DC-DC Converters With Bullet Terminals For Tower Power
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless service providers face challenges in maintaining DC voltage levels for radio equipment on towers, especially during AC outages, due to cable loop length and battery discharge, requiring stand-alone DC-DC converter systems that are costly and space-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A DC-DC converter with bullet terminals that includes a housing with two bullet terminals configured to mate with a DC bullet breaker panel, a DC-DC voltage converter circuit, and a controller to convert input voltage to a different output voltage, along with power and current limiting circuits and overcurrent protection, allowing for compact integration with existing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If stand-alone DC-DC converter systems are deployed to increase DC output voltage and reduce cable size, then voltage stability and cable size are improved, but installation cost and rack space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the DC-DC converter functionality with the existing circuit breaker panel by integrating converter modules directly into the panel structure. The converter modules share the same housing and mounting infrastructure as the circuit breakers, eliminating the need for separate rack-mounted converter systems while maintaining voltage conversion capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit breaker panel is designed to serve multiple functions: circuit protection through breakers and voltage conversion through integrated converter modules. This multi-functional design allows the same physical infrastructure to handle both protective and power conversion tasks, reducing overall space requirements.
2Reliability
If stand-alone DC-DC converter systems are deployed to increase DC output voltage, then voltage level is improved, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The converter modules are integrated into the existing circuit breaker panel, sharing common infrastructure such as housing, mounting rails, and terminal connections. This integration eliminates duplicate components and reduces installation complexity, thereby lowering overall installation costs while maintaining voltage conversion functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the existing circuit breaker panel infrastructure to support voltage conversion operations. The panel's existing electrical connections, mounting structure, and protective features are leveraged by the converter modules, reducing the need for additional installation work and associated costs.
3Loss of energy
If cable loop length is reduced to maintain DC voltage, then voltage loss is reduced, but physical distance and flexibility are constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the voltage parameter by converting DC voltage levels within the panel using integrated converter modules. By raising the output voltage, the system compensates for voltage drops over long cable runs, allowing extended cable lengths without excessive voltage loss while maintaining power delivery to remote equipment.
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 solution enables efficient conversion of DC voltage, reducing the need for additional rack space and installation costs, while ensuring continuous operation of radio equipment during outages by integrating multiple functions into a compact device that can be easily plugged into existing power distribution systems.
Implementation Method 1
a DC-DC voltage converter circuit coupled between the at least two bullet terminals... to convert a DC input voltage at a first one of the at least two bullet terminals to a different DC output voltage at another one of the at least two bullet terminals
Data Source
AI summary
Example DC-DC converters include a housing having at least two bullet terminals. The at least two bullet terminals are configured to mate with corresponding terminals in a DC bullet breaker panel. The converter also includes a DC-DC voltage converter circuit coupled between the at least two bullet terminals, and a controller coupled with the DC-DC voltage converter circuit. The controller is configured to control the DC-DC converter circuit to convert a DC input voltage at a first one of the at least two bullet terminals to a different DC output voltage at another one of the at least two bullet terminals. Methods of converting DC voltages using DC-DC converters having bullet terminals are also disclosed.