DC Power Distribution Unit with Current Limiting for Inherently Safe Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power distribution systems for LED lighting and other residential installations require multiple AC/DC converters, leading to high costs and complexity, as well as the need for qualified installers due to safety standards, which is inefficient for low-power DC voltage applications.
Innovation Solution
A DC low voltage power distribution unit with a single AC/DC converter and an electric distribution circuit that outputs inherently safe DC voltage, reducing the need for multiple converters and allowing safe installation by non-qualified personnel, using current limiting means to ensure output power is within UL class 2 limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple AC/DC converters are used for each luminaire to comply with UL safety standards, then safety requirements are met, but system complexity and installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple AC/DC converters into a single centralized power supply unit that distributes DC power to multiple luminaires. This single unit incorporates all necessary safety features including UL-listed AC/DC conversion, isolation, and protection circuits, eliminating the need for each luminaire to have its own AC/DC converter while maintaining safety compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The centralized power distribution unit serves multiple functions: it performs AC to DC conversion, provides electrical isolation, distributes power to multiple outputs, and incorporates current limiting protection. This multi-functional design replaces what would otherwise require separate components at each luminaire location.
2Reliability
If armored cables or cable conduits are used to connect AC/DC converters to mains power, then safety standards are met, but installation time and costs increase due to requirement for qualified installers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the AC/DC conversion and isolation functions from individual luminaire locations and concentrates them in a single centralized unit that connects to mains power. This eliminates the need for armored cables or conduit installations at multiple locations, reducing installation complexity to a single connection point while maintaining safety.
3Reliability
If separate AC/DC converters are used for each luminaire, then UL class 2 safety is ensured at each output, but installation and maintenance require qualified personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple UL class 2 compliant outputs into a single centralized power distribution unit. The unit incorporates current limiting means in each output line to ensure UL class 2 safety while providing a simplified installation interface that does not require armored cables or conduit, enabling easier installation and maintenance by non-qualified personnel.
4Device complexity
If a single AC/DC converter with multiple outputs is used, then system complexity and costs are reduced, but ensuring inherent safety at each output becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by incorporating current limiting means in each individual output line of the centralized power distribution unit. This ensures that each output independently meets UL class 2 safety requirements with appropriate current and power limits, while the overall system maintains reduced complexity through centralized architecture.
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 reduces installation costs and complexity while ensuring safety, allowing end-users to install and maintain the system without safety risks, and can power a variety of DC loads including LEDs, USB chargers, and sensors, with flexible and cost-efficient DC/DC conversion.
Implementation Method 1
current limiting means in each of said output lines, wherein a current limit value is provided by said current limiting means to limit an output power
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a DC low voltage power distribution unit for a power grid and to a corresponding DC low voltage power distribution system. A DC low voltage power distribution unit according to one aspect comprises at least one input connector for connecting the power distribution unit to a DC power supply; an electric distribution circuit comprising an input line connected to said input connector, and a reference potential line, said input line branching off into a plurality of output lines, said electric distribution circuit comprising current limiting means in each of said output lines, wherein a current limit value is provided by said current limiting means to limit an output power to be output at each of said output lines to an inherently safe value; and a plurality of output connectors connected to said output lines and to said reference potential line, wherein each of the output connectors are configured for outputting low DC voltage to a DC load.