Electronic Trip Unit Power Supply With Fast Wake-Up Switchover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing circuit breakers with electronic trip units face challenges in efficiently and quickly supplying energy during wake-up phases while minimizing power loss and requiring additional components for switchover.
Innovation Solution
A power supply circuit combining a linear regulator and a switching regulator, connected in parallel, with a Power Good output and Disable input, automatically switches to the switching regulator upon reaching the target output voltage, minimizing capacitive load and power loss, and ensuring rapid energy supply to the electronic trip unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a linear regulator is used to quickly establish output voltage during wake-up phase, then the wake-up speed is improved, but power loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between linear regulator and switching regulator based on operational phase. During wake-up phase, the linear regulator is activated to quickly establish output voltage. Once voltage is established, the system transitions to switching regulator for efficient steady-state operation, minimizing power loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The linear regulator performs preliminary action by quickly establishing the output voltage during wake-up phase before the switching regulator takes over. This preliminary voltage establishment enables the electronic trip unit to wake up rapidly without waiting for the switching regulator to initialize.
Solution Approach 3:
The system employs periodic action by alternating between linear regulator (during wake-up) and switching regulator (during steady-state). The control logic periodically switches between the two regulators based on the operational phase, optimizing both wake-up speed and power efficiency.
2Loss of energy
If a switching regulator is used for efficient energy supply, then power loss is reduced, but wake-up speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects the appropriate regulator type based on operational requirements. The switching regulator is used during steady-state operation to minimize power loss, while the linear regulator is activated during wake-up phase to ensure fast response. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between efficiency and speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The linear regulator performs preliminary voltage establishment action during wake-up phase, enabling the electronic trip unit to become operational quickly. After this preliminary action, the switching regulator takes over for efficient energy supply during normal operation.
3Measurement precision
If additional components are added for regulator switchover, then control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control logic automatically manages the switchover between linear and switching regulators based on voltage establishment status. The system self-regulates by monitoring output voltage and autonomously switching regulator types without requiring external intervention or complex additional control components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines both linear regulator and switching regulator within a single power supply circuit, with their control logic merged into one integrated system. This merging allows seamless transition between regulator types while avoiding the need for separate independent control systems.
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
The solution provides quick and efficient energy supply to the electronic trip unit, reducing power loss and eliminating the need for additional components, thus enhancing the operational efficiency and speed of circuit breakers.
Implementation Method 1
a power supply circuit which is formed by a linear voltage regulator and a switching regulator, connected in parallel with one another
Implementation Method 2
The switching regulator has a Power Good output and the linear regulator has a Disable input, which are connected to one other
Data Source
AI summary
A switch having an electronic trip unit and a power supply circuit for supplying energy to the electronic trip unit from a monitored circuit is provided. In the switch, the power supply circuit is formed by a linear regulator and a switching regulator. In this case, the linear regulator and the switching regulator are connected in parallel. The switching regulator has a Power Good output and the linear regulator has a Disable input, which are connected to one other. This arrangement requires little effort and, when a power supply is established, results in the output voltage being provided quickly by the linear regulator and the latter is then deactivated via the Disable input when the switching regulator, which operates with less loss, is able to provide the power supply. The switching regulator takes over the power supply automatically without any external additional elements or signalling.