Shared-Switch Power Supply Circuit for Sequential Load Shedding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power supply circuits for communication base stations are large in size and costly due to the need for multiple contactors with arc extinguishing apparatuses to implement hierarchical power-off of load units, which increases energy consumption and operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A power supply circuit utilizing a combination of first, second, and third switches, where the third switch acts as a shared switch to provide a power-off path, allowing sequential power-off and power-on of load units, reducing the need for arc extinguishing apparatuses and minimizing circuit size and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple contactors with arc extinguishing apparatus are used to implement hierarchical power-off of load units, then the power-off capability and reliability are improved, but the device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power-off function for multiple load units into a single contactor by adding auxiliary switches. The contactor K is shared across all load units, and auxiliary switches SW1-SW4 enable selective disconnection of individual units. This consolidation reduces the number of contactors from multiple to one, decreasing device size and cost while maintaining hierarchical power-off capability through the control unit's sequential switching strategy.
Solution Approach 2:
The contactor K is designed to serve multiple functions by being shared across all load units. Instead of dedicating one contactor per load unit, the single contactor performs the power-off function for any combination of load units through coordinated control with auxiliary switches. This multi-functionality approach reduces component count and system complexity while preserving the ability to selectively power off individual units or groups.
2Reliability
If multiple contactors with arc extinguishing apparatus are used to implement hierarchical power-off of load units, then the power-off capability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power-off function for multiple load units into a single contactor by adding auxiliary switches. The contactor K is shared across all load units, and auxiliary switches SW1-SW4 enable selective disconnection of individual units. This consolidation reduces the number of contactors from multiple to one, decreasing device size and cost while maintaining hierarchical power-off capability through the control unit's sequential switching strategy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive contactors with a combination of one contactor and multiple inexpensive auxiliary switches. The auxiliary switches are simpler, cheaper components that can be easily replaced if needed. This substitution strategy reduces manufacturing cost by using less expensive components (auxiliary switches) in place of multiple expensive contactors, while the single contactor handles the main power interruption function.
3Loss of energy
If sequential power-off of load units is implemented, then energy saving is improved, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit automatically manages the sequential power-off sequence without requiring manual intervention or complex external control systems. When the power supply voltage drops below a threshold, the control unit autonomously detects the condition and executes the sequential disconnection of load units through the auxiliary switches. This self-service approach enables energy saving through automatic load shedding while keeping control complexity manageable by using simple voltage threshold detection and predetermined switching sequences.
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply circuit may include a plurality of first switches, a plurality of second switches, and a third switch. The plurality of first switches may be in a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of load units, and the plurality of second switches may be in a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of load units. A first end of each first switch and a first end of the third switch may be connected to a first end of a direct current power supply, a second end of each first switch may be connected to a first end of a corresponding second switch and a first end of a corresponding load unit, a second end of each second switch may be connected to a second end of the third switch, and a second end of the direct current power supply may be connected to a second end of each load unit.