Bypass System for Multi-Cell Power Supply Using Magnetic Latching Contactors
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-cell power supplies, failed power cells can cause damage due to incomplete disconnection of input power, leading to continued operation at reduced capacity and potential further damage, as existing bypass solutions may not act quickly enough to prevent damage to the failed cell.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a bypass system using magnetic latching contactors or solenoids that can rapidly disconnect input power and create a shunt path around the failed power cell, allowing current to bypass the failed unit and minimizing further damage by acting quicker than traditional fuses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fuses are used to bypass failed power cells, then the system provides basic protection, but the response time is too slow to prevent damage to the failed cell
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass contactor is pre-positioned and ready to activate immediately upon detection of power cell failure. The control system monitors power cell status continuously and triggers the bypass mechanism without waiting for fuse melting, achieving rapid response by having the protective action prepared in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the passive thermal-mechanical fuse system with an active electromagnetic contactor system controlled by electronic detection. This substitution enables much faster response times because electronic detection and electromagnetic actuation occur nearly instantaneously compared to the thermal melting process of fuses.
2Productivity
If power cells remain connected to input power during failure, then the system maintains continuous power supply, but the failed cell continues to operate at reduced capacity causing further damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power supply system into independently controllable power cells, each with its own bypass contactor and detection circuitry. This segmentation allows the failed cell to be isolated and bypassed individually while other cells continue to operate, maintaining overall system productivity while protecting the specific failed component.
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass contactor acts as an intermediary element that can be inserted into the circuit to redirect current flow. When activated, it provides an alternative path for current that bypasses the failed power cell, preventing further damage while maintaining system operation through the intermediate routing of electrical current.
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 bypass system effectively reduces damage to the failed power cell by quickly disconnecting input power and rerouting current, ensuring continued operation of the multi-cell power supply with reduced risk of further failure.
Implementation Method 1
a coil in communication with the control circuit and in communication with the bypass contact such that the control circuit is configured to deliver a pulse of energy to the coil to actuate the bypass contact
Implementation Method 2
magnetic latching contactors or solenoids that can rapidly disconnect input power
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for bypassing a power cell of a power supply, the system including a multi-winding device having a primary winding and a plurality of three-phase secondary windings, a plurality of power cells, wherein each power cell is connected to a different three-phase secondary winding of the multi-winding device, and a bypass device connected to first and second input terminals of at least one of the power cells and to first and second output terminals of the at least one of the power cells.