Bus Voltage Topology Detection for Multi-Bus Power Supplies

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Solution Overview

Problem

High-power supply systems face challenges in quickly and cost-effectively determining devices mounted to different buses due to their complex cable connections and large number of devices, leading to high costs, long identification times, and high false identification rates.

Innovation Solution

A power supply system and topology detection method that utilize a topology detection device to adjust bus voltages or generate voltage disturbances to identify connections between devices and buses, using bus voltage or frequency differences to determine if devices are connected to the same bus.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual identification of topological structure is used, then identification accuracy can be maintained, but identification time and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentification accuracyVSAvoididentification time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic topology identification through self-service mechanisms where devices autonomously detect and report their connections. The topology detection device automatically analyzes voltage disturbances and identifies topological structures without human intervention, eliminating manual identification while maintaining accuracy through automated measurement and analysis systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical identification processes with electronic detection systems. Voltage disturbance signals are injected and detected electronically, and topological structures are identified through automated analysis algorithms, substituting the mechanical manual inspection process with an electronic automation system that reduces time while preserving accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If manual identification of topological structure is used, then detailed analysis can be performed, but cost and false identification rate increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentification accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex manual identification procedures with a standardized electronic detection system. The system uses uniform voltage disturbance injection and automated analysis algorithms across all devices, reducing the complexity of individual device operations while maintaining high identification accuracy through systematic electronic measurement and processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by injecting controlled voltage disturbances at specific frequencies and amplitudes. By modifying these electrical parameters in a standardized manner across the system, the patent achieves consistent and accurate topology identification without requiring complex manual procedures for each device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If voltage adjustment or disturbance is applied to detect topology, then detection speed improves, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection speedVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs periodic voltage disturbances rather than continuous adjustments. Small AC disturbance signals are injected periodically at specific frequencies, allowing topology detection through frequency-domain analysis. This periodic approach enables fast detection while minimizing average power consumption compared to sustained voltage adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by using small-amplitude voltage disturbances rather than large voltage adjustments. The disturbance signals are sufficient to detect topological connections through their frequency characteristics but consume minimal power, achieving adequate detection speed without excessive energy expenditure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP4318844B1Power supply system and topology detection method
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 HUAWEI DIGITAL POWER TECH CO LTD
  • EP4318844B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4318844B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4318844B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

This application discloses a power supply system and a topology detection method. Any one of a plurality of to-be-grouped devices in the power supply system reports an initial bus voltage to a topology detection device; and reports a current bus voltage after delivering a bus voltage adjustment instruction to a target reference device. The bus voltage adjustment instruction instructs the target reference device to adjust a voltage. The target reference device receives the bus voltage adjustment instruction, and adjusts the voltage according to the bus voltage adjustment instruction. The topology detection device obtains the initial bus voltage and the current bus voltage of the plurality of to-be-grouped devices, and determines, based on a difference between the initial bus voltage of the plurality of to-be-grouped devices and the current bus voltage of the plurality of to-be-grouped devices, whether the target reference device and a target to-be-grouped device are connected to a same bus. With the power supply system and the topology detection method provided in this application, devices mounted to different buses in the power supply system can be determined quickly and cost-effectively.