High Frequency AC Power Distribution with Inductive Tapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mains power distribution systems are inflexible, pose safety hazards, and are inefficient, while high frequency AC solutions can generate radio interference and are not suitable for damp areas, and existing solutions for reconfiguring power distribution are cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A power distribution system utilizing a twisted pair of conductors with a splittable ferrite power tapping element that converts mains electricity to high frequency AC, allowing for efficient power tapping and conversion to DC, minimizing electromagnetic radiation and using synchronous rectification to eliminate inefficiencies and hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional mains power supply is used, then power distribution is established, but the system is inflexible and difficult to reconfigure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical hardwired electrical connections with an inductive power transmission system using electromagnetic fields. The primary coil generates an alternating magnetic field that couples with the secondary coil to transfer power wirelessly, eliminating the need for physical electrical connections and hardwired sockets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an alternating magnetic field generated by the primary coil as an intermediary medium to transfer power from the power source to the load. This magnetic field acts as a mediator that enables power transmission without direct electrical contact, allowing flexible reconfiguration by simply moving or adding devices with secondary coils.
2Adaptability or versatility
If extension lead is used to move socket position, then socket position flexibility is improved, but safety hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates exposed electrical wiring and extension leads by replacing them with an inductive power transmission system. Power is transferred through electromagnetic coupling between primary and secondary coils, eliminating the need for trailing cables and exposed connections that pose safety hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
The alternating magnetic field serves as an intermediary that transfers power without requiring physical electrical connections. This eliminates the safety hazards associated with exposed wiring, as the power transmission occurs through the magnetic field rather than through conductors that could be damaged or exposed.
3Power
If conventional mains transformer is used to step voltage, then voltage transformation is achieved, but the transformer is bulky and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs high-frequency alternating current (typically 20-100 kHz) instead of conventional 50/60 Hz mains frequency. This parameter change in operating frequency allows the use of much smaller magnetic cores and windings in the transformer, reducing size and weight while improving efficiency due to reduced core losses and copper losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional low-frequency transformer with a high-frequency switching power supply system that uses pulse-width modulation (PWM) and high-frequency switching. This substitution enables more efficient voltage transformation with reduced energy losses and smaller component sizes.
4Loss of energy
If high frequency AC is used to improve transformer efficiency, then transformer size and loss are reduced, but radio interference is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent acknowledges that high-frequency switching generates electromagnetic interference (EMI), but converts this potential harm into a beneficial feature by using the same high-frequency electromagnetic field for wireless power transmission. The EMI that would normally be a nuisance is harnessed as the mechanism for power delivery to inductively connected devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the alternating magnetic field as an intermediary that serves dual purposes: it is both the source of the high-frequency electromagnetic interference and the carrier of useful power. By controlling the coupling between primary and secondary coils, the system delivers power through the same field that generates EMI, turning the harmful effect into a useful function.
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 flexible, efficient, and safe power distribution with minimal electromagnetic interference, enabling easy reconfiguration and efficient power delivery to multiple loads while maintaining low voltage classification and fault tolerance.
Implementation Method 1
The loop defined by the twisted pair 2a equates to turns of a transformer coil which is connected to the high frequency AC power source 7a
Implementation Method 2
The power tapping element 8a which is a splittable ferrite element... The loop defined by the twisted pair 2a equates to turns of a transformer coil
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 2a
Figure 3a
AI summary
Electrical systems comprising a power distribution system (Ia) for distributing high frequency AC power having s twisterd pair conductor and power tapping element, for instance to an LED or OLED load. The electrical systems comprise an LED or OLED luminaire (Ic) having a heat sink and a light diffusing optical element and power supplies for powering LEDs or OLEDs such as those used in the luminaire (Ic).