Dual-Voltage Relay Coil Control for Lower Holding Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing relay control circuits in power supply systems still have room for loss reduction, despite previous efforts to minimize losses in relays.
Innovation Solution
A relay control circuit configuration that includes a low-voltage power supply, a high-voltage power supply, a first transistor, a rectifying element, and a reference voltage node, where the high-voltage terminal of the transistor is connected to the positive electrode of the high-voltage power supply, and the low-voltage terminal is connected to one end of the coil, with the rectifying element's anode connected to the positive electrode of the low-voltage power supply and its cathode to the negative electrode of the high-voltage and low-voltage supplies, allowing for efficient control of the relay's contact opening and closing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a conventional relay control circuit is used, then the relay can operate with standard voltage, but energy loss is higher
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply is segmented into two distinct voltage sources: a high-voltage power supply for initial relay activation and a low-voltage power supply for maintaining the relay contact state. This segmentation allows the relay to be activated with high voltage and then maintained with lower voltage, reducing energy loss during the holding phase while keeping the circuit structure manageable through functional division.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit dynamically switches between high-voltage and low-voltage power supplies based on the relay's operational state. During activation, the high-voltage power supply is engaged; once the relay contact closes, the low-voltage power supply takes over for maintenance. This dynamic voltage adjustment optimizes energy efficiency by applying appropriate voltage levels at different operational stages, reducing overall energy loss without compromising reliability.
2Reliability
If high voltage is continuously applied to maintain relay contact, then reliability is improved, but energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply function is segmented into activation phase (high voltage) and maintenance phase (low voltage). This segmentation allows the relay to achieve reliable contact closure with high voltage initially, then maintain that reliable state with lower voltage, thereby reducing energy consumption while preserving contact state stability throughout operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit employs periodic switching between high-voltage and low-voltage power supplies. High voltage is applied periodically to ensure proper contact activation and refresh, while low voltage maintains the contact state between these periodic high-voltage pulses. This periodic action ensures reliable contact state stability while minimizing continuous energy consumption.
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 reduces the loss in the relay by optimizing voltage application across the coil, enabling the relay to maintain a contact state with lower voltage, thereby minimizing energy loss and preventing dropout.
Implementation Method 1
a rectifying element; wherein a high-voltage terminal of the first transistor is connected to a positive electrode of a high-voltage power supply, a low-voltage terminal of the first transistor is connected to one end of the coil, an anode of the rectifying element is connected to a positive electrode of a low-voltage power supply, a cathode of the rectifying element is connected to one end of the coil
Data Source
AI summary
A relay control circuit is configured to control opening and closing of a contact of a non-latch relay that includes the contact and a coil configured to operate the contact. The relay control circuit includes: a low-voltage power supply; a high-voltage power supply; a first transistor; a rectifying element; and a reference voltage node. A high-voltage terminal of the first transistor is connected to a positive electrode of the high-voltage power supply. A low-voltage terminal of the first transistor is connected to one end of the coil. An anode of the rectifying element is connected to a positive electrode of the low-voltage power supply. A cathode of the rectifying element is connected to one end of the coil. A negative electrode of the high-voltage power supply, a negative electrode of the low-voltage power supply, and the other end of the coil are connected to the reference voltage node.