Reverse Power Feed PSU Shared Transformer Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current reverse power feeding (RPF) power supply units (PSUs) for distribution point units (DPUs) are bulky and expensive due to the need for multiple independent converters, power transformers, and components, which complicates power sharing and galvanic isolation over twisted-pair copper wiring.
Innovation Solution
A compact RPF PSU design that shares a common magnetic core among multiple power converters, utilizing a transformer with a single secondary winding and multiple primary windings, along with delay and observer circuitry to prevent simultaneous activation and implement time division multiplexing for fair power sharing, reducing the number of components and size while ensuring equal power distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple independent converters with separate transformers and components are used for reverse power feeding, then galvanic isolation and power conversion are achieved, but device size and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple independent power converters into a single integrated unit with one shared transformer. Instead of using separate transformers for each converter, the invention uses a single transformer with multiple primary windings that serves all converters, thereby reducing the overall size and component count while maintaining galvanic isolation through the transformer's inherent design
Solution Approach 2:
The shared transformer is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - it provides galvanic isolation for all converters, enables power conversion from multiple input sources, and facilitates fair power sharing among competing input ports. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function
2Reliability
If multiple independent converters with separate transformers are used, then full galvanic isolation between converters is ensured, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate transformer units into a single integrated transformer with multiple primary windings. This consolidation reduces the number of discrete components while maintaining galvanic isolation through the transformer's magnetic coupling design, where each primary winding remains electrically isolated from the others while sharing the common magnetic core and secondary winding
Solution Approach 2:
The transformer is segmented into multiple primary windings that can be independently controlled and activated. Each primary winding corresponds to a specific input port and can be independently switched on or off, allowing the system to selectively activate only the required converters while sharing the common transformer structure
3Volume of moving object
If a compact shared transformer design is used, then PSU size and cost are reduced, but simultaneous activation of multiple converters must be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuitry implements preliminary detection and arbitration before activating any converter. When multiple input ports simultaneously provide power, the system detects this condition in advance and activates only one converter through a predetermined selection process, preventing simultaneous activation that would cause conflicts in the shared transformer design
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuitry acts as an intermediary between multiple input ports and the shared transformer. It mediates the power contribution from each input port by selectively enabling or disabling converters, ensuring fair power sharing and preventing conflicts while allowing the compact shared transformer design to function properly
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent converters are used, then power sharing between CPEs is achieved, but the number of components and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent converter units into a single integrated converter with multiple controllable primary windings. This allows the system to maintain power sharing capability by selectively activating different primary windings based on input availability, while reducing the total number of physical components through the shared transformer and common control circuitry
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
The solution results in a smaller, more cost-effective PSU that efficiently powers DPUs over twisted-pair copper wiring, achieving well-regulated output voltage with reduced magnetic material usage and accurate power sharing among multiple input ports.
Implementation Method 1
at least one transformer comprising a plurality of primary windings and one secondary winding that is shared by the plurality of power converters
Data Source
AI summary
A reverse power feeding (RPF) power supply unit (PSU) for remote network distribution point unit (DPU) that is reverse powered from multiple customer premise equipments (CPEs). A plurality of power converters, each having a different primary winding and sharing a common secondary winding of a transformer at the PSU, wherein only one of the power converters is operated at a time to provide a desired output voltage.