Blocking Rectifier Adapter for Alternative Power Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Alternative power sources like solar panels, fuel cells, and wind turbines are not easily integrated with AC and/or battery-powered electronic devices, limiting their ability to replace traditional power sources.
Innovation Solution
A device, such as an adapter, is connected between a typical power source and an alternative power source, allowing the electronic device to draw power from the alternative source, which includes a blocking rectifier, control circuit, and DC to DC converter to regulate and manage the power supply, ensuring the load is powered seamlessly without exceeding the voltage of the primary source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If alternative power sources are directly connected to electronic devices, then power supply flexibility is improved, but integration compatibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adapter as an intermediary device between alternative power sources and electronic devices. The adapter includes a blocking rectifier that converts AC power to DC power and a control circuit that manages power distribution, enabling alternative power sources to be integrated with AC-powered devices without requiring modifications to the devices themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter is designed to work with multiple types of alternative power sources (solar panels, fuel cells, wind turbines) and can interface with both AC-powered and battery-powered electronic devices. This multi-functional design allows a single adapter to provide universal compatibility across different power source types and device requirements.
2Use of energy by moving object
If alternative power sources are used to supplement primary power sources, then energy independence is improved, but power management complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit in the adapter continuously monitors the power output from alternative power sources and the power consumption of the electronic device. It dynamically adjusts the power distribution between the alternative power source and the primary AC power source, ensuring optimal energy utilization and preventing overloading or backfeeding conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter dynamically switches between different power source configurations based on real-time conditions. The blocking rectifier can operate in different modes (rectifying AC power or blocking reverse current), and the control circuit can adjust the power flow direction and magnitude to adapt to varying power source availability and device power requirements.
3Reliability
If blocking rectifier is used to prevent backfeeding, then safety is improved, but power conversion loss deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The power conversion function is segmented between the blocking rectifier and the alternative power source interface. The blocking rectifier handles only the essential AC-to-DC conversion and backfeeding prevention, while the control circuit manages the intelligent power distribution. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, minimizing overall power loss.
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 the use of alternative power sources to supplement or replace traditional power sources, ensuring consistent operation of electronic devices while managing voltage and current to prevent backfeeding and maintaining transparency in power supply to the load.
Implementation Method 1
a blocking rectifier to prevent the second power source from back feeding the first power source
Data Source
AI summary
One example of a device includes an output terminal to electrically couple to a load, a first input terminal to electrically couple to a first voltage source, and a blocking rectifier electrically coupled between the first input terminal and the output terminal. The device includes a second input terminal to electrically couple to a second voltage source. The second input terminal is electrically coupled to the output terminal. The device includes a control circuit to control the second voltage source to prevent a voltage at the output terminal from exceeding a voltage at the first input terminal and to deliver power to the load in place of power delivered by the first voltage source.