Power Control Device With Isolated Driver Circuits
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power control devices for building technology are complex, costly, and lack independence in controlling multiple loads within a lighting network, leading to inefficiencies and increased operational effort.
Innovation Solution
A power control device with a common control arrangement and separate power circuit arrangements for independently operable loads, utilizing power semiconductors controlled by a driver circuit with optocouplers for electrical isolation, allowing precise phase control and independent operation of multiple channels without complex logic signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a common power control device is used for multiple loads, then cost and space are reduced, but independence in controlling each load is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The power control device is divided into separate power circuit arrangements for each load, with each arrangement including power semiconductor pairs, control circuits, and power supply circuits. This segmentation enables independent control of multiple loads while maintaining a unified control arrangement, resolving the contradiction between cost efficiency and control independence.
2Measurement precision
If complex logic signals are used for control, then precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Optocouplers are introduced as intermediary components to transmit control signals from the control arrangement to the control circuits while providing electrical isolation. This allows precise phase control through simple control signals without requiring complex logic circuits, resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate control circuits are provided for each load, then independence is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple control circuits are merged into a single control arrangement that generates control signals for all power circuit arrangements. This unified control approach reduces overall device complexity and cost while maintaining the independence of individual load control through the use of optocouplers for signal transmission.
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 efficient, cost-effective, and independent control of multiple loads in a lighting network, reducing operational complexity and energy losses while maintaining high precision and safety.
Implementation Method 1
an optocoupler or, for example, a transformer, i.e., in any case an electrical isolating device, is provided for the transmission of control signals from the control arrangement to the control circuits between the control arrangement and the control circuits
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a power control device for a plurality of independently operable loads (2a,2b) of a two-phase alternating current lighting network, said power control device comprising a preferably common control arrangement (3) and separate power circuit arrangements (1a,1b) for the independently operable loads. The power circuit arrangements (1a,1b) each comprise power semiconductors (1a1,1b1), an actuation circuit (1a2,1b2), which is formed as a driver circuit (1a2,1b2) controlling the power semiconductors (1a2,1b2) in a conductive or non-conductive manner, and an associated power supply circuit. The control arrangement (3) comprises a power supply circuit (3a), wherein the power supply circuits (1a3,1b3,3a) have separate reference potentials for the power circuit arrangements (1a,1b) and the control arrangement (3), and specifically in such a way that the reference potentials for the power supply units of the power circuit arrangements or power supply circuits are derived from a first lighting network phase, and that the reference potential for the power supply circuit of the control arrangement (3) is derived from the second lighting network phase, wherein the reference potential for the power supply circuit (3a) of the control arrangement (3) differs in each case from the potential point of the power semiconductors. An optocoupler (4a,4b) or a transformer is in each case provided for the transmission of actuation signals from the control arrangement (3) to the actuation circuits (1a2,1b2) between the control arrangement (3) and the actuation circuits.