DC Output Power Converter Reverse Current Energy Drain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing DC power systems fail to efficiently remove stored energy from loads when power is removed, leading to potential hazards and increased complexity, especially in applications requiring rapid energy interruption for safety and mechanical control.
Innovation Solution
A DC output power converter or switch device that reverses current in the load to drain energy into an energy sink, such as a storage capacitor, resistive dissipating element, or incoming power source, until the voltage reaches near zero potential, utilizing methods like reverse rectification and bi-directional power conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If DC output power converters are designed to sustain their output as long as possible to deliver seamless power to loads, then the hold-up time is improved, but the ability to rapidly remove stored energy from loads when power is removed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies reverse current flow to remove energy from the load. When power is removed, the converter actively drives current in reverse through the load, forcing stored energy to be discharged rapidly rather than passively dissipating. This inversion of normal power flow direction enables fast energy removal while maintaining the ability to sustain output during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The converter dynamically switches between two modes: normal power delivery mode for sustaining output and reverse current mode for rapid energy removal. The system adapts its operation based on whether power is present or removed, enabling it to achieve both long hold-up time and fast energy dissipation as needed.
2Reliability
If additional devices like brakes or passive draining circuits are added to remove energy from loads, then the energy removal capability is improved, but the system complexity and expense deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The DC output power converter performs multiple functions: normal power delivery, output sustainment for hold-up time, and active energy removal from loads. By making the converter itself multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate braking devices or passive draining circuits, reducing system complexity while maintaining reliable energy removal capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The converter uses its own internal resources and circuitry to remove energy from the load without requiring external assistance. The reverse current flow is generated and controlled by the converter itself, making the system self-sufficient for both power delivery and energy dissipation functions.
3Ease of manufacture
If passive energy dissipation is used when power is removed, then the implementation simplicity is improved, but the energy loss and inefficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of allowing passive energy dissipation through resistive losses, the patent inverts the approach by using active reverse current flow to force energy discharge. This controlled reverse flow enables the converter to manage energy removal efficiently, reducing wasteful passive dissipation while maintaining implementation feasibility.
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
Effectively removes stored energy from loads, enhancing safety by preventing shocks and mechanical hazards, while reducing system complexity and energy losses through efficient energy dissipation or storage.
Implementation Method 1
The invention is a DC output power converter or DC switch device that includes methods and apparatus to reverse the current in the connected load, thereby draining the load's energy
Implementation Method 2
The energy sink can be one or more of the following: a storage capacitor and inductor, a resistive dissipating element
Data Source
AI summary
A DC output power converter or DC switch device that includes methods and apparatus to reverse the current in the connected load, thereby draining the load's energy until the voltage in the load is brought to a (near) zero potential and held there.