Sequential Power Switching for Stable Communication Facility Startup
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Solution Overview
Problem
In large-scale communication systems, managing multiple independent communication facilities requires stable power supply to prevent failures and ensure continuous operation, but starting or stopping power supply to multiple facilities simultaneously can lead to instability and overload, especially due to inrush currents, making manual operation necessary even for skilled managers.
Innovation Solution
A power source supply control device and method that includes controllable switch units, power source monitor units, and a switch control unit to sequentially manage power supply to communication facilities based on predetermined conditions, ensuring stable operation by monitoring and stabilizing the power source state before switching on/off, thereby preventing overload and ensuring stable facility operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If power source electric power supply is started simultaneously to multiple communication facilities, then the operation time is shortened, but the main power source becomes overloaded and unstable due to inrush currents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the simultaneous power supply operation into segmented sequential operations. The control device controls power supply to each communication facility one after another in a predetermined sequence, rather than all at once. This segmentation of the power supply process prevents the main power source from being overloaded by multiple inrush currents simultaneously, while still achieving relatively quick overall startup by maintaining a short interval between sequential supplies.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device performs preliminary action by determining and setting a predetermined sequence for power supply to multiple communication facilities before actual operation. This preliminary sequencing allows the system to prepare the optimal startup order that balances speed and stability requirements, ensuring that facilities are powered in an order that minimizes impact on the main power source while achieving quick overall startup.
2Reliability
If manual operation is used to control power supply to communication facilities, then the power supply stability is maintained, but the operation complexity and human error risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control device enables self-service operation by automatically executing the predetermined power supply sequence without requiring manual intervention. The device independently controls the timing and sequence of power supply to each communication facility according to the pre-set program, eliminating the need for operators to manually switch facilities one by one. This maintains the stability benefits of sequential control while removing operational complexity and human error risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual switching operation with an automated electronic control system. Instead of operators physically manipulating switches or relays in sequence, the control device uses electronic control signals to automatically manage the power supply sequence. This substitution maintains the controlled sequential operation for stability while eliminating the complexity and potential errors associated with manual mechanical operations.
3Ease of operation
If the power supply sequence is not controlled, then the operation is simplified, but communication facilities may not operate in the assumed stable state
Solution Approach 1:
The control device performs preliminary action by establishing a predetermined power supply sequence that ensures communication facilities are powered in the correct order for stable operation. This pre-planned sequencing guarantees that facilities dependent on other facilities are powered only after their dependencies are established, maintaining the assumed stable state. The automation of this predetermined sequence keeps the operation simple while ensuring reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device incorporates feedback mechanisms to monitor the operational state of communication facilities and adjust the power supply sequence accordingly. By detecting whether facilities are properly initialized and stable before powering subsequent facilities, the system ensures that the predetermined sequence is effectively executed. This feedback control maintains facility stability while keeping the overall operation automated and simple.
Data Source
AI summary
A power source supply control device supplies electric power to independent loads from a common main power source or main power sources. The control device includes: switch units configured to switch electric power supply to the loads from the main power source; a plurality of power source monitor units each configured to monitor a power source state in each of power source lines at a downstream side of the switch units; and a switch control unit configured to control each of the switch units sequentially. The switch control unit specifies a switching order to the loads according to a predetermined state, and switches the switch unit that controls energization to a second load, after a power source meets a predetermined condition, based on output of the power source monitor unit that monitors electric power supply to a first load whose switching order is earlier than the second load.