Capacitive Power Supply Circuit with Distributed Capacitance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Capacitive power supply circuits face challenges in efficiently converting high AC voltages to DC voltages while maintaining component reliability and cost-effectiveness, particularly when dealing with overvoltage peaks and high-voltage applications, which leads to oversized capacitors with increased bulk and cost.
Innovation Solution
A distributed capacitive structure comprising multiple elementary capacitive units with current and voltage limiters, where each unit includes a capacitor series-connected with a current limiter and parallel-connected voltage limiter, allowing for spatial distribution of electric fields and reduced component stress, enabling the use of lower-cost, lower-bulk components and efficient heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single capacitor is used to handle high AC voltages, then the power supply can generate the required DC voltage, but the capacitor becomes oversized with increased bulk and cost to withstand overvoltage peaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single high-voltage capacitor into multiple lower-voltage capacitors connected in series. Each capacitor in the series string experiences only a fraction of the total voltage, allowing the use of smaller, more compact components while maintaining the same overall voltage handling capability and reliability.
2Reliability
If a single capacitor is used to handle high AC voltages, then the power supply can generate the required DC voltage, but the cost increases due to oversized components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single high-voltage capacitor into multiple lower-voltage capacitors connected in series. Each capacitor in the series string experiences only a fraction of the total voltage, allowing the use of smaller, more compact components while maintaining the same overall voltage handling capability and reliability.
3Reliability
If voltage and current peaks are not limited, then the circuit responds quickly to voltage changes, but component stress increases leading to reduced reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates voltage limiters and current limiters that activate before components can be damaged by overvoltage or overcurrent conditions. These protective elements are pre-positioned in the circuit to clamp voltage peaks and limit current surges, preventing stress accumulation on capacitors and other components.
4Volume of moving object
If multiple capacitors are used in series to reduce individual capacitor size, then component bulk is reduced, but the circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple capacitors in series to form a unified capacitive structure that handles high voltage while maintaining compact size. The series connection of smaller capacitors achieves the same electrical function as a single large capacitor but with reduced individual component bulk and improved voltage distribution.
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 effectively limits voltage and current peaks, reducing the maximum breakdown voltage and component size, while maintaining high efficiency and reliability, especially in applications requiring power supply from high-voltage lines, thereby optimizing cost and bulk without degrading performance.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage limiter connected in parallel with the capacitor
Implementation Method 2
a current limiter series-connected with a capacitor between first and second terminals of the unit
Data Source
AI summary
A capacitive power supply circuit including, between first and second terminals of application of an AC input voltage, a distributed capacitive structure including a plurality of elementary capacitive units, each including a current limiter series-connected with a capacitor between first and second terminals of the unit and a voltage limiter connected in parallel with the capacitor, the elementary capacitive units being series-coupled by their first and second terminals.