Motor Drive Power Switching for Low-Standby Energy Use

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional apparatuses with circuits supplied by external power sources experience increased power consumption even when not in use, leading to inefficiencies, particularly in motor driving systems like those found in air conditioners.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus incorporates a main circuit and an auxiliary circuit with switch sections that can cut off power from the external source when not needed, allowing power to be supplied only during operation and cut off during standby modes, reducing overall power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If power is always supplied from the external power source to the main circuit, then the main circuit installation device can operate continuously, but power consumption increases during standby modes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous operation capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the power supply state changeable between ON and OFF based on operational needs. The first switch section dynamically connects or disconnects the main circuit from the external power source, allowing the system to transition between continuous operation and power-saving standby modes, thus resolving the contradiction between continuous operation capability and power consumption reduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic action by alternating between power supply periods (during operation modes) and power cutoff periods (during standby modes). The control section periodically activates the first switch section to supply power when the main circuit installation device needs to operate, and deactivates it during standby periods, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining operational reliability when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Use of energy by moving object

If the first switch section is added to cut off power to the main circuit, then power consumption is reduced during standby modes, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcircuit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the power supply system into two independent circuits: the main circuit (with the first switch section for power cutoff) and the auxiliary circuit (with the second switch section). This segmentation allows independent control of power supply to each circuit, enabling power consumption reduction in the main circuit during standby modes while maintaining auxiliary functions, thus resolving the contradiction between power consumption reduction and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces the control section as an intermediary that manages the switching operations of both the first and second switch sections. This intermediary component coordinates power cutoff and supply actions based on operational modes, simplifying the overall control logic despite the added switch sections, and thereby mitigating the increase in device complexity while achieving power consumption reduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Use of energy by moving object

If power is cut off from the main circuit during standby modes, then power consumption is reduced, but the ability to quickly resume operation may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidoperation resumption speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by maintaining the auxiliary circuit in a ready state with continuous or selective power supply during standby modes. The auxiliary circuit can perform preliminary checks, maintain control logic readiness, or pre-charge components, enabling the main circuit to resume operation quickly after power cutoff without significant delay, thus resolving the contradiction between power consumption reduction and operation resumption speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2955457B1Power consumption reduction device
Publication Date: 2017.04.26 DAIKIN INDUSTRIES LTD
  • EP2955457B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2955457B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2955457B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A motor driving apparatus (30) is provided with a main circuit (30a), an auxiliary circuit (30b), a first switch (SW1), and an integral control section (60). The main circuit (30a) is electrically connected with a commercial power source (70), is supplied with power from the commercial power source (70), and includes a first level shifter (41). The auxiliary circuit (30b) is electrically connected with the commercial power source (70), is supplied with power from the commercial power source (70), and includes a second level shifter (43). The first switch (SW1) is connected in series with the main circuit (30a) between the commercial power source (70) and the main circuit (30a) and is able to cut off the supply of power from the commercial power source (70) to the main circuit (30a). The integral control section (60) is electrically connected with the second level shifter (43), is supplied with the second level shifter (43), and controls switching of the first switch (SW1).