DC Supply Sequencing for Pulsed Loads With Lower Peak Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing DC voltage supply systems for pulsed loads, such as radar transmitters, are oversized, expensive, and prone to interference and mechanical wear due to high peak power requirements, which lead to increased physical space, weight, and distribution losses.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that provide DC current to pulsed loads in an array of electronic units using energy storage and charge control units, where the DC current is supplied at different times according to a selected charge control sequence, reducing the peak power demand by interleaving current supply between units and utilizing energy storage to manage current pulses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If DC voltage supply systems are designed for peak power requirements of pulsed loads, then the loads can be supplied with sufficient power during pulses, but the systems become oversized, requiring more physical space, weight, and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into multiple independent power supply units, each serving a subset of pulsed loads. Each unit is sized for a fraction of the total peak power, reducing individual unit weight and size while collectively meeting the full peak power requirement through parallel operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Energy storage elements (capacitors) are pre-charged during the interval between pulses to store energy in advance. This preliminary energy accumulation allows the power supply to deliver high peak power during pulses without requiring the continuous power capacity to match the peak demand.
2Power
If DC voltage supply systems are designed for peak power requirements, then pulsed loads receive sufficient power, but the systems become more expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into multiple smaller power supply modules that can be manufactured independently and assembled in parallel. This modular approach reduces manufacturing costs through standardization and economies of scale for each module, while the combined system meets the peak power requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
Energy is recovered and stored in capacitors during the off-period between pulses, then discharged during the next pulse. This energy recycling reduces the total energy that must be supplied from the main power source, lowering the required power supply size and cost.
3Power
If DC voltage supply systems are designed for peak power requirements, then pulsed loads are adequately powered, but distribution losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
Energy is stored in capacitors during the interval between pulses, preparing energy in advance for rapid discharge during pulse periods. This reduces the amount of energy that must be transmitted through distribution networks during high-demand periods, minimizing I²R losses in distribution conductors.
4Power
If DC current is supplied continuously to all electronic units, then power availability is maintained, but peak power demand increases causing mechanical wear in generator systems
Solution Approach 1:
Power is supplied periodically in synchronized pulses to different electronic units rather than continuously to all units. This periodic, staggered supply pattern reduces the peak power demand on the generator system, decreasing mechanical stress and wear while maintaining adequate power availability for each unit during its active period.
Solution Approach 2:
The load is segmented across multiple electronic units that are powered in staggered sequences. This distribution of power demand over time and space reduces the instantaneous peak power requirement from the generator, lowering mechanical wear while ensuring each unit receives sufficient power during its operational window.
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
This approach results in smaller, less expensive DC power supply systems with reduced distribution losses and mechanical stress, allowing for flexible control of current pulses and efficient operation across a range of supply demands.
Implementation Method 1
Each electronic unit comprises a regulator connected to an energy storage and to a pulsed load
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and a system for providing current from a DC power supply to pulsed loads in an array. The array comprises at least two electronic units. Each electronic unit comprises a regulator connected to an energy storage, to a pulsed load and to a charge control unit. The charge control unit is arranged to control the supply of DC current to the pulsed load connected to the electronic unit. The method comprises: selecting a pulse load pattern for the pulsed loads, selecting a charge control sequence by a control system connected to the electronic units and the DC power supply, starting the selected charge control sequence, starting the pulse load pattern, providing DC current from the DC power supply to each electronic unit at different times according to the selected charge control sequence set by the charge control unit.