Parallel Power Supply Devices with Inter-Device Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power supply devices that output large currents face issues with heat resistance, safety, and stability, especially when multiple devices are parallel-connected to a common load, leading to unstable current supply due to independent operation and the need for costly external control devices.

Innovation Solution

A power supply system where two power supply devices communicate to stabilize current output, with one device calculating and transmitting control information to the other, allowing synchronized control and display of operating states, and switching communication modes based on operational conditions to ensure safety and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If multiple power supply devices are parallel-connected to a common load, then the current output capability is improved, but the current supply stability deteriorates due to independent operation of each device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent output capabilityVSAvoidcurrent supply stability
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the control functions of multiple power supply devices by having them communicate with each other. The first power supply device calculates control information and transmits it to the second power supply device, which then controls its output based on this shared control information. This combining of control strategies ensures stable current supply while maintaining the enhanced current output capability of parallel-connected devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If external control devices are introduced to monitor and correct parallel-connected power supply devices, then the current supply stability is improved, but the equipment cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent supply stabilityVSAvoidequipment cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service control where the power supply devices themselves perform the monitoring and correction functions. The first power supply device monitors its own current output and calculates control information, then shares this with the second device. This eliminates the need for external control devices, maintaining current supply stability while avoiding additional equipment costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Power

If a single power supply device outputs large current, then the current output capability is improved, but the heat resistance and safety deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent output capabilityVSAvoidheat resistance and safety
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the current output function across multiple power supply devices connected in parallel. Each device handles a portion of the total current load, which reduces the thermal burden and safety risks on any single device while maintaining the overall high current output capability. The communication system ensures coordinated operation to optimize this load distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3413452B1Power source device and power source system with such a device
Publication Date: 2021.03.17 DAIHEN CORP
  • EP3413452B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3413452B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3413452B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A power supply system includes multiple power supply devices (1) connected in common to a load (2). A first power supply device (1) calculates control information for controlling voltage or current to be output to the load (2) and controls the output to the load (2) based on the calculated control information while transmitting the control information to a second power supply device (1). The second power supply device (1) receives the control information transmitted from the first power supply device (1) and control the output to the load (2) based on the received control information while detecting current to be output from its own device to the load (2) and transmitting current information to the first power supply device (1). The first power supply device (1) receives the current information transmitted from the second power supply device (1) and calculate control information based on the received current information and the current and voltage detected by its own device.