Power Supply Control Apparatus Stuck-Open Switch Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The power supply control apparatus fails to detect a stuck-opened state of the inter-system switch, leading to insufficient state of charge in the second power supply and potential failure in backup operations.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a failure determination unit that monitors the frequency of return control and ground fault detection repetitions to determine if the inter-system switch is in a stuck-opened state, allowing for timely intervention and preventing unnecessary discharge of the second power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the inter-system switch is in a stuck-opened state, then the second power supply cannot be charged, but the system continues to operate without detecting the fault
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control unit monitors the charging status of the second power supply through voltage or current detection. When the inter-system switch is stuck-opened, the feedback signal indicates abnormal charging status, triggering an alarm or protective action. This resolves the contradiction by providing reliable fault detection without requiring complex additional hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its existing monitoring and control units to simultaneously perform both normal operation control and switch state detection. The control unit leverages existing voltage/current sensors to detect the stuck-opened state of the inter-system switch, eliminating the need for separate detection devices and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If the second power supply is used for backup, then the state of charge must be sufficient, but the stuck-opened switch prevents charging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary detection of the inter-system switch state before the second power supply is needed for backup operations. By continuously monitoring the charging status and detecting stuck-opened states early, the system can trigger alarms or protective actions in advance, ensuring the backup power availability is maintained and preventing insufficient state of charge conditions.
3Measurement precision
If the system continuously monitors for ground faults, then ground faults can be detected, but the stuck-opened state cannot be distinguished from normal operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the monitoring functions into distinct detection modes: ground fault detection through voltage monitoring and switch state detection through charging status monitoring. By separating these functions and using different detection criteria for each, the system can accurately identify both ground faults and stuck-opened switch states without confusion, preserving complete system state information.
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply control apparatus includes: a first system configured to supply electric power of a first power supply to a first load; a second system configured to supply electric power of a second power supply to a second load; an inter-system switch capable of connecting the first system to the second system and disconnecting the first system from the second system; a battery switch capable of connecting the second power supply to the second system and disconnecting the second power supply from the second system; a primary ground fault detection unit configured to cut off the inter-system switch and conduct the battery switch when a ground fault of the first system or the second system is detected by the primary ground fault detection unit; a secondary ground fault detection unit as defined herein; and a failure determination unit as defined herein.