Automatic Transfer Switching Circuit With Auxiliary Power Path
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current mechanical and solid-state ATS circuits face issues such as mechanical switch damage from arcing, short lifespan, power grid circulation, and high product costs, particularly in the switching element.
Innovation Solution
A switching circuit with a main power supply circuit and an auxiliary power supply circuit, utilizing power electronic switches and convert circuits, reduces the number of power switching elements by 50% while preventing arcing and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a mechanical structure is used for ATS circuit, then the switching element cost is reduced, but the mechanical switch suffers from breaking and arcing causing damage, short lifespan, and power grid circulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical switching element with a power electronic switch (such as IGBT or MOSFET) in the main power loop. This substitution eliminates the mechanical contacts that suffer from arcing and breaking, thereby solving the reliability and lifespan issues while maintaining cost-effectiveness through the use of solid-state devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an auxiliary power supply circuit with a convert circuit as an intermediary during the switching transition. This intermediary circuit provides a bypass path for the load, allowing the main power switch to change states without causing direct arcing or power grid circulation between the power sources, thus protecting the mechanical or solid-state switch from damage.
2Reliability
If a solid-state structure is used for ATS circuit, then the mechanical switch damage from arcing is prevented, but the product cost especially the switching element cost on the main power loop becomes high
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary power supply circuit acts as a mediator during power source switching. It includes a first switch connected to the first power source, a second switch connected to the second power source, and a convert circuit that provides a controlled transition path. This intermediary structure allows the use of more economical power electronic switches in the main loop by managing the switching transitions externally, thereby reducing overall cost while maintaining durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the power supply system into a main power supply circuit and an auxiliary power supply circuit. The main circuit uses cost-effective power electronic switches for normal operation, while the auxiliary circuit with its own switches and convert circuit handles the switching transitions. This segmentation allows the expensive high-reliability switching components to be used only when necessary for transition control, reducing overall product cost while maintaining reliability.
3Ease of manufacture
If a mechanical structure is used for ATS circuit, then the product cost is reduced, but power grid circulation and mechanical switch damage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The convert circuit in the auxiliary power supply circuit serves as an intermediary that controls the power flow during switching transitions. It prevents direct connection between the two power sources that would cause power grid circulation and arcing. The convert circuit manages the energy transfer smoothly, eliminating the harmful effects while keeping the overall system cost-effective through efficient power management.
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing mechanical switches with power electronic switches in the main power loop, the patent eliminates the physical contacts that generate arcing. The solid-state switching devices control power flow electronically without mechanical wear or electrical arcing, thereby eliminating the harmful factors while maintaining cost efficiency through reduced maintenance and higher reliability.
4Reliability
If power electronic switches are used in the main power loop, then arcing is prevented, but the number of power switching elements increases and product cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the switching functions between the main power supply circuit and the auxiliary power supply circuit. The main circuit requires only one power electronic switch for normal operation, reducing the number of expensive switching elements. The auxiliary circuit provides the additional switching capability needed for transitions, distributing the complexity across two simpler circuits rather than one complex circuit with multiple switches in the main loop.
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a switching circuit including a main power supply circuit connected between power sources and a load, wherein the power sources include a first power source and a second power source, and the main power supply circuit includes a transfer switch connected between the power sources and the load and configured to switch between the first power source and the second power source; and a power electronic switch for turning on or off the main power supply circuit, wherein the power electronic switch is connected between the transfer switch and the load.