Isolating Device Transistor Diode Circuit Power Loss Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power supply modules with uninterruptible power supply capabilities suffer from high losses and complex control due to the use of diodes and field effect transistors, particularly during voltage fluctuations and short circuits, which can lead to inefficiencies and failure to supply consumers connected between the input and output gates.

Innovation Solution

A power supply module with an isolating device comprising two transistors and two diodes connected in reverse series, allowing for low-loss operation and rapid switching to manage input and output voltage differences, preventing overloading and ensuring continuous energy supply to consumers by controlling the transistors and diodes in various modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If a diode is used as the isolating device, then automatic separation is achieved, but voltage drop and power losses occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic separationVSAvoidpower losses
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the electrical parameters of the isolating device by using transistors instead of diodes. The transistor's drain-source resistance is much smaller than the diode's forward voltage drop, reducing power losses while maintaining automatic separation functionality through voltage-triggered switching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the diode's inherent unidirectional conduction mechanism with a transistor-based electronic switching mechanism. This substitution allows for lower resistance and reduced power losses while achieving the same isolating function through controlled electrical switching rather than relying on diode physics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of energy

If a field effect transistor is used for rapid switching, then power losses are reduced, but control complexity increases due to frequent switching requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower lossesVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transistor-based isolating device uses the voltage difference between input and output sides to automatically control its own switching state. When input voltage exceeds output voltage by a threshold, the transistor conducts; otherwise, it blocks. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex external control circuits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements inherent feedback through the transistor's gate-source voltage dependency. The transistor automatically responds to voltage changes at its terminals, creating a feedback loop that stabilizes operation without requiring complex control logic. The drain-source resistance changes based on the applied voltage, providing automatic regulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If the isolating device allows full input current flow, then consumers are adequately supplied, but losses increase and cooling requirements rise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy supply capabilityVSAvoidpower losses
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the resistance parameter of the isolating device from the diode's high forward voltage drop to the transistor's low drain-source resistance. This parameter change enables full current flow capability while simultaneously reducing power losses, as P = I²R and the transistor's lower R value directly reduces losses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Loss of energy

If a transistor is used instead of a diode, then power losses are reduced, but the device requires control and rapid switching which increases complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower lossesVSAvoidcontrol requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transistor isolating device automatically controls its own operation based on the voltage conditions at its terminals. It requires no external control signals or complex drive circuits, as the voltage difference between input and output sides directly controls the transistor's conduction state, making the device self-sufficient and simple to implement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 solution reduces power losses, ensures reliable operation by maintaining control voltage for field effect transistors, and prevents repercussions from output gate errors to the input gate, enabling efficient and simple control of the isolating device.

Implementation Method 1

During operation, the losses at the isolating device are further reduced by using a field effect transistor, since the power loss only depends on the drain-source resistance, which is comparatively small with field effect transistors.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectField effect transistor operation: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

a voltage drop of approximately 0.7 V occurs across the diode, which leads to corresponding losses on the diode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiode voltage drop: Diode

Data Source

PatentEP2845283B1Energy supply module as a two-port network, use of a separating device in such an energy supply module and method for operating such an energy supply module
Publication Date: 2018.02.28 PHOENIX CONTACT GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2845283B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2845283B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2845283B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an energy supply module (1) comprising an input port (2) for connection to a current supply (4), and comprising an output port (3) as an uninterruptible current supply, the input port (2) and the output port (3) being separably through-connected via an electric separating device (6), and an auxiliary energy source (10) being connected or connectable parallel to the input port (2) and to the output port (3), the separating device (6) being positioned between the auxiliary energy source (10) and the input port (2), and the separating device (6) comprising a circuit arrangement with two transistors (15) and two diodes (16), the transistors (15) being series-connected in reverse, and a diode (16) being connected to each transistor (15) inversely to its direction of current.