Three-Phase Power Distribution Balancing System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current portable power distribution systems face instability and inefficiency due to unbalanced three-phase power distribution, leading to equipment damage, safety hazards, and power outages, with existing solutions being inadequate or impractical, especially in emergency and military applications.

Innovation Solution

A power management and distribution system that includes a power input for three-phase electrical power, current measuring devices, and a processing device to analyze and balance the current across phases, using a combination of solid-state and electromechanical relays to modify phase arrangements and achieve balanced power distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If manual load redistribution is used to balance phases, then power distribution balance is improved, but system operation continuity deteriorates due to device shutdown requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower distribution balanceVSAvoidsystem operation continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an automatic phase balancing system with electronic switches and control circuitry as intermediaries between the power source and loads. This mediator automatically redistributes phase connections without requiring manual intervention or device shutdown, thus maintaining both power distribution balance and system operation continuity simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical switching operations with automated electronic switching systems. The electronic switches and microprocessor-based control automatically monitor phase imbalance and redistribute loads electronically, eliminating the need for manual device shutdown and reconnection, thereby maintaining continuous operation while achieving balance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If UPS systems are used to handle power outages, then power supply reliability is improved, but cost and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service automatic phase balancing system that continuously monitors phase currents and automatically redistributes loads to maintain balance. This self-monitoring and self-correcting mechanism prevents power outages and equipment damage without requiring external UPS systems, thereby improving reliability while avoiding the cost and complexity of additional UPS infrastructure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms through current sensors and microprocessor control that continuously monitor phase imbalance conditions. The system uses this feedback to automatically adjust phase connections in real-time, preventing power outages before they occur and eliminating the need for UPS systems, thus improving reliability without increasing system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Duration of action of moving object

If phase imbalance is allowed to persist, then device operation continuity is maintained, but equipment safety deteriorates due to potential damage and hazards

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice operation continuityVSAvoidequipment safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action through continuous monitoring of phase currents and automatic detection of imbalance conditions. The system takes preliminary corrective action by automatically redistributing phase connections before imbalance reaches dangerous levels, thus preventing equipment damage and safety hazards while maintaining continuous device operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by proactively counteracting phase imbalance through automatic phase switching before it can cause harmful effects. The control system detects early signs of imbalance and implements corrective phase redistribution in advance, preventing the development of dangerous imbalance conditions that could lead to equipment damage or safety hazards

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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

The system ensures efficient and stable power distribution by continuously monitoring and balancing the current across phases, reducing equipment damage, safety hazards, and power outages, while allowing critical devices to remain operational in emergency situations.

Implementation Method 1

a current measuring device for measuring the current on all phases of electrical power being drawn by electrical loads connected to the first electrical power outlet and the second electrical power outlet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a phase balancing device for modifying the phase arrangement of the phases of the electrical power being drawn by the electrical loads connected to the first electrical power outlet and the second electrical power outlet such that the current for each phase is substantially balanced

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic relay switching: Relay

Data Source

PatentUS10757830B1Power management and distribution system and method
Publication Date: 2020.08.25 LEX PRODS
  • US10757830B1 patent drawing
  • US10757830B1 patent drawing
  • US10757830B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A system and method for managing and distributing power is provided, wherein the system includes an electrical power input for receiving three-phase power from an external power source, a first electrical power outlet and a second electrical power outlet. The system further includes current measuring components configured to measure the current on all phases of electrical power being drawn by electrical loads connected to the first electrical power outlet and the second electrical power outlet. The system also includes a processing device to analyze measured current for all phases of electrical power being drawn by the electrical loads. Furthermore, the system includes phase balancing components configured to modify the current for each of the phases of the electrical power being drawn by the electrical loads connected to the first electrical power outlet and the second electrical power outlet such that the current for each phase is substantially balanced.