Redundant module with symmetrical current paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing redundancy modules in redundant power supplies lead to unequal loads on parallel-operated power units, reducing their service life and lack monitoring capabilities for decoupling diodes and redundancy functionality.
Innovation Solution
A redundancy module with separate current paths for each power supply, equipped with measuring elements and actuators for regulating path currents and voltage drops, allowing for active decoupling and symmetrical current distribution, and a control device for monitoring and regulation, potentially eliminating the need for decoupling diodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If decoupling diodes are used to prevent short-circuit currents, then reliability is improved, but power loss increases due to forward voltage drop
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical parameters of the decoupling element by using a MOSFET with dynamically adjustable resistance instead of a fixed diode. The MOSFET operates in its linear region with resistance controlled by gate voltage, allowing optimization of both voltage drop and current blocking capability. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by enabling low resistance during normal operation (reducing power loss) while maintaining reliable short-circuit protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control of the decoupling element through a control device that monitors system state and adjusts MOSFET gate voltage accordingly. During normal operation, the MOSFET maintains low resistance for minimal power loss. Upon detecting a short-circuit condition, the control device increases gate voltage to create a high voltage barrier. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between maintaining low power loss and ensuring reliable short-circuit prevention.
2Reliability
If redundant power supplies operate in parallel, then availability is improved, but load distribution becomes uneven causing premature failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a control device that continuously monitors the operating state of each power supply and adjusts the decoupling element resistance accordingly. This feedback mechanism detects uneven load distribution and actively compensates by adjusting individual power supply contributions, ensuring balanced load sharing. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining parallel operation for high availability while preventing premature failure through active load balancing.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device performs multiple functions: it monitors system state, detects faults, balances load distribution, and controls decoupling elements. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain parallel operation for availability while simultaneously managing load distribution to extend power supply lifespan, resolving the contradiction through integrated control.
3Reliability
If decoupling diodes are used to ensure redundancy, then reliability is improved, but monitoring capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The control device continuously monitors the state of decoupling elements and power supplies through feedback signals. It detects voltage levels, current flow, and fault conditions, providing real-time information about redundancy functionality. This feedback capability resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliable decoupling protection while enabling comprehensive monitoring of system state and fault detection.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a redundancy module for decoupling short-circuit currents in a redundant power supply. In this case, the redundancy module comprises at least two power supply units, the number of inputs corresponding at least to the number of power supply units. The inputs are each routed via a separate current path to a common current node of an output for providing an output current. Each of the current paths forms a decoupling path, in which each decoupling path is assigned at least one measuring element for measuring the input voltage, the input current and/or the input power and an actuator for regulation.