Dual-Primary Transformer Power Supply for Redundant Source Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power supply systems that utilize multiple independent power sources for redundancy are costly and complex, particularly when trying to manage consistent output while maintaining electrical isolation between sources.
Innovation Solution
A power supply apparatus with a single transformer having two primary windings connected to different power sources and a controller that manages power distribution based on voltage inputs from each source, allowing power from one source to energize the transformer while shutting off the other as a backup, ensuring reliable output with reduced costs and space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple independent power supply apparatus are used in parallel arrangement, then reliability is improved through redundancy, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple power supply functions into a single power supply apparatus by integrating multiple primary windings (first primary winding connected to first power source, second primary winding connected to second power source) into one transformer. This merging approach maintains redundancy and reliability while eliminating the need for multiple separate transformers and controllers, thereby reducing device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The single transformer is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple power sources. The transformer can operate with either the first power source through the first primary winding or the second power source through the second primary winding, providing universal power conversion capability while maintaining a compact single-unit structure.
2Reliability
If multiple independent power supply apparatus are used, then redundancy is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple power supply functions into a single apparatus with multiple primary windings on one transformer, the patent reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This approach maintains redundancy through multiple power source connections while significantly reducing manufacturing cost compared to producing multiple independent power supply units.
3Reliability
If multiple independent power supply apparatus are used, then power source redundancy is improved, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple power supply functions into a single compact apparatus by connecting multiple primary windings to a single transformer. This integration maintains power source redundancy while occupying significantly less space than multiple separate power supply units, as all components share a common transformer and control structure.
4Device complexity
If cascaded approach with diode arrangement is used, then cost is reduced compared to parallel arrangement, but challenges remain in managing operation consistency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary device that manages power distribution from multiple primary windings to the secondary winding. This controller ensures operation consistency by coordinating the switching between different power sources, eliminating the management challenges of cascaded diode arrangements while maintaining cost effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply apparatus employs dynamic switching capability through the controller, which can adaptively select and switch between different primary windings based on operational requirements. This dynamic operation ensures consistent output while efficiently managing multiple power sources, improving upon the static limitations of diode-based cascaded arrangements.
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 configuration provides a reliable and cost-effective power supply with automatic switching between sources, maintaining electrical isolation and ensuring continuous operation by using a single transformer and controller, thus reducing the need for multiple transformers and independent controllers.
Implementation Method 1
a transformer including a first primary winding for connection to a first power source and a second primary winding for connection to a second power source, and a secondary winding for delivering power therefrom
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply apparatus, including: a transformer including a first primary winding for connection to a first power source and a second primary winding for connection to a second power source, and a secondary winding for delivering power therefrom as the output of the power supply apparatus; a controller for receiving voltage inputs from the first power source and the second power source, and in response to the received voltage inputs control supply from the first power source to the first primary winding and from the second power source to the second primary winding, such that: if the first power source and second power source are available the controller operates to allow power to be supplied to the first primary winding from the first power source and operates to shut off supply of power to the second primary winding from the second power source.