Solid-State Automatic Transfer Switch for Reliable Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical automatic transfer switches in facilities, such as data centers, face reliability issues due to mechanical component failures, delayed switching, and power interruptions, which can affect electrical devices and disrupt operations.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state automatic transfer switch using controllable semi-conductor switches in rectifier circuits to seamlessly switch between primary and secondary power sources without mechanical components, providing direct current power to downstream loads and reducing conversion losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical automatic transfer switches are used to switch between primary and back-up power systems, then power transfer functionality is achieved, but reliability deteriorates due to mechanical component failures and delayed switching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical switches with solid-state power electronic devices (thyristors, transistors, or IGBTs) to perform power transfer between primary and back-up power systems. This eliminates mechanical components that are prone to failure and delayed operation, achieving instantaneous switching without moving parts while maintaining the essential power transfer functionality.
2Speed
If mechanical switches are used in automatic transfer switches, then power switching capability is provided, but operation speed deteriorates due to delayed switching during power loss events
Solution Approach 1:
The invention substitutes mechanical switching mechanisms with solid-state power electronic switches that can respond instantaneously to power loss conditions. These electronic switches eliminate the inherent mechanical delay in opening and closing contacts, enabling immediate power transfer to maintain continuous supply to critical loads.
3Reliability
If fully redundant back-up power systems are implemented in each server room, then power supply reliability is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a shared back-up power system that can serve multiple primary power systems simultaneously. The solid-state automatic transfer switch enables this shared back-up system to rapidly switch between different primary sources and provide power to multiple server rooms, eliminating the need for separate fully redundant back-up systems in each location while maintaining reliability through fast electronic switching capability.
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
Enhances reliability by rapid and accurate switching, reduces power conversion losses, and limits disruptions during power interruptions, thereby maintaining stable electrical supply to critical loads.
Implementation Method 1
The primary rectifier circuit or the secondary rectifier circuit includes a controllable semi-conductor switch configured to selectively allow or prevent electrical power to flow through the controllable semi-conductor switch, based on a control state of the controllable semi-conductor switch
Implementation Method 2
A solid-state automatic transfer switch includes a primary rectifier circuit electrically coupled to a primary input of the automatic transfer switch and a secondary rectifier circuit electrically coupled to a secondary input of the automatic transfer switch
Data Source
AI summary
A solid-state automatic transfer switch includes a primary rectifier circuit and a secondary rectifier circuit, wherein at least one of the rectifier circuits includes one or more controllable semi-conductor switches. The primary rectifier circuit is electrically coupled to a primary input and an output of the solid-state automatic transfer switch. Also, the secondary rectifier circuit is electrically coupled to a secondary input of the solid-state automatic transfer switch and the output. A controller controls a control state of the controllable semi-conductor switches to allow or prevent electrical power from flowing through the primary or secondary rectifier circuits, thus selectively controlling whether power is fed from the primary input or the secondary input of the solid-state automatic transfer switch to the output of the solid-state automatic transfer switch.