Hybrid Power Supply Apparatus with Automatic Source Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar power systems face instability in electrical energy supply due to varying light intensity, leading to an unreliable power output for connected appliances.
Innovation Solution
A power providing apparatus that integrates multiple electricity sources, including solar energy and commercial AC power, using current control components and voltage adjusting units to prioritize and regulate power distribution, ensuring a stable supply to a load by automatically switching between sources based on voltage differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If solar panels are used to collect light and convert it to electrical energy, then renewable energy is utilized, but the output power becomes unstable when light intensity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines solar panels with a backup power source (battery or grid) into a hybrid power system. The solar panels and backup source are electrically connected through switching components that automatically transfer load between sources based on available solar power, ensuring continuous stable supply while maximizing renewable energy utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters by monitoring light intensity and automatically adjusting the power source configuration. When light intensity drops below a threshold, the switching component transitions the system from solar-only mode to hybrid mode, maintaining stable output power despite varying environmental conditions.
2Device complexity
If a single electricity source is used, then the system is simple, but the power supply becomes unstable when that source cannot meet demand
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple power sources are merged into a single unified power supply system with automatic switching. The solar panels, backup battery, and grid connection are integrated through control circuitry that seamlessly manages power flow, providing redundancy without requiring complex manual intervention or multiple independent systems.
3Reliability
If voltage difference threshold is set low for switching between power sources, then power supply stability is improved, but switching frequency increases causing system wear
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a dynamically adjusted voltage threshold for switching between power sources. The threshold is set based on the operational state and can be modified to balance stability requirements with component longevity. Hysteresis mechanisms are employed to prevent rapid oscillation around the threshold, reducing unnecessary switching events while maintaining adequate power supply stability.
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 apparatus maintains a stable power supply to the load by supplementing solar power with commercial AC power during low light conditions, ensuring sufficient energy delivery without the need for additional monitoring systems, thus minimizing operating costs and enhancing energy reliability.
Implementation Method 1
solar panels are used for collecting light, and convert light energy into electrical energy by photovoltaic effect
Data Source
AI summary
A power providing apparatus includes a first input port for connection to a first electricity source, a second input port for connection to a second electricity source, an output port, a first current control component connected between the first input port and the output port, and a second current control component connected between the second input port and the output port. Based on voltages associated with the first electricity source and the second electricity source, each of the first and the second current control components makes or breaks a current path from a respective one of the first and second input ports to the output port.