PWM Electronic Switch for Fault Current Limiting in Power Supply
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic switches in energy supply systems lack the ability to manage faults effectively, often requiring sudden disconnection to prevent overloading, which can lead to unnecessary shutdowns and potential damage, especially in AC and DC voltage networks.
Innovation Solution
An electronic switch utilizing pulse width modulation to control current flow, allowing for reduced power transmission during faults, with a semiconductor configuration that enables independent current switching and a diode/capacitor arrangement for overvoltage protection, and a current sensor for dynamic regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sudden disconnection is used to prevent overloading, then protection against damage is improved, but system availability deteriorates due to unnecessary shutdowns
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic switch dynamically adjusts its switching behavior based on real-time system conditions. Instead of fixed sudden disconnection, the system continuously monitors current and power levels, adjusting the switching state to maintain operation within safe limits while avoiding unnecessary shutdowns, thus resolving the contradiction between protection and availability
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (switching frequency, duty cycle) based on measured current and power levels. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system can reduce power transmission during faults without complete disconnection, maintaining system availability while preventing damage through controlled parameter modification
2Speed
If electronic switches are used for fast switching, then switching speed is improved, but control capability during faults deteriorates due to lack of gradual power reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic switch employs dynamic control where the switching frequency and duty cycle are continuously adjusted based on real-time measurements of current and power. This dynamic behavior enables both fast switching response and gradual power reduction during faults, resolving the contradiction between switching speed and control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from current sensors and power measurements to continuously adjust switching parameters. This closed-loop control enables the electronic switch to maintain fast response while adapting power transmission levels during faults, providing both speed and versatility in fault management
3Device complexity
If mechanical switches are used for protection, then simplicity is improved, but switching speed deteriorates and requires current zero crossing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical switches with electronic switching components that can operate without mechanical movement. This substitution eliminates the need for current zero-crossing and mechanical wear, achieving both fast switching speed and simplified maintenance while maintaining protective functionality through electronic control
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to an electronic switch (1) having a semiconductor switch (2) comprising a control circuit (3). To improve the electronic switch (1), according to the invention, the control circuit (3) is designed to operate the semiconductor switch (2) by pulse-width modulation. The invention also relates to a power supply system (10) having an electronic switch (1) of this type, the electronic switch (1) isolatingly connecting a first part (21) of the power supply system (10) to a second part (22) of the power supply system (10). The invention further relates to a method for operating an electronic switch (1) of this type, or a power supply system (10) of this type, wherein the semiconductor switch (2) of the electronic switch (1) is controlled, at least intermittently, by pulse-width modulation.