Dynamic Current Limit Control for Energy Supply Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy supply apparatuses with statically set current limit values can interrupt or limit electric energy supply to consumers when temporary increased power requirements are met, restricting consumer functionality.
Innovation Solution
An energy supply apparatus with a controllable power protection element that adjusts a second current limit value greater than the first, allowing temporary increases in current flow to meet peak demands without permanent disruption, using a power supply device to control the protection element based on detected power requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a statically set current limit value is used in the circuit breaker, then the consumer is protected against overcurrent, but the consumer functionality is restricted when temporary increased power requirements occur
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit breaker transitions from a static current limit setting to a dynamic, controllable current limit that can be adjusted in real-time. The controllable power protection element receives control signals from the power supply device to temporarily increase the current limit value when increased power requirements are detected, while maintaining the first current limit value for normal operation. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to adapt to varying power demands while maintaining protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The current limit parameter of the circuit breaker is changed from a fixed value to a variable value that can be modified based on system conditions. The power supply device monitors power requirements and adjusts the second current limit value (greater than the first current limit value) temporarily when increased power is needed, then returns to the first current limit value. This parameter change enables the system to handle temporary peaks while maintaining overcurrent protection.
2Reliability
If the circuit breaker is set to a predetermined current limit value, then safety is ensured, but the supply of electric energy is interrupted or limited when the consumer temporarily exceeds this value
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit breaker implements dynamic current limiting with two distinct modes: a first current limit value for normal operation and a second current limit value (greater than the first) for temporary increased power requirements. The controllable power protection element switches between these limits based on control signals from the power supply device, ensuring safety is maintained while allowing continuous energy supply during temporary peaks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic monitoring of power requirements by the power supply device and temporarily activates the second current limit value for limited time intervals when increased power is detected. After the time interval expires or when the increased power requirement ceases, the system returns to the first current limit value. This periodic adjustment maintains safety while ensuring productivity during temporary demands.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a higher current limit value is allowed temporarily, then peak power requirements are met, but the risk of overload increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply device continuously monitors the power requirements of the consumer and provides feedback control to the controllable power protection element. When increased power requirements are detected, the power supply device sends control signals to temporarily increase the current limit to the second value. The system monitors the duration and magnitude of the increased power requirement and automatically returns to the first current limit value when the peak demand subsides, thereby managing overload risk through closed-loop feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary monitoring of power requirements to detect upcoming peak demands before they cause overload conditions. The power supply device anticipates increased power needs and proactively adjusts the current limit to the second value in advance, allowing the consumer to meet peak requirements safely. The temporary nature of this adjustment and automatic return to the first limit value prevents sustained overload conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to an energy supply apparatus for the overcurrent-protected electric power supply to an electric consumer, including a power supply device configured to provide an electric current for the electric consumer, and a controllable power protection element configured to disable a supply of electric current to the electric consumer when the electric current reaches a first current limit value, wherein the controllable power protection element comprises an adjustable second current limit value set by the power supply device, wherein the power supply device receives an increased power requirement of the electric consumer within a time interval and to control the controllable power protection element for a duration of the time interval to set the second current limit value, and wherein the controllable power protection element disables the supply of the electric current to the electric consumer upon reaching the second current limit value by the electric current.