Power Source Transfer Circuit With Neutral Overlap Bypass Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power source transfer systems face challenges in efficiently switching between multiple power sources while maintaining continuous and reliable power supply to loads, particularly in data centers, due to issues with neutral line overlapping duration and neutral-ground voltage control.

Innovation Solution

A power source transfer circuit is introduced, comprising a first switch, a second switch, and a bypass switch connected in parallel to the second switch on a neutral line. This configuration allows for precise control of neutral overlapping duration during switching among multiple power sources, utilizing a combination of solid-state and mechanical switches to achieve fast and reliable power source transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a mechanical switch is used for power source transfer, then the device structure is simple and reliable, but the switching speed is slow and neutral overlapping duration is long

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching speedVSAvoiddevice structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines mechanical switches and solid-state switches in a hybrid configuration. The mechanical switch provides structural simplicity and reliability, while the solid-state switch (bypass switch) provides fast switching capability. Both switch types work together to achieve both simplicity and speed requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The solid-state bypass switch acts as an intermediary component that bridges the gap between the slow mechanical switch and the requirement for fast switching. It provides a parallel path for current during transition, enabling rapid switching without compromising the simplicity of the mechanical switch structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the neutral line connection is maintained during switching, then the neutral-ground voltage is stable, but the neutral overlapping duration becomes too long causing power quality issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveneutral-ground voltage stabilityVSAvoidneutral overlapping duration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control of the neutral line connection through the bypass switch. The connection state changes dynamically during switching: initially connected for stability, then rapidly disconnected by the bypass switch to reduce overlapping duration. This dynamic approach balances stability and time requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The bypass switch is pre-configured and ready to act immediately when switching is initiated. It provides a predetermined fast-acting path that can be activated to rapidly reduce the neutral overlapping duration, preventing power quality issues before they occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Speed

If solid-state switches are used for both switches, then the switching speed is fast, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching speedVSAvoiddevice structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different switch types in different locations based on specific requirements. The bypass switch (where fast switching is critical) uses solid-state technology, while the main power switch (where structural simplicity is more important) uses mechanical technology. This localized application optimizes both speed and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS12334773B2Power source transfer circuit
Publication Date: 2025.06.17 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IND SAS
  • US12334773B2 patent drawing
  • US12334773B2 patent drawing
  • US12334773B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention discloses a power source transfer circuit for switching among a plurality of power sources to supply power to a load. The power source transfer circuit includes a first switch, a second switch and a bypass switch, wherein one of the plurality of power sources supplies power to the load via the first switch and the second switch, and wherein the bypass switch is connected in parallel to the second switch on a neutral line and is configured to control neutral overlapping duration during switching among the plurality of power sources. The power source transfer circuit including a bypass switch provided by the present disclosure can reduce the neutral overlapping duration to microseconds during power source transfer, so as to realize fast and reliable response.