Power Generator Automatic Breaker Current Threshold Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power generators require manual and frequent adjustments of voltage and current settings to accommodate changes in rated voltage and frequency, leading to potential errors and inappropriate tripping characteristics of the breaker, especially when used in different regions or under varying load conditions.

Innovation Solution

A power generator with an output information acquisition unit, ammeter, and controller that automatically calculates the allowable current based on power-generating component capacity, output frequency, and voltage information, controlling the breaker to trip when the measured current exceeds this value, ensuring optimal tripping characteristics regardless of regional voltage and frequency variations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual adjustment of voltage and current settings is performed to accommodate regional differences, then the power generator can be used in different regions, but the adjustment work becomes troublesome and errors may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different regionsVSAvoidease of adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The power generator automatically detects output frequency and voltage, then the controller autonomously calculates and sets the appropriate current threshold for the breaker. This self-service mechanism eliminates manual adjustment requirements, allowing the system to adapt to different regional specifications automatically without user intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes the current threshold parameter based on detected output frequency and voltage parameters. The controller adjusts the allowable current setting according to the relationship between frequency, voltage, and current, enabling automatic adaptation to different regional electrical specifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If manual adjustment of current settings is performed, then the breaker can have tripping characteristics corresponding to current values, but errors in adjusted values or omitted settings may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of tripping characteristicsVSAvoidautomation of current setting

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The controller automatically calculates the appropriate current threshold based on detected frequency and voltage, eliminating manual adjustment. This ensures reliable tripping characteristics are always correctly configured without human error, while simultaneously increasing automation to eliminate manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors output frequency and voltage, and the controller uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the current threshold setting. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures the breaker always has the correct tripping characteristics corresponding to current operational conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If a thermal relay is used to allow the breaker to trip, then the breaker can have tripping characteristics, but adjusting the interrupting current characteristics is required region by region

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of breaker trippingVSAvoidcomplexity of adjustment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical thermal relay system with an electronic controller that calculates current thresholds based on detected frequency and voltage. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical adjustment mechanisms while maintaining reliable breaker tripping characteristics through electronic control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The controller serves multiple functions: detecting output frequency, detecting output voltage, calculating the appropriate current threshold, and controlling the breaker. This multi-functional approach replaces the specialized thermal relay, eliminating region-by-region adjustment requirements while maintaining universal reliability across different specifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10879690B2Power generator

Publication Date: 2020.12.29 YAMABIKO CORP

AI summary

A power generator includes: an output information acquisition unit which acquires output information including power-generating component capacity information indicative of a capacity of a power-generating component and output frequency information indicative of an output frequency of the power generator; an ammeter which measures a current flowing through a distribution path; a breaker provided in the distribution path; and a controller. The controller calculates an allowable current based on the output information, and controls the breaker to interrupt the distribution path when a current measured by the ammeter exceeds the allowable current.