Power Supply Device AC Power Limiting Controller

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power supply devices face challenges in easily adjusting the amount of power supplied from commercial power sources to a preset level, affecting system power usage efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A power supply device comprising a first input terminal for AC power, a first power converter, a second input terminal for an electric power generator, a second power converter, a storage battery, and a controller that ensures the AC power from the system does not exceed an upper limit value, allowing for flexible power distribution and adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If charge and discharge amounts with respect to the power storage device are adjusted to set the amount of power supplied from commercial power supply to a preset power amount, then the power distribution can be optimized, but it is not easy to set the amount of power supplied from the commercial power supply to a preset power amount

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower distribution optimizationVSAvoidease of setting power amount
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the control parameter from adjusting charge/discharge amounts of the storage battery to directly controlling the power converter that supplies power from the commercial power supply. The controller adjusts the power converter's output based on the difference between the preset power amount and the actual power amount, making it easier to set and control the commercial power supply amount without complex battery charge/discharge management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the amount of power supplied from commercial power supply is controlled to a preset power amount, then system power usage can be optimized, but the control complexity increases when managing multiple power sources

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem power usage efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the control of multiple power sources (commercial power supply and solar power generator) into a single unified control system. The controller manages both power converters and the storage battery together, calculating the required commercial power amount based on load requirements and solar power availability, thereby simplifying the overall control architecture while maintaining efficient power usage across all sources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the controller continuously monitors the actual power amount supplied from the commercial power supply and compares it with the preset power amount. Based on this feedback, the controller adjusts the power converter's operation to eliminate the difference, ensuring accurate power control while automating the management complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 easy adjustment of system power usage, optimizing power distribution between commercial power sources, generators, and storage batteries, ensuring efficient power supply to loads.

Implementation Method 1

a first power converter configured to convert AC power supplied via the first input terminal into DC power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPower conversion (AC to DC): Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a second power converter configured to convert power supplied via the second input terminal into DC power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPower conversion (DC to DC): Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3346570B1Power supply device
Publication Date: 2020.06.10 TOKYO RECTIFIER
  • EP3346570B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3346570B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3346570B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A power supply device comprising: a first input terminal configured to be supplied AC power from a system; a first power converter configured to convert AC power supplied via the first input terminal into DC power; a second input terminal configured to be supplied power from an electric power generator; a second power converter configured to convert power supplied via the second input terminal into DC power; a storage battery; a connection bus connected to an output side of the first power converter, an output side of the second power converter, and the storage battery; an output terminal configured to output some of DC power obtained via the connection bus; and a controller configured to control the first power converter such that the amount of AC power supplied from the system does not exceed an upper limit value.