Persistent DC Circuit Breaker for Direct Panel-Level DC Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power distribution systems require AC to DC power conversion using adaptors, which is inefficient and cannot provide persistent DC power directly to electronic devices, while also needing to support legacy AC equipment.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating persistent DC circuit breakers into power panels that can replace AC circuit breakers, allowing for direct DC power distribution and conversion of AC power systems to co-existing AC and DC systems, using either centralized or distributive AC-to-DC converters to ensure constant DC power availability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If AC circuit breakers are used in power panels, then AC power distribution is achieved, but DC power is not directly available and power adaptors are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower distribution capabilityVSAvoidpower conversion system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The circuit breaker is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate as a traditional AC circuit breaker for AC power distribution, or be replaced by a persistent DC circuit breaker that provides both AC and DC power distribution capabilities. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate power adaptors and enables direct DC power availability while maintaining AC compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If power adaptors are used to convert AC to DC, then DC power is available for electronic devices, but the system cannot provide persistent DC power directly

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveDC power availabilityVSAvoidpower conversion process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The power conversion function is extracted from external power adaptors and integrated directly into the circuit breaker replacement (persistent DC circuit breaker). This extraction enables persistent DC power to be generated directly at the distribution point, eliminating the need for users to connect external adaptors and ensuring continuous DC availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If AC power systems are used, then legacy AC equipment is supported, but electronic devices cannot directly access DC power

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment compatibilityVSAvoidpower conversion efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The persistent DC circuit breaker performs preliminary AC to DC conversion at the power distribution origin, before power reaches the devices. This preliminary action ensures that DC power is already available in the system, eliminating the need for secondary conversion at each device and improving overall energy efficiency while maintaining support for both legacy AC equipment and modern DC devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Power

If centralized AC-to-DC converters are used, then DC power is generated, but the number of DC powers that can be supplied is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveDC power generationVSAvoidDC voltage output variety

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of a single centralized converter, the system uses individual persistent DC circuit breakers at each distribution point. Each breaker can independently convert AC to DC and provide multiple DC voltage outputs. This segmentation enables diverse DC voltage supplies across different circuits while maintaining flexibility and scalability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

This solution eliminates the need for power adaptors, provides flexible voltage support for various electronic devices, and allows the same infrastructure to handle both AC and DC power distribution efficiently, ensuring constant DC power availability without external sources.

Implementation Method 1

The first technique is the use of a centralized AC-to-DC converter (ADC) in a power panel to generate DC powers for output to all DC power distribution circuits

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAC-to-DC conversion:

Data Source

PatentUS11831167B2Persistent Dc circuit breaker

Publication Date: 2023.11.28 ENTRANTECH INC

AI summary

A persistent DC circuit breaker provides a persistent single or dual DC voltage for a power distribution circuit coupled to a power panel. A control mechanism ensures a constant and consistent DC power output from the persistent DC circuit breaker. The persistent DC circuit breaker can replace an AC circuit breaker to convert an AC power panel into a co-existing AC and DC power panel or an entire DC power panel.