Hybrid Commutation Device for Bidirectional Current Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power distribution systems face challenges with bidirectional current flow and reverse current control, particularly in high current applications, where the number of components needed for solid-state power controllers (SSPCs) increases significantly, affecting reliability and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The integration of a unidirectional SSPC and a contactor in series, coordinated by a controller module, enables bidirectional current routing and rapid switch-off mechanisms to manage power distribution, minimizing component count and ensuring safe operation during short circuits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If bidirectional current flow control is implemented using traditional SSPC configurations, then current routing capability is improved, but component count increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebidirectional current flow controlVSAvoidcomponent count

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a contactor and SSPC into a hybrid commutation device where the contactor handles bidirectional isolation and the SSPC provides rapid unidirectional switching. This merging reduces the need for multiple MOSFETs in parallel while achieving bidirectional control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The contactor serves multiple functions: bidirectional current isolation, overload protection, and working alongside the SSPC for rapid switching. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Loss of energy

If multiple MOSFETs are paralleled to reduce path impedance, then power loss is reduced, but component count increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower lossVSAvoidcomponent count

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the contactor's low impedance path with the SSPC's controlled switching capability. The contactor provides a low impedance mechanical path when closed, reducing the need for multiple parallel MOSFETs to achieve low power loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a contactor is used for commutation, then bidirectional isolation is achieved, but switching time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebidirectional isolationVSAvoidswitching time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the commutation function into two parts: the contactor handles bidirectional isolation and slow switching, while the SSPC handles rapid unidirectional switching. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without compromise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The SSPC can pre-open the circuit rapidly in one direction before the contactor completes its mechanical operation, providing preliminary protection against short circuits and overloads while the contactor maintains bidirectional isolation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10594316B2Power distribution system including a commutation device

Publication Date: 2020.03.17 GE AVIATION SYST LTD

AI summary

There is provided a power distribution system for power delivery to a load. The power distribution system includes a commutation device disposed between the load and a power source. The commutation device includes a solid state power controller (SSPC) disposed in series with a contactor.