PLC Power Supply Output Adjustment for Thermal Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
In building block-type PLCs with double power supply units, the near-center power supply unit experiences higher internal temperatures and shorter lifespan due to adjacent components, leading to uneven replacement cycles and increased maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A power supply device with a temperature detection unit and an output adjustment circuit that equalizes internal temperatures between two power supply units by adjusting their output power, thereby reducing the difference in degradation speeds and replacement cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If outputs from two power supply units are equalized, then power distribution balance is improved, but the near-center power supply unit operates at higher temperature leading to shorter component lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the output parameter of the near-center power supply unit by introducing an output adjustment circuit that reduces its output relative to the end-side power supply unit. This parameter modification allows the near-center unit to generate less heat while maintaining overall system power balance, thereby extending component lifespan without compromising power distribution stability
2Device complexity
If outputs from two power supply units are equalized, then system symmetry is improved, but replacement cycles become uneven increasing maintenance costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the near-center power supply unit different from the end-side unit through the output adjustment circuit. This localized modification creates intentional asymmetry in output characteristics, which compensates for the thermal environment differences and equalizes the operational lifespan and replacement cycles of both units
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 reduces the replacement time lag and maintenance costs by ensuring equal degradation speeds and replacement cycles for both power supply units, maintaining consistent performance and extending their operational life.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature detection unit that detects an internal temperature of the own power supply device
Implementation Method 2
an output adjustment circuit that adjusts an internal power output from the own power supply device so as to make smaller a difference between a detected temperature
Data Source
AI summary
To make a replacement time difference between two power supply devices as small as possible when the two power supply devices serving as double power supply devices constitute a PLC, a power supply unit includes a temperature detection unit that detects an internal temperature of the own power supply unit, and an output adjustment circuit that adjusts internal power output from the own power supply unit so as to make smaller a difference between a detected temperature by the temperature detection unit of the own power supply unit and a detected temperature by the temperature detection unit included in the other power supply unit attached to a same PLC as the PLC to which the own power supply unit is attached.