DC Power Supply Current Limiter with Automatic Reset
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing direct current and voltage power supply systems face challenges in quickly and automatically responding to internal short-circuit faults, particularly due to the need for manual intervention with fuses and cumbersome automatic reset mechanisms in circuit breakers, which prolongs the time to reestablish normal operation.
Innovation Solution
A power supply system incorporating a current limiter with a power field-effect transistor, image current sensor, and temperature sensor, which automatically adjusts its operation based on measured parameters to limit current and prevent damage during faults, allowing for rapid recovery without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fuse is used to protect against internal short circuit, then the protection function is provided, but manual intervention is required and restarting time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automatic reset mechanism where the control unit monitors system parameters and automatically recloses the circuit breaker when fault conditions are resolved, eliminating the need for manual intervention and enabling self-service operation that reduces restarting time
2Extent of automation
If a circuit breaker with automatic reset mechanism is used, then automatic protection is provided, but the mechanism is cumbersome and requires external power source
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the protection function and automatic reset functionality into a single integrated control unit that monitors system parameters and controls the circuit breaker, eliminating the need for separate external power sources and complex dedicated reset mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves multiple functions including monitoring system parameters, detecting faults, controlling the circuit breaker, and managing the reset process, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining automatic protection capabilities
3Productivity
If circuit breaker resetting time is reduced for furtive faults, then productivity is improved, but protection reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors system parameters and uses feedback to determine when fault conditions have resolved, enabling rapid reclosure only when safe, thus improving productivity while maintaining protection reliability through intelligent decision-making based on real-time system state
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 system effectively and automatically manages internal short-circuit faults by limiting current and temperature, ensuring rapid reconnection of the power supply when the fault is resolved, thus enhancing operational efficiency and reducing downtime.
Implementation Method 1
a power field-effect transistor having a drain electrode, a source electrode, and a gate electrode for controlling a saturation current
Implementation Method 2
an image current sensor suitable for supplying an image current representative of the power current flowing through the power channel of the power transistor
Implementation Method 3
a temperature sensor representative of a temperature prevailing within the power transistor
Implementation Method 4
a current limiter control unit able to control the power transistor in function of measurement parameters included in the set consisting of the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and the image current measured by the current sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a system for supplying direct current and DC voltage, including a first supply branch (212) having a first DC voltage source (244) and a power field-effect transistor (258) of a current limiter (256) which are connected in series, and a second supply branch (214) having a second DC voltage source (246). The power transistor (258) has a current/voltage characteristic with a first inverse polarization area without current limitation, and a second conduction area with current limitation based on a current threshold. The power field-effect transistor (258) is connected to the first voltage source (244) with an inverse polarization when the voltage source (244) of the first branch (212) is operating normally.