backup power source or load abnormalities.
Innovation Solution
A power conversion system with an inverter, a discharge controller, and a backup power source that controls the discharging of capacitors, identifies and isolates abnormal loads to prevent output voltage issues, using a control DC power source and backup power source to ensure continuous power supply from the backup power source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a backup power source is provided to control discharge of the smoothing capacitor, then the reliability of discharge control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The backup power source is merged with the control DC power source to form an integrated power supply system. The same power source serves dual purposes: controlling the discharge switch during normal operation and providing backup power when the primary power source fails, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The control DC power source is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls the discharge switch during normal operation and automatically switches to backup mode when the primary power source fails. This multi-functionality ensures reliable discharge control while minimizing the addition of separate dedicated components
2Adaptability or versatility
If the backup power source supplies power to multiple loads, then the versatility of the power source is improved, but the risk of abnormal output voltage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power source system is segmented into multiple independent power supply channels, each serving specific loads. When an abnormality is detected in one channel, only that specific channel is disconnected while other channels continue to operate normally, thereby maintaining output voltage stability for unaffected loads
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates abnormality detection feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor the status of each power supply channel. When an abnormality is detected, the feedback signal triggers automatic disconnection of the affected channel, preventing abnormal output voltage from affecting the entire system and maintaining stability for healthy channels
3Reliability
If a dedicated power source is provided for backup, then the reliability is improved, but the system size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control DC power source is designed to serve dual purposes: controlling the discharge switch during normal operation and providing backup power when the primary power source fails. This eliminates the need for a completely separate dedicated backup power source, thereby improving reliability while controlling system size and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The control DC power source automatically switches to backup mode when the primary power source fails, without requiring external intervention or complex additional control systems. The system serves itself by utilizing existing components in a dual-role capacity, reducing the need for additional dedicated backup components
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
Enables quick and safe discharge of capacitor charges even when the primary power source is stopped, minimizing power supply disruptions and preventing output voltage abnormalities by identifying and isolating load abnormalities, thus providing a small-sized and low-cost power conversion system.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitor that smooths a voltage between terminals between the power conversion DC power source and the inverter
Implementation Method 2
a backup power source connected to the capacitor in parallel and supplying power to the discharge controller when power supply from the control DC power source is stopped
Data Source
AI summary
A power conversion device includes a backup power source as a power source for a discharge controller that discharges electric charges of a capacitor, and an abnormal state in the backup power source or loads is not capable of being dealt with when power is supplied to loads from the backup power source, which makes an output voltage of the backup power source be in an abnormal state. In order to solve the problem, when an abnormality occurs in the backup power source or in loads and the abnormality is detected in power supply from the backup power source, a place where the abnormality occurs is specified. When the specified place where the abnormality occurs is a load, power supply to the load is stopped, thereby preventing the output voltage of the backup power source from being abnormal even when an abnormality occurs in part of power supply destinations.