CT Gantry Power Buffering With Energy Storage for X-Ray Peaks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computed tomography (CT) imaging systems face high peak power demands during X-ray generation, leading to significant power consumption and infrastructure challenges, including large space requirements and high power ratings, which are costly and inefficient, especially due to the lack of power factor correction (PFC) circuits in existing power distribution units (PDUs).
Innovation Solution
A power system that includes a PDU connected to a three-phase AC power source and an energy storage system integrated within the gantry, which stores electrical energy and supplies it to the X-ray generator during peak power requirements, reducing the load on the utility power supply and incorporating a PFC battery charger to improve power factor and reduce overall power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a three-phase AC power source with high power ratings is used to meet peak power demand, then the peak power requirement is satisfied, but the infrastructure cost and space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage system charges during periods when power demand is low and delivers power during periods when demand is high. This preliminary charging action allows the system to meet peak power demands without requiring the entire infrastructure to be sized for peak conditions, thereby reducing space and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy storage system acts as an intermediary between the utility power supply and the CT imaging system. It buffers the peak power demands, allowing the utility connection and infrastructure to be sized for average power rather than peak power, thus reducing infrastructure space and cost.
2Power
If all power components are designed for peak power consumption, then the peak load is adequately supplied, but the overall system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Power components charge the energy storage system during low-demand periods rather than continuously operating at peak capacity. This allows components to be sized for average power consumption while still meeting peak demands through the energy storage buffer, reducing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy storage system serves as an intermediary that decouples the peak power requirements from the sizing of upstream power components. This allows components like AC-DC converters and fuses to be rated for average power rather than peak power, simplifying the overall system design.
3Loss of energy
If a power factor correction circuit is added to the PDU, then power efficiency improves, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power factor correction functionality is merged with the existing energy storage system rather than being added as a separate circuit in the PDU. The energy storage system's charging circuitry performs power factor correction during charging operations, achieving energy efficiency improvements without increasing PDU complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy storage system performs multiple functions: it provides peak power supplementation, enables power factor correction, and allows for reduced infrastructure sizing. By making the energy storage system multi-functional, the patent avoids adding dedicated circuits for each function, thereby controlling complexity while achieving multiple benefits.
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 energy storage system provides peak power to the X-ray generator during X-ray exposure, reducing the need for high-rated infrastructure, minimizing space and costs, and enhancing power efficiency by using a PFC battery charger to lower electricity bills and improve power factor.
Implementation Method 1
an energy storage system providing peak power to an X-ray generator of the imaging system during X-ray generation
Implementation Method 2
incorporating a PFC battery charger to improve power factor and reduce overall power consumption
Data Source
AI summary
A power system and method for powering an imaging system. The power system and method include a power distribution unit (PDU) coupled to an imaging system gantry. An input of the PDU is electrically coupled to an alternating current (AC) power source from a utility power supply. An output of the PDU is electrically coupled to the imaging system gantry. The power system and method further include an energy storage system providing peak power to an X-ray generator of the imaging system during X-ray generation.