Voltage Doubler Circuit for Electricity Meter Motor Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Residential electricity meters face challenges in providing sufficient voltage to motor driver circuits for high-current disconnect switches, especially under conditions of low line voltage and heavy loading, leading to unreliable operation and increased costs with larger transformers or complex switched-mode supplies.
Innovation Solution
A power supply arrangement with a linear power supply and a voltage boost circuit, including a full wave rectifier and voltage doubler, provides a boosted voltage to charge capacitors for actuator circuits, allowing for efficient operation of high-current switches without the need for larger transformers or complex switched-mode technology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a linear power supply charges the capacitor to the maximum level, then the capacitor provides reserve energy for motor operation, but under conditions of heavily loading the power supply and low line voltage the capacitor is charged to a voltage level insufficient to reliably operate the motor
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply is segmented into two independent circuits: a linear power supply for general meter operations and a voltage doubler circuit specifically for charging the motor drive capacitor. This segmentation allows each circuit to be optimized for its specific function, with the voltage doubler ensuring sufficient charging voltage regardless of linear supply conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage doubler circuit acts as an intermediary between the input voltage and the motor drive capacitor. It receives input voltage and transforms it into a higher voltage output, mediating the voltage level to ensure reliable capacitor charging even when the linear power supply cannot provide adequate voltage under heavy loading conditions.
2Reliability
If a transformer with a higher secondary voltage is used to charge the capacitor to a sufficient voltage level, then the motor can operate reliably, but the capacity of the transformer would have to be increased proportionally resulting in a physically larger transformer and higher cost
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single large-capacity transformer, the solution segments the power supply function into a standard-capacity linear transformer and a separate voltage doubler circuit. This allows the transformer to remain small and cost-effective while the voltage doubler provides the necessary voltage multiplication for reliable motor operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage doubler circuit dynamically changes the voltage parameter by multiplying the input voltage to produce a higher output voltage. This parameter transformation occurs after the standard transformer, allowing reliable motor operation without requiring an oversized transformer.
3Reliability
If a larger transformer is used to provide sufficient voltage, then the capacitor can be charged to the required voltage level, but this would result in higher losses which reduces efficiency and increases internal heating
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply is divided into a standard linear power supply for general use and a separate voltage doubler circuit for motor capacitor charging. This segmentation allows the main transformer to operate at optimal efficiency points while the voltage doubler handles the voltage multiplication, preventing the need for a continuously oversized transformer that would incur high losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage doubler circuit operates periodically to charge the motor drive capacitor rather than continuously. This periodic operation allows the standard transformer to maintain proper regulation during normal operation while the voltage doubler activates only when capacitor charging is needed, reducing overall energy losses.
4Reliability
If switched-mode supply technology is used instead of linear power supply, then voltage regulation can be improved, but the complexity and cost increase and reliability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into a simple linear power supply for general meter operations and a separate voltage doubler circuit for motor capacitor charging. This segmentation allows each circuit to use the simplest appropriate technology, avoiding the need for complex switched-mode supplies while ensuring adequate voltage regulation for motor operation.
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
This solution ensures reliable operation of high-current switches with reduced costs and improved efficiency by providing a boosted voltage to actuator circuits, minimizing the stress on the power supply and reducing internal heating, while maintaining a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
A full wave rectifier is coupled to the input and has a first output
Implementation Method 2
The voltage doubler circuit is coupled to the input and has a second output coupled to a second load of the electricity meter
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply arrangement for an electricity meter includes an input, a full wave rectifier, and a voltage doubler circuit. The input is configured to receive a periodical input signal. The full wave rectifier is coupled to the input and has a first output. The first output is coupled to a first load of the electricity meter. The voltage doubler circuit is coupled to the input and has a second output coupled to a second load of the electricity meter. The voltage doubler is configured to prevent the flow of current from the second output to the input.