Bidirectional Semiconductor Switch Bootstrap for Blackout Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switching apparatuses for connecting and disconnecting appliances to a power grid face issues with high control power consumption, audible noise, mechanical wear, limited reliability, and the risk of deadlocks during mains blackouts, which lead to increased costs and potential circuit breaker tripping.
Innovation Solution
A bidirectional semiconductor switch with an ultra-low power bias supply circuit and additional features like a randomizer, watchdog circuits, and metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors or insulated gate bipolar transistors, allowing reliable operation during unlimited mains interruptions and reducing the need for large energy storage components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical relay is used for switching, then the switching function is achieved, but audible noise and mechanical wear occur which mandate avoiding frequent recharging and demand substantial storage capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical relay system with a semiconductor switch (such as a triac or thyristor) that performs the same switching function without mechanical moving parts. This substitution eliminates audible noise and mechanical wear, allowing frequent recharging cycles of the energy storage element without degradation of the switching component.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a semiconductor switch is used to replace mechanical relay, then mechanical wear is eliminated, but dead-lock situations may occur after mains blackout and depletion of energy storage element
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the semiconductor switch automatically detects the mains power status and controls the energy storage element (capacitor) charging and discharging cycles. The switch monitors when mains power is restored and automatically initiates the recharging process without external intervention, preventing dead-lock situations and ensuring reliable operation after blackouts.
3Reliability
If a latching or bi-stable relay is used, then mechanical wear is reduced, but the physical size is large and cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the physically large latching or bi-stable relay mechanism with a compact semiconductor switch circuit. The semiconductor-based solution achieves comparable or superior reliability under mechanical shocks while reducing the physical size, weight, and cost of the switching apparatus, as semiconductor components are inherently smaller and more compact than their mechanical counterparts.
4Productivity
If frequent recharging cycles are performed with mechanical relay, then switching function is maintained, but audible noise and mechanical wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical relay with a semiconductor switch that can be rapidly cycled without incurring mechanical wear or generating audible noise. This allows the system to perform frequent recharging cycles of the energy storage element as needed for optimal performance, without the limitations imposed by mechanical component durability and noise constraints.
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 enables reliable operation of appliances during extended power outages with minimal control power consumption, fewer recharging cycles, and smaller, cheaper energy storage components, preventing circuit breaker tripping and reducing mechanical wear.
Implementation Method 1
a serial connection of the at least one capacitor and a zener diode adapted to limit the supply voltage derived from the power grid
Implementation Method 2
a diode for rectifying the limited supply voltage to obtain the floating auxiliary voltage
Implementation Method 3
at least one capacitor with a storage capacity adapted to supply the control circuit with operating power during a desired duration of interruptions of the power grid
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a bidirectional semiconductor switch (M1, M2) with extremely low control power consumption and a bootstrap circuit which allows reliable start of operation of the switch and the hosting device after unlimited duration of mains interruptions. Intelligent control options are provided by operating from a small energy storage and no extra means are required to recover from a depleted energy storage condition. The absence of audible noise and mechanical wear also enables more frequent recharging cycles and allows smaller and thus cheaper energy storage components.