Network Inverter Power Supply Segmentation for Standby Energy Reduction

Solution Overview

Problem

Network inverters face challenges in reducing electric power consumption as they cannot turn off their power supply without risking disruption to the connected network, unlike standalone inverters, which results in higher energy usage.

Innovation Solution

A control system for network inverters that includes a micro-processor unit (MPU) with a communication circuit and an electric power delivery control circuit, allowing the inverter to disconnect power to the power source circuit when not in use, preventing unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining network communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the power supply of the network inverter is turned off to reduce energy consumption, then electric power consumption is reduced, but the network communication may be disrupted or the master device may be adversely affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectric power consumptionVSAvoidnetwork communication stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The inverter is divided into two independent power supply paths: a first power supply path for the power source circuit and a second power supply path for the communication circuit. This segmentation allows the power source circuit to be turned off while the communication circuit remains powered, enabling energy savings without disrupting network communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The communication circuit is extracted from the power source circuit and given its own dedicated power supply path. This extraction allows the communication function to be maintained independently while the power source circuit is shut down, resolving the contradiction between energy conservation and communication reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If the power supply of the network inverter is kept on to maintain network communication, then network stability is maintained, but unnecessary electric power consumption occurs during standby periods

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork communication stabilityVSAvoidelectric power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The inverter is divided into two independent power supply paths: a first power supply path for the power source circuit and a second power supply path for the communication circuit. This segmentation allows the power source circuit to be turned off while the communication circuit remains powered, enabling energy savings without disrupting network communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control circuit periodically determines whether the inverter needs to perform power source control based on communication with the master device. When no control is needed, the power source circuit is turned off; when control is needed, it is turned on. This periodic action optimizes energy consumption while maintaining communication readiness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Use of energy by moving object

If the inverter completely shuts down to save energy, then electric power consumption is minimized, but the inverter cannot respond to network commands or perform motor control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectric power consumptionVSAvoidresponsiveness to control commands

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The inverter is divided into two independent power supply paths: a first power supply path for the power source circuit and a second power supply path for the communication circuit. This segmentation allows the power source circuit to be turned off while the communication circuit remains powered, enabling energy savings without disrupting network communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The communication circuit remains in a ready state with its own power supply, continuously monitoring for commands from the master device. This preliminary action ensures the inverter can immediately respond to control commands without requiring a full system startup, balancing energy savings with operational responsiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3706303B1Inverter and control system

Publication Date: 2023.01.11 OMRON CORP

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AI summary

The present invention reduces electric power consumption of a network inverter. The inverter (1a, 1b, 1c) includes: an MPU (20a, 20b, 20c); and a power supply (10) configured to carry out electric power delivery to the MPU (20a, 20b, 20c) and to a power source circuit (40). In a case where the inverter (1a, 1b, 1c) is to enter a standby state, an electric power delivery control circuit (22) of the MPU (20a, 20b, 20c) blocks electric power delivery to the power source circuit (40).