Capacitor Charging Circuit for Phase-Fired Controller Voltage Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power variators for alternating voltage suffer from parasitic fluctuations in the amplitude of the supply voltage, causing variations in the charging speed of capacitors and consequently the power supplied to loads, such as luminous lighting devices, leading to unstable light intensity.
Innovation Solution
A circuit that adjusts the charging speed of capacitors based on the alternating voltage by subtracting an adjustment current, which is an affine function of the voltage, using bipolar transistors connected in parallel with the capacitor, to minimize the influence of voltage fluctuations on charging time and power supply stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a capacitor is charged by alternating voltage through a simple RC circuit, then the circuit is simple and easy to manufacture, but the charging speed varies with voltage amplitude fluctuations causing unstable power supply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the charging current is continuously monitored and compared against a reference current. When voltage amplitude fluctuations cause the charging current to deviate from the reference, the circuit automatically adjusts the charging speed through a feedback loop involving operational amplifiers and transistors, thereby stabilizing the power supply without requiring complex external regulation systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the charging parameters (resistance and capacitance values) based on the detected voltage amplitude. By using variable resistors and capacitors controlled by the feedback circuit, the charging speed is automatically adjusted to compensate for voltage fluctuations, maintaining stable power delivery while keeping the overall circuit architecture relatively simple
2Speed
If the charging speed is increased to respond faster to voltage changes, then the response time is improved, but the capacitor may become overcharged during voltage peaks causing instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic control of the charging circuit where the resistance and capacitance values are not fixed but vary continuously based on real-time voltage conditions. This dynamic adjustment allows the circuit to charge faster during low-voltage periods and slow down during voltage peaks, optimizing both response time and charging stability through adaptive parameter modification
Solution Approach 2:
A feedback mechanism continuously monitors the capacitor voltage and adjusts the charging current accordingly. When the capacitor approaches full charge or when voltage peaks are detected, the feedback loop automatically reduces the charging speed, preventing overcharge conditions while maintaining fast response during normal operating conditions
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 reduces the impact of amplitude fluctuations in the alternating voltage on the charging speed of capacitors and the power supplied to loads, ensuring more stable and consistent energy delivery.
Implementation Method 1
the adjustment circuit comprises at least one bipolar transistor receiving on its base a voltage depending on the value of the alternating voltage
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The circuit (100) has an adjusting circuit (127) for adjusting speed of charging of the capacitor according to the value of alternating voltage (VAC). The adjusting circuit includes bipolar transistors (129, 131) receiving voltage at a base according to the value of the alternating voltage. Intensity of the adjustment current (Id) is fixed according to the value of the alternating voltage. The transistors are connected in parallel to the capacitor. Release circuits (119, 121) start closing of a switch (107, 109) when the terminal voltage of the capacitor exceeds a threshold.