Automated Power Supply Switching Block Controller

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power supply arrangements with renewable sources face challenges in automatically switching to the grid when the local power source fails, leading to potential safety risks and inefficiencies due to manual operation of bypass switches, which can result in incorrect switching positions.

Innovation Solution

A power supply arrangement with a controller that automates the switching block to connect or disconnect the load from the power source or grid based on the condition of the power source, eliminating the need for manual intervention and ensuring safe and efficient power distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a manual bypass switch is used to disconnect the load from the power source and connect to the grid, then the system provides safety precaution capability, but the ease of operation deteriorates because manual switching is inconvenient and risks incorrect positioning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety precaution capabilityVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The bypass switch is equipped with an actuator that automatically detects power source failures and performs switching operations without manual intervention. The system monitors the operational status of the power source and autonomously connects the load to the grid when the power source fails, eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining safety functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical bypass switch is replaced with an automated switching mechanism controlled by an actuator. The actuator uses electrical or electronic control signals to operate the switch, replacing the need for manual mechanical operation while maintaining the same safety isolation function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If automated switching is implemented to improve ease of operation, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator serves multiple functions: it monitors the operational status of the power source, detects failures, controls the bypass switch positioning, and provides status indication. By consolidating these functions into a single component, the system achieves automation without proportionally increasing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control functions for detecting power source status and operating the bypass switch are merged into an integrated actuator unit. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components needed while achieving the desired automated operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11139656B2Power supply arrangement

Publication Date: 2021.10.05 DELTA ELECTRONICS (THAILAND) PUBLIC CO LTD

AI summary

The present application relates to a power supply arrangement comprising a power source and a switching arrangement. The switching arrangement includes a switching block, wherein the switching block includes a source interface for connecting the power source, a load interface for connecting a load and a grid interface for connecting a power grid. The switching arrangement includes further a controller for controlling the switching block in dependency of the condition of the power source. The switching arrangement is implemented as a unit separate from the power source. The power supply arrangement comprises further a monitoring device for monitoring the condition of the power source.