Capacitor-Assisted Power Transfer for Inrush and Over-Voltage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power transmission control methods suffer from issues such as pulsating currents, voltage fluctuations, radio frequency interference, energy losses, and reduced reliability due to inrush currents and over-voltages when switching loads, particularly in AC circuits, which affect both equipment and human health, and pose challenges in charging batteries and super-capacitors efficiently.
Innovation Solution
The method involves controlling power transmission to a load without interrupting current or voltage by using an additional circuit with capacitors to manage current transfer, allowing continuous power flow and reducing the difference between initial and final charging currents, thereby minimizing energy losses and improving power factor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If cycle control is used to change energy transmission by switching loads on and off, then power control is achieved, but pulsating currents are produced causing voltage fluctuations and flicker
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action by controlling the switching of capacitors in synchronization with the AC cycle frequency. The capacitors are switched on and off at specific phases of the AC cycle, creating a periodic charging pattern that delivers energy in controlled pulses rather than continuous flow, thereby achieving power control while maintaining current continuity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces capacitors as intermediary energy storage elements between the AC source and the load. These capacitors act as mediators that buffer the power transmission, smoothing out the current flow while still enabling controlled energy delivery to the load, thus eliminating direct switching transients
2Object-affected harmful factors
If phase control is used to eliminate flicker, then visible flicker is eliminated, but radio frequency interference is generated and reactive load is presented
Solution Approach 1:
Capacitors are used as intermediary energy storage devices that decouple the switching action from the load. By charging capacitors during specific AC cycles and discharging them to the load, the system achieves smooth power delivery without direct load switching, eliminating both flicker and radio frequency interference
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic charging of capacitors synchronized with the AC frequency, delivering energy in controlled periodic pulses. This periodic action maintains current continuity through the capacitors, eliminating the need for phase-angle firing that causes radio frequency interference
3Power
If switching on and off is used for power control, then power transmission is controlled, but inrush current causes voltage level decrease and additional energy losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-charging capacitors before connecting to the load. The capacitors are charged during designated AC cycles before the actual power delivery phase, so when they discharge to the load, no inrush current is generated because the energy is already stored in the capacitors
Solution Approach 2:
Capacitors serve as intermediary energy buffers that store power before delivery. This intermediary storage eliminates direct switching of the load, preventing inrush currents and the associated voltage dips and energy losses that occur with conventional on-off switching
4Power
If switching off inductive circuits is used for power control, then power is controlled, but over-voltage with spark discharge damages switch contacts
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses preliminary action by pre-charging capacitors during specific AC cycles before the load requires power. When the capacitors discharge to the load, the switching occurs at low voltage conditions, preventing over-voltage spark discharge and protecting switch contacts from damage
Solution Approach 2:
Capacitors act as intermediary energy storage devices that decouple the power control switching from the inductive load. By switching the capacitors instead of the load directly, and by controlling the timing of capacitor charging and discharging, the system eliminates over-voltage transients and spark discharge that would otherwise damage switch contacts
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
This approach significantly decreases the time required for charging energy storage devices, reduces inrush currents, and enhances the reliability of power transmission by maintaining a stable voltage and current, thus preventing equipment damage and improving overall efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A capacitor, having a capacity C, connected in parallel with a voltage source of alternating current through at least an additional switching device
Data Source
AI summary
The method of controlling power transmission to a load permits: to eliminate over-voltage in an electric circuit; to decrease energy losses and time of charging of an energy storing device; to increase service life of switches and provide very high reliability of power transmission to a load. The conception is following: controlling power transmission to a load from additional circuit so that current can be transferred from additional circuit to operating circuit (circuit with a load) and vice versa from operating circuit to additional circuit without interruption (without switching off) circuit of the load.