Power Converter Relay Reduction via Solid-State Switch Merging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing distributed power supply systems require a large number of relays for grid independent operation, leading to complex failure detection circuits and increased costs, necessitating a reduction in the number of relays to enhance safety and reduce costs.
Innovation Solution
A power converter design that includes an inverter, a connection terminal unit with first and second voltage terminals, and protection switches, allowing for reduced relay configurations by sharing switches across multiple conducting paths to enable grid independent operation and supply different voltages to a load connection terminal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large number of relays are provided for grid independent operation, then the system can ensure safety and enable independent operation, but the failure detection circuits become complicated and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple relays into a single solid-state switch that can be controlled to perform the functions of multiple relays simultaneously. This solid-state switch integrates the switching functions that were previously distributed across multiple mechanical relays, thereby simplifying the failure detection circuit while maintaining the ability to ensure safety during grid independent operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The solid-state switch is designed with multi-functionality to replace multiple specialized relays. It can be controlled to connect or disconnect different circuits as needed, performing the functions of relay 1, relay 2, and relay 3 in the prior art with a single universal component, thus reducing circuit complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of relays are provided for grid independent operation, then the system can enable independent operation, but costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple relay functions into a single solid-state switch component, reducing the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This merging approach lowers material costs, assembly costs, and maintenance costs while preserving the full independent operation capability of the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical relays with a solid-state switch, eliminating the need for mechanical moving parts. This substitution reduces manufacturing complexity, improves reliability, and lowers costs associated with mechanical component fabrication, assembly, and maintenance, while maintaining the same functional capabilities for independent operation.
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 solution reduces the number of switches required, simplifies the failure detection circuit configuration, and enables efficient grid independent operation while supplying different voltages from a grid to a load connection terminal, thereby reducing costs and improving safety.
Implementation Method 1
an inverter converting DC power to AC power and outputting the AC power to a pair of first and second lines
Data Source
AI summary
A power converter includes: an inverter converting DC power to AC power and outputting the AC power to first and second voltage terminals of a connection terminal unit; and switches RC. The switches RC include a first protection switch provided to a first line connecting the inverter and the first voltage terminal together, a second protection switch provided to a second line connecting the inverter and the second voltage terminal together, and a voltage switch connected in series between the second line and a neutral terminal. A load connection terminal is connected to a line connecting between the first line and the voltage switch.