Controllable Rectifier Power Supply for AC Source Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electromechanical transfer switches experience power interruptions and high current transients when switching between AC power sources, and static transfer switching apparatuses incur power losses when feeding DC loads due to the need for additional rectification.
Innovation Solution
A power supply apparatus using controllable rectifier devices to simultaneously rectify and switch between AC power sources, with a controller managing the conduction angle to achieve efficient and gradual switching, reducing strain on circuitry and loads, and allowing for partial or complete switching between AC power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electromechanical transfer switches are used to switch between AC power sources, then switching between power sources is achieved, but power interruptions and high current transients occur during switching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromechanical transfer switches with a static switching apparatus using controllable rectifier devices (thyristors or triacs) that perform both rectification and switching functions electronically, eliminating mechanical moving parts and their associated problems of power interruption and current transients during switching operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the rectification function and switching function into a single integrated apparatus using controllable rectifier devices, where the same devices that rectify AC to DC also perform the switching between different AC power sources, eliminating the need for separate electromechanical transfer switches
2Reliability
If static transfer switching apparatus is used with additional rectifier bridges for DC loads, then switching between AC power sources is achieved, but power losses and thermal stress increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the rectification function and switching function into a single integrated apparatus using controllable rectifier devices, eliminating the need for separate full-wave rectifier bridges and reducing power losses and thermal stress by avoiding double rectification
Solution Approach 2:
The controllable rectifier devices perform multiple functions simultaneously: they rectify AC to DC for the load and also switch between different AC power sources, making the apparatus universal and eliminating the need for additional dedicated rectifier circuitry
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 solution provides a more energy-efficient and cost-effective method for switching between AC power sources, especially for DC loads, with reduced power losses and strain on circuitry, enabling smooth transitions and improved reliability.
Implementation Method 1
A power supply apparatus using controllable rectifier devices to simultaneously rectify and switch between AC power sources
Data Source
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AI summary
A power supply apparatus for providing electrical power to a power consuming device or a power conversion device from at least one of a first AC power source and a second AC power source. The power supply apparatus comprises controllable rectifier devices associated with each of the first and second AC power sources. The controllable rectifier devices are controllable to simultaneously rectify and control the power provided by the first and second AC power sources.