Power Supply Inrush Current Reduction via Capacitor Voltage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power supply apparatuses experience high inrush currents when charging or discharging storage cells, which can lead to inefficiencies and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A power supply apparatus with a first capacitor disposed between a solar cell and a storage cell, and a controller that charges the capacitor from the solar cell or power grid, then electrically connects the storage cell only after the capacitor's voltage exceeds the storage cell's voltage, reducing the need for the storage cell to charge the capacitor and minimizing inrush currents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the storage cell relay is turned on to charge or discharge the storage cell, then the storage cell can be used for power supply, but a large inrush current flows from the storage cell to the capacitor and other circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The controller charges the capacitor with power from the solar cell or power grid before electrically connecting the storage cell to the capacitor. This preliminary charging action ensures the capacitor voltage exceeds the storage cell voltage, preventing inrush current when the storage cell relay is activated.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitor acts as an intermediary between the solar cell/power grid and the storage cell. By controlling the charging sequence through the controller, the capacitor mediates the voltage difference, allowing safe electrical connection of the storage cell without direct exposure to potential inrush current conditions.
2Reliability
If the storage cell charges the capacitor, then the capacitor voltage is established, but this process causes inrush current and delays immediate use of the storage cell
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the storage cell charge the capacitor (which causes inrush current), the invention inverts the charging direction by using the solar cell or power grid to charge the capacitor first. This reversal eliminates the harmful inrush current while establishing the necessary voltage conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller performs preliminary charging of the capacitor using external power sources (solar cell or power grid) before activating the storage cell relay. This preliminary action prepares the circuit in advance, allowing immediate use of the storage cell without delay or inrush current issues.
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
This approach effectively reduces inrush currents and allows for immediate use of the storage cell, enhancing efficiency and safety by eliminating the need for the storage cell to charge the capacitor, and also reduces inrush currents during power outages.
Implementation Method 1
a first capacitor and a controller. The first capacitor is disposed between the solar cell and the storage cell
Implementation Method 2
convert DC power from a solar cell and a rechargeable storage cell into AC power
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure reduces the occurrence of an inrush current upon electrical connection of a storage cell, allowing immediate use. A power supply apparatus is configured to convert DC power from a solar cell and a storage cell into AC power and includes: a first capacitor disposed between the solar cell and the storage cell; and a controller configured to charge the first capacitor with power from the solar cell or a power grid and, after a first voltage of the first capacitor exceeds a second voltage of the storage cell, to electrically connect the storage cell with the first capacitor.