Feedback-Controlled Power Distribution for Overcurrent Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial control systems face issues with electrical power distribution, as they often supply power to inactive slots and can cause damage to modules due to overcurrent events, and existing systems lack efficient monitoring and control mechanisms to prevent such occurrences.
Innovation Solution
A smart power system comprising a microcontroller, power converter, switch element, and sense element that converts electrical energy and controls its distribution to electrical loads based on feedback signals, preventing overcurrent events and optimizing power usage by monitoring loads and adjusting power delivery accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power is continuously supplied to all slots in industrial control systems, then power availability is ensured, but energy waste and potential damage from overcurrent events occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where sense elements continuously monitor the operational state of each slot (active/inactive) and provide this information to the controller. The controller uses this feedback to dynamically adjust power distribution, supplying power only to active slots rather than continuously to all slots, thereby eliminating energy waste while maintaining reliability for active components
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static power distribution approach (continuous power to all slots) to a dynamic approach where power supply is adaptively adjusted based on real-time monitoring of slot status. The controller dynamically enables or disables power to individual slots based on whether they are actively in use, optimizing energy efficiency while ensuring power availability when needed
2Reliability
If power is supplied to inactive slots, then power availability is maintained, but damage from overcurrent events may occur
Solution Approach 1:
Sense elements provide real-time feedback on the operational status of each slot to the controller. This feedback enables the controller to identify inactive slots and prevent power supply to them, thereby eliminating the risk of overcurrent damage to inactive modules while maintaining power availability for active slots
Solution Approach 2:
The system takes preliminary action by monitoring slot status before power is supplied. The controller proactively prevents power from being supplied to inactive slots by detecting their status in advance, thereby preventing potential overcurrent damage before it can occur rather than reacting after damage has happened
3Reliability
If monitoring and control mechanisms are added to prevent overcurrent events, then system safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sense elements that provide feedback on slot status to a controller, which then adjusts power distribution accordingly. This feedback-based approach achieves comprehensive safety monitoring and control while maintaining relatively simple system architecture, as the monitoring and control functions are integrated into the existing power distribution infrastructure rather than requiring separate complex systems
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 smart power system effectively monitors and controls electrical energy distribution, preventing damage from overcurrent events and optimizing power usage by dynamically adjusting power delivery to electrical loads, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of industrial control systems.
Implementation Method 1
a power converter electrically connected to the microcontroller that is configured to convert electrical energy from one form to another
Implementation Method 2
A sense element electrically connected to the electrical load and to the microcontroller is configured to monitor the converted electrical energy distributed to the electrical load, and to furnish a feedback signal based upon the converted electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
A smart power system is described. In one or more implementations, the smart power system comprises a microcontroller and a power converter electrically connected to the microcontroller and is configured to convert electrical energy from one form to another. The system also includes a switch element electrically connected to the microcontroller and configured to control distribution of the converted electrical energy to an electrical load. A sense element is electrically connected to the electrical load and to the microcontroller and is configured to monitor the converted electrical energy distributed to the electrical load and to furnish a feedback signal based upon the converted electrical energy. The microcontroller is configured to verify and to monitor the power converter, as well as to control and to monitor distribution of the converted electrical energy to the electrical load based upon the feedback signal.