Medium Voltage Power Control Device Low Temperature Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional power and control (P&C) devices for medium voltage applications face issues with reliability at very low temperatures, as they can experience faults due to cold starts and overheating, and existing solutions are either costly or unreliable.
Innovation Solution
A P&C device with embedded control devices that manage power supply based on temperature thresholds, using military-standard electronic components and thermostats to ensure operation within nominal ranges, preventing faults from low temperatures and overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If military electronic equipment is used to ensure reliable operation at very low temperatures, then reliability is improved, but industrial costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating temperature parameters by introducing a heater that raises the internal temperature of the enclosure above the external environmental temperature. This allows industrial electronic equipment rated for higher minimum temperatures to operate reliably in very cold environments without requiring expensive military-grade components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a heater as an intermediary device between the cold external environment and the electronic equipment inside the enclosure. The heater acts as a thermal mediator that creates a suitable operating temperature environment for industrial equipment without requiring the equipment itself to be military-rated.
2Ease of operation
If a thermostat is provided to automatically switch-off the electric heater, then temperature control is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to configuration errors and faults
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where temperature sensors continuously monitor the internal temperature of the enclosure and provide feedback to the control circuitry. The system automatically adjusts the heater operation based on this feedback, eliminating the need for manual thermostat configuration and reducing reliability issues associated with thermostat faults.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical thermostats with an electronic control system that uses temperature sensors and control circuitry. This substitution eliminates the configuration errors and mechanical faults associated with traditional thermostats while maintaining automatic temperature control functionality.
3Reliability
If the electric heater is continuously powered to maintain operating temperature, then reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic heating action where the heater is activated only when the internal temperature drops below a threshold and deactivated when the threshold is reached. This periodic operation maintains reliable operating temperature while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses temperature feedback control to regulate heater operation. Temperature sensors monitor the internal environment and provide feedback to the control system, which activates the heater only when needed to maintain the minimum operating temperature, thereby optimizing energy consumption.
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 provides reliable operation at very low temperatures, preventing faults and extending the useful life of components by ensuring the P&C device operates within its designed temperature range, while being cost-effective and suitable for industrial manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
a P&C device for use in these MV applications is generally provided with or operatively associated to an electric heater that is powered to maintain the operating temperature of higher values
Implementation Method 2
a thermostat is provided to automatically switch-off the electric heater
Data Source
AI summary
A power and control device (1) for medium voltage applications characterized in that it comprises a power and control unit (2) having a first feeding port (21) electrically coupleable with electric power supply means (60), a first control device (3) operatively coupled to said first feeding port, said first control device being adapted to prevent the electrical feeding of said power and control unit through said first feeding port, when the operating temperature of said power and control device is lower than a first threshold value (TH1) indicative of a minimum operating temperature provided for said power and control unit.