DC Power Supply Circuit with Multiplexer-Based Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mission-critical electrical appliances require continuous and stable DC power, but existing AC-DC regulators are prone to failure and underutilization during power outages, leading to reliability and safety hazards, and complex configuration and management of power supplies.
Innovation Solution
A DC current supply circuit with multiple power connectors, multiplexers, AC-DC regulators, and an OR-ing circuit, where AC current sensors monitor power sources and distribute load across redundant regulators to ensure stable power delivery and prioritize electricity supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If AC-DC regulators are connected to multiple electricity supplies, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into multiple independent AC-DC regulator modules, each capable of operating with a single electricity supply. The OR-ing circuit segments the power distribution paths, allowing each regulator to handle a portion of the total load independently, thereby improving reliability without requiring complex interconnections between regulators.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple AC-DC regulator outputs are merged through the OR-ing circuit to provide a unified DC power output. This merging approach allows the system to combine the capabilities of multiple regulators while maintaining simple individual regulator designs, resolving the contradiction between reliability improvement and complexity increase.
2Duration of action of moving object
If AC-DC regulators operate under heavier load during power outages, then continuous power supply is maintained, but regulator lifespan is shortened
Solution Approach 1:
During normal operation with multiple electricity supplies available, the system deliberately operates each AC-DC regulator at partial capacity rather than full capacity. This partial action approach ensures that regulators have headroom during power outages without being constantly stressed at maximum load, thereby extending lifespan while maintaining continuous operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides beforehand cushioning by maintaining spare capacity in AC-DC regulators during normal dual-supply operation. This cushioning effect protects regulators from the full stress of handling entire system load during outages, reducing wear and extending operational lifespan while ensuring continuous power supply.
3Productivity
If multiple AC-DC regulators are used, then load distribution is improved, but configuration and management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power management system operates autonomously without requiring manual configuration or monitoring. The OR-ing circuit automatically manages power distribution from multiple AC-DC regulators based on their output availability, and the system self-adjusts to load conditions without external intervention, thereby simplifying configuration and management while maintaining efficient power distribution.
4Ease of operation
If AC-DC regulators are connected one-to-one with electricity supplies, then configuration is simplified, but redundancy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Each AC-DC regulator is designed with universal capability to accept any electricity supply input rather than being dedicated to a specific supply. This multi-functionality allows regulators to be configured simply in a one-to-one manner while still providing redundancy, as any regulator can potentially serve any supply source, thereby achieving both configuration simplicity and reliability.
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 enhances the reliability and stability of DC power supply by distributing load across redundant AC-DC regulators, preventing overloading and ensuring continuous operation during power outages, thus improving safety and simplifying power management.
Implementation Method 1
the switches are optocoupler sensors
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a DC current supply circuit, which comprises a plurality of power connectors; a first and second plurality of multiplexers; a plurality of AC-DC regulators; and an OR-ing circuit. Inputs and outputs of each of the first plurality of multiplexers are connected to live wires of at least two of the plurality of power connectors and to an input of a corresponding AC-DC regulator respectively. Inputs and outputs of each of the second plurality of multiplexers are connected to neutral wires of at least two of the plurality of power connectors and to input of a corresponding AC-DC regulator respectively. Each selector pin of the first plurality of multiplexers is connected to output of a corresponding AC current sensor. Each of selector pins of the second plurality of multiplexers is connected to output of a corresponding AC current sensor. Outputs of the corresponding AC-DC regulators are connected to the OR-ing.