Controlling Unit Voltage Converter for AC Power Delivery

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing controlling units for AC power consuming devices, such as thrusters and winches, face challenges with insufficient output voltage from DC power sources, leading to high and unsafe current requirements, which are undesirable from both safety and constructional perspectives.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of a voltage converter that increases the DC power source voltage, allowing for higher voltage AC power delivery at lower currents, along with monodirectional current flow to prevent backflow, and additional features like voltage and current limiters to manage power distribution efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the DC power source voltage is kept at the original level, then the power delivery system remains simple, but the current becomes excessively high and unsafe

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power delivery system is segmented into multiple functional modules: DC power source input means, voltage converter, current transformer, and AC power consuming device output means. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall system safety and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A voltage converter is introduced as an intermediary component between the DC power source and the current transformer. This intermediary converts the DC voltage to a higher level before current transformation, thereby reducing the current magnitude and eliminating safety hazards associated with high current direct connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a voltage converter is added to increase DC voltage, then the current is reduced to safe levels, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveharmful high currentVSAvoidcontrolling unit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The voltage converter serves as a necessary intermediary that transforms DC voltage to a higher level, effectively reducing the harmful high current effect. Although this adds a component, it eliminates the safety hazard and enables safe power delivery to AC devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the voltage parameter of the DC power source through the voltage converter, transforming it from a low-voltage high-current state to a high-voltage low-current state. This parameter transformation reduces harmful effects while maintaining power delivery capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If power is prioritized for AC devices over battery charging, then AC device operation is ensured, but battery may become overloaded

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAC device power deliveryVSAvoidbattery safety
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The controlling unit dynamically adjusts power distribution between AC devices and battery charging based on real-time system conditions. The controller can shift power allocation priorities to ensure AC devices receive sufficient power while preventing battery overload, creating a dynamic and adaptive power management system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the controller monitors battery status and power delivery conditions, then adjusts power distribution accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that AC devices receive priority power delivery when needed while automatically preventing battery overload conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Stability of the object's composition

If monodirectional current flow is implemented, then backflow is prevented, but the circuit design becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent flow stabilityVSAvoidcircuit design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts and implements monodirectional current flow control in each specific circuit path separately. By designing each connection (DC input, battery connection, AC output) with unidirectional current flow requirements, the system prevents backflow and maintains stability without requiring complex overall circuit redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 enhances safety and constructional ease by enabling the provision of required power at lower currents, prioritizing AC device power over battery charging, and optimizing battery charging to prevent overloading, thereby ensuring efficient and safe electrical power management.

Implementation Method 1

the voltage converter being designed to convert the direct current power of the second voltage received by the direct current power source input means to converted direct current power having the first voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical energy conversion:

Implementation Method 2

an electrical current transformer, capable of transforming direct current of the first voltage to modulated multiple phase alternating output current

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical current transformation:

Data Source

PatentEP3878086B1Controlling unit
Publication Date: 2023.06.07 VETUS
  • EP3878086B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3878086B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3878086B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

Described is an electrical power controlling unit (1) for controlling electrical power delivery received from a direct current power source (2) to an electrical power consuming device (3), the alternating current power consuming device being driven by modulatable multiple phase alternating output current at a first voltage provided by the controlling unit, the controlling unit comprising an electrical current transformer (4), multiple outlet conductors (5) for connecting the transformer to the electrical power consuming device, command input means (6) to receive controlling commands from a controller interface (7), battery power input means (8), direct current power source input means (10) for receiving direct current from the electrical power source, a voltage converter (11), first conducting means (12) connecting the voltage converter to the current transformer, and second conducting means (13) connecting the voltage converter to a converted direct current power outlet (14)..