Solid-State Transfer Switch for Fast Dual-Power Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional dual-power transfer switches have long switching times due to their mechanical structure, making them unsuitable for sensitive loads, and require additional components like UPS for uninterrupted power supply, increasing system complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state automatic transfer switch with a power supply gating module, an isolation & inverter module, and a control module that detects circuit states to efficiently manage power switching between input terminals, reducing power-off time and enabling continuous power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mechanical transfer switch is used, then the switching operation can be performed manually, but the device complexity increases and automatic operation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical transfer switch with a solid-state switching system using solid-state relays (SSR). The mechanical moving contacts are eliminated and replaced with solid-state switching elements controlled by a microprocessor. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while enabling automatic operation through electronic control signals, resolving the contradiction between ease of manual operation and device complexity.
2Reliability
If a mechanical transfer switch with moving contacts is used, then switching can be performed, but contact erosion occurs reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical moving contacts by using solid-state relays for switching operations. The solid-state switching elements (such as triacs or transistors) have no physical contacts that can erode, thereby completely preventing contact erosion and extending the operational life of the transfer switch. This directly resolves the reliability issue caused by mechanical contact degradation.
3Device complexity
If a mechanical transfer switch is used, then the structure is simple, but the switching speed is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical switching mechanisms with solid-state electronic switching. Solid-state relays can switch on and off in milliseconds, significantly faster than mechanical contacts which require physical movement. The microprocessor controls the solid-state relays to achieve rapid switching between power sources, resolving the speed limitation while accepting increased electronic complexity.
4Reliability
If automatic transfer switching is implemented, then operational reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a microprocessor-based control system as an intermediary that manages the automatic transfer switching logic. The microprocessor monitors voltage conditions, controls solid-state relays, and manages the transfer sequence, thereby achieving automatic operation without requiring complex mechanical interlocking mechanisms. This electronic intermediary simplifies the overall control architecture while enabling reliable automatic transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control where the microprocessor continuously monitors the voltage status of both power sources and adjusts the switching operation accordingly. The system detects voltage sags, outages, and recovery conditions, and automatically initiates transfer or restoration operations based on real-time conditions. This feedback mechanism enables reliable automatic operation with a relatively simple control structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
A solid-state automatic transfer switch and an operating method thereof is provided. The solid-state automatic transfer switch may include: a first input terminal, configured to input a first power supply; a second input terminal, configured to input a second power supply; a power supply gating module, including a solid-state switch and configured to gate one of the first power supply and the second power supply as a current gated power supply; an isolation & inverter module, configured to generate an isolation & inverter power supply based on control of a control module; a control module, configured to detect a circuit state and control, based on a result of the detecting, switching of the current gated power supply by the power supply gating module; and a power supply output terminal, configured to output at least one of the current gated power supply and the isolation & inverter power supply.