Modular Solid-State Power Monitoring for Fault-Tolerant Switch Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial automation systems face challenges in cost-effectively incorporating fault-tolerant and efficient power monitoring techniques due to the high cost of incorporating protection features in numerous semiconductor power switches, which are vulnerable to fault conditions such as overvoltage and short circuits.
Innovation Solution
A modular power monitoring system comprising a central monitor system and multiple modular monitor systems, where the central system receives and processes sensor data from modular monitor systems, generates control signals, and transmits them to operate semiconductor switches, providing centralized monitoring and control while reducing the equipment and cost burden on individual modular systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If protection features are incorporated in each semiconductor power switch, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is divided into modular units, each with its own sensors and control circuitry. Multiple modular monitor systems can be deployed across the power distribution network, allowing protection features to be segmented and distributed rather than concentrated in each semiconductor switch. This reduces the complexity burden on individual components while maintaining overall system reliability through distributed monitoring and control.
2Reliability
If protection features are incorporated in each semiconductor power switch, then reliability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modular monitor systems are designed with universal functionality that can monitor and protect multiple semiconductor power switches across different locations. A single modular monitor unit can serve multiple switches, eliminating the need for dedicated protection circuitry in each switch. This multi-functional approach significantly reduces overall system cost while maintaining comprehensive protection coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular monitor system acts as an intermediary between the power source and the semiconductor switches. Instead of embedding complex protection features directly in each switch, the monitor system provides protective control signals to the switches based on sensor data. This intermediary approach separates the protection logic from the power switching components, reducing switch complexity and cost.
3Reliability
If extensive protection features are included in each modular system, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple modular monitor systems are merged into a coordinated network under centralized control. The control circuitry of different modular units communicates and cooperates to provide comprehensive protection. By merging the monitoring capabilities and control logic across multiple units, the system achieves high reliability without requiring each individual modular system to contain all protection features locally, thus reducing per-unit complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes one or more modular monitor systems. Each modular monitor system includes a modular control system that controls one or more switches that couple a power source to a load device. Each modular monitor system also includes one or more sensors that acquire sensor data including electrical characteristics associated with a respective modular monitor system. Additionally, the system includes a central monitor system that receives the sensor data, presents the sensor data via a display device integral to the central monitor system, generates one or more control signals based on the sensor data, and transmits the one or more control signals to the one or more modular monitor systems. The one or more control signals may cause a respective modular control system of the respective modular monitor system to operate one or more respective switches.