Reactive Power Supply Circuit with Dynamic Capacitor Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional reactive power supplies dissipate excess power as heat due to being designed to accommodate peak loads, leading to increased operational costs and component stress.

Innovation Solution

A reactive power supply circuit with a capacitor and processor that selectively couples the capacitor to a power source based on detected output levels and load states, using switches to isolate the power source when excess power is detected, thereby controlling power delivery and reducing waste.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the power supply is designed to provide sufficient power to accommodate loads when engaged/active, then the power supply can meet peak power demands, but during normal operating conditions the power supply dissipates excess power as heat

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply capacityVSAvoidexcess power dissipation

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply system dynamically adjusts its power delivery capability by switching between different capacitor configurations (single capacitor, parallel capacitors, series capacitors) based on real-time load conditions. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to match power supply capacity with actual power demand, preventing excess power dissipation while maintaining sufficient power availability during peak loads.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes electrical parameters (capacitance value, voltage level, impedance) by reconfiguring the capacitor network through switch control. By altering these parameters according to load state, the power supply adapts its characteristics to minimize energy loss while maintaining operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If the power supply is designed to accommodate peak loads, then sufficient power is available during activation, but larger components or excessive component de-rating are needed to ensure reliable and safe operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepeak power capabilityVSAvoidcomponent size and de-rating requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply system segments the capacitor bank into multiple discrete capacitor units that can be independently switched. This segmentation allows the system to activate only the necessary number of capacitors based on load requirements, avoiding the need for oversized components that would be required if all capacitors were permanently connected to handle peak loads.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically reconfigures the capacitor network topology (parallel, series, or single capacitor operation) based on real-time power demands. This dynamic adaptation eliminates the need for fixed oversized components, as the system only provisions the necessary power capacity when needed, reducing component stress and improving reliability without excessive de-rating.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Loss of energy

If switches are used to selectively couple capacitors to the power source, then power delivery can be optimized, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower efficiencyVSAvoidswitch control circuitry

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs feedback control where the controller monitors power supply conditions and load state, then automatically adjusts switch configuration to optimize power delivery. This feedback mechanism enables intelligent power management that reduces energy loss while keeping the control logic relatively simple, as the system responds automatically to changing conditions without requiring complex predictive algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 solution reduces circuit heating, enhances safety and reliability by optimizing power usage, and extends the operational lifetime of components by minimizing unnecessary power dissipation.

Implementation Method 1

a capacitor configured to provide an output of the power supply circuit based on power received from a power source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

a processor configured to control the output based on at least one of: a state of a first switch that selectively couples the capacitor to the power source based on a detected level of the output

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVoltage detection:

Implementation Method 3

a switch coupled to the power source and configured to selectively isolate the power source from a remainder of the power supply circuit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical isolation:

Data Source

PatentUS9547348B2Reactive power supply

Publication Date: 2017.01.17 KIDDE WALTER PORTABLE EQUIPMENT INC

AI summary

Embodiments are directed to a reactive power supply circuit comprising: a capacitor configured to provide an output of the power supply circuit based on power received from a power source, a processor configured to control the output based on at least one of: a state of a first switch that selectively couples the capacitor to the power source based on a detected level of the output, and a state of at least one second switch that selectively couples the capacitor to the power source based on a determination of a state of one or more loads coupled to the output.