Immersion Probe Flyback Charging Under Supply Voltage Drop
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Solution Overview
Problem
The photometric process measurement arrangement faces challenges due to significant voltage drops between the land-based control unit and the remotely located photometric immersion probe, which can cause prolonged charging times and potential transformer overheating, especially when the actual probe supply voltage falls below 85% of the nominal supply voltage.
Innovation Solution
The immersion probe employs a switching signal generator with a supply voltage comparator and boost duty cycle signal generator to maintain a constant charging frequency and duration, activating a boost duty cycle when the supply voltage drops below a predefined threshold, ensuring the impulse energy capacitor is fully charged within a maximum time frame while preventing transformer overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the number of charging voltage quantums is automatically increased to compensate for voltage drop, then the target ignition voltage is reached, but the charging procedure is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the duty cycle based on actual supply voltage conditions. The control unit continuously monitors the supply voltage and adapts the duty cycle parameter accordingly, transitioning from a static duty cycle design to a dynamic one that responds to voltage fluctuations, thereby optimizing charging time under varying voltage conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the duty cycle parameter based on the actual supply voltage level. When voltage drops are detected, the control unit adjusts the duty cycle to compensate, changing the operational parameters of the flyback converter to maintain optimal charging performance despite voltage variations
2Reliability
If the duty cycle is extended to compensate for voltage drop, then the impulse energy capacitor is fully charged, but the transformer may overheat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control unit continuously monitors the actual supply voltage and adjusts the duty cycle accordingly. This closed-loop control prevents excessive duty cycle extension that would cause transformer overheating while ensuring complete capacitor charging, as the duty cycle is increased only to the extent necessary to compensate for measured voltage drops
Solution Approach 2:
The duty cycle is made dynamic rather than static, allowing real-time adjustment based on supply voltage conditions. This dynamic adaptation prevents the transformer from overheating by avoiding excessive duty cycle extension while ensuring the capacitor is fully charged within the required time frame
3Adaptability or versatility
If the land-based control unit is placed remotely from the photometric immersion probe, then installation flexibility is improved, but voltage loss and fluctuations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback control to monitor and respond to voltage variations caused by remote positioning. The control unit continuously measures the actual supply voltage at the probe and adjusts the duty cycle to compensate for voltage drops in the transmission line, maintaining reliable operation despite the remote installation configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts the duty cycle parameter based on the actual voltage conditions at the remote probe location. This parameter adaptation compensates for voltage losses in the transmission line, allowing flexible remote installation while maintaining stable and reliable probe operation
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
This solution ensures consistent and efficient photometric measurements by maintaining a constant charging process despite voltage fluctuations, preventing transformer damage and ensuring reliable operation of the photometric immersion probe.
Implementation Method 1
The flyback-converter is provided with a converter switch between a converter supply voltage port having the actual probe supply voltage and a transformer
Implementation Method 2
The flashlight source is a high voltage xenon lamp with a preferred ignition voltage of 500 to 1000 V
Data Source
AI summary
The invention refers to a photometric process measurement arrangement (10) with a photometric immersion probe (20) being electrically supplied with a probe supply voltage (Us) and comprising: a photometer flashlight source (61), an impulse energy capacitor (33), an electronic flyback-converter (30) for successively electrically charging the impulse energy capacitor (33) with numerous charging voltage quantums (Uq), whereas the flyback-converter (30) is provided with a converter switch (31) between a converter supply voltage port (80) and a transformer (32), and a switching signal generator (49) for driving the converter switch (31) with a switching signal and comprising a standard duty cycle signal generator (44) for driving the converter switch (31) with a standard duty cycle value (D1) and comprising a boost duty cycle signal generator (45) for alternatively driving the converter switch (31) with a higher boost duty cycle value (D2), when the boost duty cycle signal generator (45) is activated. The switching signal generator (49) is provided with a supply voltage comparator (46) continuously comparing the probe supply voltage (Us) at the converter supply voltage port (80) and the memorized boost voltage value (Ub). The switching signal generator (49) activates the boost duty cycle signal generator (44) if the supply voltage comparator (46) determines that the supply voltage (Us) is below the boost voltage value (Ub).