Transformerless Elevator Battery Backup for Multi-Voltage Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery back-up systems for hydraulic elevators are inefficient, bulky, and require transformers that increase size and complexity, necessitating different models for varying input voltages, which are undesirable for compact and easy installation.
Innovation Solution
A transformerless battery back-up system utilizing advanced integrated circuitry and a battery charger circuit with a full-wave rectifier, voltage divider, voltage-controlled switch, and switch mode power supply to convert AC power to DC, enabling a compact and lightweight design that accommodates multiple input voltages, and includes a processor for power management and emergency operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a transformer is used to step down voltage from AC power supply to charge batteries, then voltage conversion is achieved, but the system becomes heavy and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the transformer component from the battery back-up system. Instead of using a transformer to step down AC voltage, the system uses a bridge rectifier to convert AC directly to DC, eliminating the heavy and bulky transformer while achieving the necessary voltage conversion for battery charging
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electromagnetic transformation process (transformer) with an electrical conversion process (bridge rectifier). The bridge rectifier converts AC power directly to DC power through electrical components, substituting the mechanical transformation approach and significantly reducing system weight
2Adaptability or versatility
If a transformer with multiple windings is used to accommodate different input voltages, then voltage adaptability is improved, but the system becomes even heavier and bulkier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal bridge rectifier circuit that can handle multiple AC input voltages (120V, 220V, 480V) without requiring different transformer models. The bridge rectifier configuration allows the same circuit topology to convert various AC voltages to DC, providing multi-functionality and voltage adaptability while maintaining a compact, lightweight design
Solution Approach 2:
The system accommodates different input voltages by changing the operational parameters of the bridge rectifier circuit rather than changing the physical transformer structure. The circuit can operate with different AC input voltages by adjusting component values and configuration, eliminating the need for multiple transformer windings and reducing overall system weight
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional battery back-up systems are designed for different input voltages, then voltage compatibility is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a universal bridge rectifier circuit design that provides voltage compatibility across multiple AC input standards (120V, 220V, 480V) without requiring multiple different circuit models. The same basic circuit topology handles all voltage inputs, significantly reducing device complexity compared to having separate transformer models for each voltage level
Solution Approach 2:
By removing the transformer component entirely and using only the bridge rectifier for AC to DC conversion, the patent simplifies the system architecture. This extraction of the transformer eliminates the complexity of multiple windings and voltage-specific transformer designs, resulting in a simpler, more unified circuit design that handles multiple voltages
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
The system provides a compact, lightweight, and efficient power backup solution that can handle multiple input voltages, ensuring reliable emergency operation by converting battery power to suitable AC power for hydraulic elevators, reducing size and complexity while ensuring quick installation and extended battery life.
Implementation Method 1
The battery charger circuit may include a full-wave rectifier, one or more voltage divider, and a voltage controlled switch. The full-wave rectifier may be configured to receive power from the main power supply in AC form and may be configured to convert the power from AC to DC.
Implementation Method 2
One or more voltage divider may be configured to decrease voltage of the received power.
Implementation Method 3
The voltage-controlled switch may be configured to activate a high-side gate driver via an optocoupler.
Implementation Method 4
The N-channel MOSFET may be configured to receive power from a full-wave rectifier. The N-channel MOSFET may be configured to charge a capacitor.
Implementation Method 5
the bus inverter and the sinewave generator may be configured to convert discharge power of the at least one battery into AC power suitable for the elevator control system and the hydraulic elevator
Data Source
AI summary
A battery back-up system for hydraulic elevator having a battery charger circuit configured to receive AC power from a main power supply at a supply voltage, at least one battery operatively connected to the battery charger circuit, and one or more processors operatively connected to the at least one battery. The battery charger circuit is configured to selectively supply DC power to the at least one battery at a charger voltage, the charger voltage being less than the supply voltage. Upon determining a malfunction of the main power supply, the at least one battery is configured to be electrically connected to a elevator control system and hydraulic elevator.