Modular DC Bus Bar Layout for Space-Constrained Power Supplies

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power supply apparatuses with multiple modules face challenges in installation and maintenance due to complex arrangements of modules and connection lines, particularly in limited spaces, where modules are often linearly arranged and have a two-stage internal structure with entangled bus bars and cables.

Innovation Solution

The power supply apparatus features direct current bus bars installed within enclosures of modules, with alternating current/direct current converters positioned above or below the bus bars, simplifying internal arrangements and using connection bus bars to link adjacent bus bars, allowing for flexible module configurations and easier assembly and maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If modules are arranged in a row with a two-stage structure and common bus bars disposed outside, then power supply function is achieved, but the apparatus occupies excessive space and installation in limited areas becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace occupationVSAvoidinstallation difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a horizontal row arrangement to a vertical stacked arrangement of modules. The first module is disposed above the second module, utilizing the vertical dimension to reduce the horizontal footprint. This dimensional change allows the power supply apparatus to fit into limited space while maintaining all necessary functional connections through vertically arranged bus bars and converters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of manufacture

If bus bars and cables are used to connect common bus bars to modules with complex internal structures, then power distribution is achieved, but assembly and maintenance become difficult due to entangled connections

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidconnection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the function of separate connecting cables with integrated bus bar structures. The first and second bus bars are directly connected to the alternating current/direct current converters within the modules, eliminating the need for additional connecting cables. This integration simplifies the overall connection structure, reducing the number of components and making assembly and maintenance easier.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and eliminates the unnecessary connecting cables from the system by directly integrating the bus bars with the converters. By removing the intermediate connecting elements, the design reduces complexity and potential failure points while maintaining efficient power distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of repair

If alternating current/direct current converters are disposed inside modules with complex internal arrangements, then power conversion function is achieved, but maintenance becomes difficult due to complicated cable connections

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance easeVSAvoidinternal structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the bus bar structure with the alternating current/direct current converter assembly. The bus bars are directly connected to the converters within each module, creating an integrated unit that simplifies maintenance. Technicians can access and replace the entire converter assembly without dealing with separate cable connections, significantly improving ease of repair.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3855587B1Power supply apparatus
Publication Date: 2023.12.13 LS ELECTRIC CO LTD
  • EP3855587B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3855587B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3855587B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A power supply apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a plurality of power modules for receiving alternating current power to provide the power to a load; an uninterruptible supply module installed on one side of the plurality of power modules to supply self-power to the load; an inverter module installed on one side of the plurality of power modules or the uninterruptible supply module to convert the power and provide the converted power to the load; direct current bus bars provided inside enclosures of the plurality of power modules, the uninterruptible supply module, and the inverter module, respectively; and a connection bus bar for connecting adjacent direct current bus bars, wherein in the plurality of power modules and the uninterruptible supply module, an alternating current/direct current converter or a direct current/direct current converter is provided in the upper portion of the direct current bus bar, or the alternating current/direct current converter or the direct current/direct current converter is provided in the lower portion of the direct current bus bar.