Breaker Power Supply Circuit for Self-Powered AC/DC Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power supply circuits for breaking circuits, such as fuses and circuit breakers, face challenges in providing reliable power supply during both conducting and nonconducting modes without the need for external power sources, and are not optimized for both alternating current and direct current arrangements.
Innovation Solution
A power supply circuit that extracts electrical power from mains alternating or direct current, using rectifiers and capacitors to charge capacitors and provide parasite voltages for power consumers, allowing for reliable operation in both modes without external power, and can be integrated into conventional circuit breakers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a power supply circuit uses external power sources, then the breaking circuit can operate reliably, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply circuit extracts and utilizes the current flowing through the breaking circuit itself to power the control electronics. The circuit serves its own power needs by harvesting energy from the load current, eliminating the requirement for separate external power sources and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The breaking circuit performs dual functions: it protects against overcurrent while simultaneously generating power for its own control electronics by extracting energy from the same current flow. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated power supply components
2Adaptability or versatility
If the power supply circuit is designed for AC only, then the design is simpler, but the adaptability to different current types is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply circuit incorporates both AC and DC detection and processing capabilities within a single unified design. The circuit can automatically adapt to either AC or DC current types, allowing the same breaking circuit to be used across different application scenarios without requiring separate designs
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply circuit dynamically adjusts its operation based on the detected current type (AC or DC). The circuit exhibits flexible behavior, changing its internal configuration or processing method according to the input current characteristics, enabling universal compatibility
3Reliability
If the breaking circuit includes comprehensive power supply components, then the power supply is more reliable, but the size and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit extracts power from the load current itself, using the existing current flow to charge capacitors and power control electronics. This self-powered approach eliminates the need for additional power supply components, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining reliable operation
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply circuit extracts necessary energy from the main current flow through rectification and capacitor charging. By taking out only the needed power portion from the existing current, the design avoids adding separate power supply components, reducing manufacturing complexity
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
The solution provides a reliable and efficient power supply to breaking circuits, enabling them to function in both conducting and nonconducting modes, reduces the need for external power, and can be implemented in both AC and DC systems, making the breaking circuit smaller, cheaper, and easier to produce.
Implementation Method 1
a first rectifier connected between the first connecting point and the second connecting point; a second rectifier connected between the first connecting point and the second connecting point
Implementation Method 2
a first capacitor having a first connecting point connected to the first rectifier and a second connecting point connected to the second rectifier
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c
AI summary
The present invention relates to a power supply circuit (400) for a breaking circuit (100), the power supply circuit (400) comprising a first connecting point (CP1) arranged to be connected to an input (102) of the breaking circuit (100) and a second connecting point (CP2) arranged to be connected to an output (104) of the breaking circuit (100). The power supply circuit (400) further comprises a first rectifier (416) and a second rectifier (418) connected in series and in opposite direction to each other between the first connecting point (CP1) and the second connecting point (CP2); a first switch (412) and a second switch (414) connected in series between the first connecting point (CP1) and the second connecting point (CP2), wherein the first switch (412) and the second switch (414) are connected in parallel to the first rectifier (416) and the second rectifier (418); and a first capacitor (C1) having a first connecting point (CP1C1) connected between the first rectifier (416) and the second rectifier (418) and a second connecting point (CP2C1) connected between the first switch (412) and the second switch (414), wherein the first connecting point (CP1C1) of the first capacitor (C1) is further arranged to be connected to a power consumer (110a, 110b,..., 110n) of the breaking circuit (100). The power supply circuit (400) is arranged to at least one of: open the first switch (412) so that a current running from the input (102) to the output (104) passes via the first rectifier (416), the first capacitor (C1) and the second switch (414) thereby charging the first capacitor (C1); and open the second switch (414) so that a current running from the output (104) to the input (102) passes via the second rectifier (418), the first capacitor (C1) and the first switch (412) thereby charging the first capacitor (C1).