Parallel Power Supply Failure Detection via Current Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
In power systems with multiple parallel power sources, the absence of an ORing device at output terminals makes it difficult to determine which power source has failed, leading to abnormal operations and potential power failures, as output voltages from DC-to-DC converters are coupled to a common bus voltage.
Innovation Solution
A power supply system with multiple power sources connected in parallel, each comprising a DC-to-DC converter, transformer, switching control device, rectifying device, and judging device, where the judging device determines the normal operation of each power supply device by analyzing feedback voltage, error signals, and AC voltages, allowing for identification and potential replacement of faulty units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an ORing device is connected to output terminals of power sources to isolate power sources from supply lines, then the power system can protect itself from failures, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a current detection circuit as an intermediary element that monitors the current status of each power source and generates status signals. This mediator enables the system to detect failures without requiring complex ORing devices, thus maintaining reliability while reducing overall system complexity. The detection circuit acts as a simple intermediary that translates physical current states into detectable electrical signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the current detection circuit continuously monitors power source status and feeds back status signals to the control logic. This feedback enables the system to automatically respond to failures by switching between power sources, maintaining reliability without requiring complex protective ORing devices. The feedback loop allows the system to self-regulate based on real-time power source conditions.
2Device complexity
If output terminals of power sources are directly connected to common supply line without ORing devices, then the device complexity is reduced, but the system cannot determine which power source has failed leading to abnormal operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a current detection circuit as an intermediary element that monitors the current status of each power source and generates status signals. This mediator enables the system to detect failures without requiring complex ORing devices, thus maintaining reliability while reducing overall system complexity. The detection circuit acts as a simple intermediary that translates physical current states into detectable electrical signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical isolation function of ORing devices with an electronic detection and control system. Instead of using physical switches or diodes to isolate failed power sources, the system uses electronic current detection and control logic to identify and bypass failures. This substitution simplifies the hardware while maintaining the ability to detect and respond to power source failures.
3Reliability
If a power source without failure is turned off due to inability to detect the actual failed power source, then the power system operates abnormally, but adding detection devices increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a current detection circuit as an intermediary element that monitors the current status of each power source and generates status signals. This mediator enables the system to detect failures without requiring complex ORing devices, thus maintaining reliability while reducing overall system complexity. The detection circuit acts as a simple intermediary that translates physical current states into detectable electrical signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a self-diagnosing system where each power source essentially monitors itself through the current detection circuit. The detection circuit automatically identifies which power source has failed by monitoring current flow, and the control logic automatically switches to healthy power sources without requiring external intervention or complex additional protective devices. The system serves itself by using simple current monitoring to maintain continuous operation.
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
Enables the system to prevent abnormal operations by accurately determining which power supply device is malfunctioning, thereby preventing power failures and ensuring continuous operation.
Implementation Method 1
The transformer comprises a first winding set and a second winding set, wherein the first winding set is coupled to the second DC voltage... produces a first AC voltage on the first winding set, and produces a second AC voltage on the second winding set
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a power supply system. The power supply system includes a plurality of power supply devices connected in parallel. Output terminals of the plurality of power supply devices are coupled to a common supply line. Each of the plurality of power supply devices includes a DC-to-DC converter, a transformer, a switching control device, a rectifying device, and a judging device. The judging device receives a feedback voltage, an error signal and a second AC voltage to determine whether the power supply device is normal, wherein the feedback voltage is a voltage division of an output voltage on the common supply line, the error signal is an output of the switching control device, and the second AC voltage is retrieved from a second winding set of the transformer.