Dual Power Contactor Switching for Abnormal Supply Conditions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dual power supply systems can only switch to an alternate power path when a main or standby power supply circuit is powered down, failing to address exceptions such as overvoltage, undervoltage, phase loss, or frequency anomalies.

Innovation Solution

The proposed power supply system incorporates an active power contactor, a standby power contactor, an auxiliary power contactor, a control switch, and a controller. The auxiliary power contactor is connected in series with the control switch, allowing the system to automatically switch to a normal power supply circuit when any exception occurs, ensuring continuous power supply to the load.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional dual power supply interlocking mechanism is used, then power supply switching can be implemented when main or standby circuit is powered down, but power supply switching cannot be implemented when other exceptions occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoidexception handling capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple exception detection circuits that monitor various power supply parameters (voltage, current, frequency) before exceptions occur. When any exception condition is detected, the system proactively switches from the abnormal power supply circuit to the standby circuit, rather than waiting for complete power failure. This resolves the contradiction by expanding the system's ability to handle diverse exceptions while maintaining reliable power supply through advance preparation and monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If only powered-down detection is implemented, then the system structure remains simple, but the system cannot respond to other power supply exceptions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexception detection rangeVSAvoidsystem structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the exception detection function into multiple independent detection circuits, each monitoring specific parameters (voltage exception detection, current exception detection, frequency exception detection). Each detection circuit independently monitors its parameter and triggers switching when its specific exception condition is met. This modular segmentation allows comprehensive exception coverage while keeping each detection module relatively simple, resolving the contradiction between expanded detection capability and system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If multiple exception detection circuits are added, then comprehensive exception handling is achieved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply continuityVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies merging by integrating multiple exception detection circuits into a unified control architecture where all detection circuits connect to common switching control logic. The control switch and contactors are shared resources that all detection circuits can utilize. This merging approach allows comprehensive exception monitoring through multiple detection circuits while avoiding proportional increase in overall system complexity, as the switching execution mechanism remains unified and coordinated.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12334775B2Power supply system and control method
Publication Date: 2025.06.17 HUAWEI DIGITAL POWER TECH CO LTD
  • US12334775B2 patent drawing
  • US12334775B2 patent drawing
  • US12334775B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A power supply system is described. The power supply system can include an active power contactor, a standby power contactor, an auxiliary power contactor, a control switch, and a controller. The active power contactor is connected in series in a path of a main power supply circuit, and the standby power contactor is connected in series in a path of a standby power supply circuit. The active power contactor and the standby power contactor are interlocked through the auxiliary power contactor. The auxiliary power contactor and the control switch are connected in series. The controller is configured to when the main power supply circuit is abnormal, control the control switch to change a status of the auxiliary power contactor, to switch to the standby power supply circuit, or control the control switch to change the status of the auxiliary power contactor, to switch to the main power supply circuit.