Microprocessor-Controlled SCR Voltage Regulator for Load Sharing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing voltage regulation circuits face issues with unequal load sharing among rectifier components, voltage droop due to cable and connector losses, and voltage rebound after reduced power demand, leading to inefficiencies and component failure.

Innovation Solution

The proposed voltage regulator circuit employs SCR load sharing, adaptive voltage droop compensation, and voltage rebound compensation through a microprocessor-controlled three-phase rectifier circuit that monitors AC inputs, adjusts SCR triggering, and uses software averaging to mitigate voltage losses and overshooting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional bridge rectification circuit with SCRs is used for voltage rectification and regulation, then economical and robust switching component is achieved, but unequal load sharing between rectifier components occurs leading to component failure

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSCR lifespanVSAvoidload sharing equality
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the microprocessor monitors the voltage output and SCR conduction states, then adjusts the triggering signals to each SCR accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that load current is distributed equally among all SCRs, preventing any single SCR from being overloaded and extending component lifespan while maintaining reliable operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic SCR triggering control where the microprocessor continuously adjusts the firing timing and duration of each SCR based on real-time voltage measurements and load conditions. This dynamic adjustment ensures equal load sharing across all rectifier components under varying operating conditions, resolving the unequal load distribution problem inherent in conventional static rectification circuits

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If conventional voltage regulation circuit is used, then simple circuit structure is maintained, but voltage droop occurs due to battery cable and connector losses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage measurement accuracyVSAvoidcircuit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a sense wire as an intermediary element that provides a direct voltage measurement path from the battery terminal to the microprocessor, bypassing the corroded connectors and cables. This separate measurement path accurately reflects the actual battery voltage without being affected by connection losses, enabling precise voltage regulation while maintaining the overall simplicity of the circuit architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the voltage measurement function from the main power delivery path by using a dedicated sense wire and separate measurement circuitry. This segmentation allows accurate voltage sensing independent of the condition of power connections, addressing voltage droop measurement errors without requiring complete redesign of the power distribution system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional voltage regulation circuit is used, then basic rectification function is provided, but voltage rebound occurs when power demand is significantly reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower demand adaptationVSAvoidvoltage stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by having the microprocessor continuously monitor voltage trends and predict voltage rebound conditions before they occur. When the system detects a significant reduction in power demand, it proactively adjusts the SCR triggering to prevent overcharging and voltage overshoot, thereby maintaining voltage stability during transient load changes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses feedback control where the microprocessor continuously monitors the battery voltage and adjusts SCR conduction in real-time. When voltage rebound is detected or anticipated following a load reduction, the feedback mechanism immediately modifies the rectification duty cycle to counteract the voltage rise, ensuring stable voltage output under dynamically changing load conditions

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 ensures equal load sharing among SCRs, compensates for voltage droop and rebound, reducing component stress and improving overall power handling efficiency, thereby extending SCR lifespan and maintaining stable electrical output.

Implementation Method 1

Most electrical power generators, such as those driven by internal combustion engines, are alternating current generators that utilize alternating magnetic fields to induce electrical power in one or more alternating current phases.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

A common rectification circuit that interfaces to an alternating-current generator (ACG) is a bridge rectification circuit that employs silicon controlled rectifiers (SCRs).

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRectification: Diode

Data Source

PatentUS8681521B2Voltage regulator
Publication Date: 2014.03.25 TRUMPET HLDG
  • US8681521B2 patent drawing
  • US8681521B2 patent drawing
  • US8681521B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided are improvements for systems and methods of alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) power regulation. The system improvements include a regulation circuit having a microprocessor that controls a silicon controlled rectifier circuit. Method improvements include one or more of SCR load sharing, adaptive voltage droop compensation, and/or voltage rebound compensation.