Movable Barrier Power Supply Segmentation for Standby Loss Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Movable barrier operators face inefficiencies due to transformers in their power supplies, which result in significant wasted electrical energy during standby periods due to eddy currents, as they must be configured to handle occasional high power requirements.
Innovation Solution
A power supply configuration that includes a relatively inefficient first power supply and a more efficient second power supply, allowing the first supply to be disconnected from the mains when high power is not required, while the second supply maintains power to control circuitry, enabling selective disconnection of power to components and reducing standby energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a transformer-based power supply is used to handle occasional high power requirements, then the power supply can meet peak demand, but significant electrical energy is wasted during standby periods due to eddy currents
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply is divided into two separate power supply units: a first power supply unit with high power capability (transformer-based) and a second power supply unit with low power capability (switching regulator-based). This segmentation allows each unit to operate independently based on actual power requirements, resolving the contradiction between peak power capability and standby energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between using the first power supply unit, the second power supply unit, or both in parallel, based on real-time power requirements. This dynamic operation allows the system to use the efficient second unit during standby periods while resorting to the high-power first unit only when needed, eliminating continuous energy waste.
2Reliability
If the power supply is configured for high power requirements, then it can support barrier movement operations, but it consumes excessive power during standby when no operation is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into two functional units with different power capabilities. The first unit handles high-power barrier movement operations, while the second unit handles low-power standby and control functions. This segmentation ensures operational reliability is maintained while dramatically reducing standby energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by switching between different power supply configurations based on the operational state. During standby, only the efficient second power supply unit operates at low power parameters. During barrier movement, the system transitions to using both units or primarily the first unit to meet high power demands, thus adapting parameters to actual needs.
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 results in significant energy savings by minimizing standby power usage and maintaining operational functionality, especially during periods of low power demand, while accommodating various application settings and component powering down.
Implementation Method 1
these iron laminations give rise, in turn, to eddy currents that represent a considerable amount of wasted electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
A movable barrier operator having control circuitry (206) to selectively cause movement of a corresponding movable barrier (203) and a power supply that is operably coupled to a mains (201) and is operably coupled to provide electrical motive power to components of the operator can be configurable to selectively disconnect a portion, but not all, of the power supply from the mains when full power availability for the components is not required. This power supply can comprise a less efficient first power supply (204) and a more efficient second power supply (205). In such a case, these teachings can provide for disconnecting (105) the first power supply from the mains when a higher level of power is not presently required. Meanwhile, the second power supply can continue to provide operating power to, for example, the aforementioned control circuitry to ensure ongoing functionality of the movable barrier operator.