Parallel Semiconductor Switch Power Breaker with Dynamic Threshold Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power breaker apparatuses with parallel semiconductor switches face issues of erroneous interception and increased cost due to the need for current detection devices in each parallel circuit, leading to potential failures and complex on/off control when high currents flow.
Innovation Solution
A power breaker apparatus with a current measuring part, an interception part comprising parallel semiconductor switches, and a control part that compares current values with a threshold and adjusts the interception threshold value based on failure detection, allowing for simple suppression of erroneous interceptions and continued power supply even if one switch fails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple current detection devices are provided in each parallel circuit to prevent overcurrent, then overcurrent protection is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the current detection function into a single shared detection device that monitors the total current through the parallel circuit. The control unit then distributes the current threshold check across multiple semiconductor switches, eliminating the need for separate current detection devices in each parallel branch while maintaining overcurrent protection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls the on/off state of multiple semiconductor switches, monitors the current through the shared detection device, and dynamically adjusts the current threshold based on the operational status of individual switches. This multi-functional design replaces what would otherwise require multiple specialized detection and control devices.
2Reliability
If on/off control is performed in every parallel circuit to prevent overcurrent, then overcurrent protection is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control function into a single centralized control unit that manages all semiconductor switches. Instead of having independent control circuits in each parallel branch, the control unit coordinates the on/off states of all switches based on the shared current detection and switch status feedback, significantly reducing control complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit changes the current threshold parameter dynamically based on the operational status of semiconductor switches. By adjusting this key parameter rather than implementing complex control logic in each parallel circuit, the system achieves effective overcurrent protection with simpler overall control architecture.
3Device complexity
If a single current detection device is used for parallel circuits, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to detect individual switch failures decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit implements a feedback mechanism that monitors the on/off state of each semiconductor switch individually. This feedback allows the control unit to detect when a specific switch fails or becomes non-functional, even though only a single current detection device is used for measuring total current through the parallel circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that translates the shared current detection data combined with individual switch status feedback into actionable information. It determines which specific switch has failed by analyzing the relationship between total current measurements and the expected current distribution across parallel branches, enabling failure detection without individual current sensors.
Data Source
AI summary
A power breaker apparatus which performs energization and interception between a power supply and a load, includes a current measuring part which measures a current value flowing in a power line supplying electric power from the power supply to the load, an interception part disposed in the power line and including a plurality of semiconductor switches connected in parallel to each other, a control part comparing the current value measured in the current measuring part with an interception threshold value and, controlling on/off of the plurality of the semiconductor switches according to a comparison result, and a failure detection part which detects a potential on an output side of the interception part so that the control part checks for a failure of the semiconductor switches.