Voltage Doubling AC Power Supply Using Isolation Transformer
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing technologies do not provide a convenient and safe method to access 240-volt power without installing a new 240-volt circuit, especially in temporary or emergency situations, and they cannot utilize 240-volt equipment when a 240-volt receptacle is not available, often resulting in time delays and expenses.
Innovation Solution
An alternating current power supply system that combines the outputs of two 120-volt low-voltage sources, either of the same or different phases, using voltage-controlled relay switches and an isolation transformer to provide a 240-volt power output, allowing the use of 240-volt equipment through standard 120-volt receptacles, including those with Ground Fault Interrupters (GFIs).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a new 240-volt circuit is installed to provide 240-volt power, then 240-volt power availability is improved, but installation time and expense increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the 240-volt power provision into two separate 120-volt input circuits that can be obtained from existing receptacles. By using two separate 120-volt sources and combining them through the power supply device, the system provides 240-volt power without requiring a single dedicated 240-volt circuit installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply device serves multiple functions: it can accept inputs from two 120-volt receptacles (with or without GFIs), provide 240-volt output, and enable temporary or emergency 240-volt power access. This multi-functionality allows the device to replace the need for dedicated 240-volt circuit installation in various scenarios.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a new 240-volt circuit is installed to provide 240-volt power, then 240-volt power availability is improved, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply device utilizes existing electrical infrastructure (standard 120-volt receptacles and wiring) to provide 240-volt power. The system serves itself by drawing from available resources rather than requiring additional dedicated infrastructure installation, thereby eliminating the need for expensive new circuit installation.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the power requirement into two 120-volt inputs from existing receptacles, the system avoids the need for a single expensive 240-volt circuit installation. The device combines these segmented inputs to achieve the desired 240-volt output using already-installed infrastructure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two 120-volt sources are combined to provide 240-volt output, then 240-volt power availability is improved, but GFI tripping occurs due to unbalanced current flow
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply device acts as an intermediary between the two 120-volt sources and the 240-volt load. It manages the current flow from both inputs through voltage-controlled relay switches and ensures balanced current distribution, preventing GFI tripping while enabling 240-volt power delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically controls the operation of voltage-controlled relay switches based on detected voltage conditions. By monitoring and responding to voltage parameters from the two 120-volt inputs, the device adjusts switch operation to maintain balanced current flow and prevent GFI tripping.
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
Enables quick and safe access to 240-volt power, eliminating the need for new circuit installations and allowing the use of 240-volt equipment in emergency or temporary situations, while preventing GFI tripping by ensuring balanced current flow through the use of an isolation transformer.
Implementation Method 1
an isolation means generating an isolation output voltage, the isolation means being configured to isolate the first current flow from the second current flow
Implementation Method 2
The output means comprises a first output conductor and a second output conductor, wherein the first input means is coupled to the first output conductor by a first voltage controlled relay switch and the second input means is coupled to the second output conductor by a second voltage controlled relay switch
Data Source
AI summary
An alternating current power supply configured to provide a high-voltage alternating current power output from two low-voltage alternating current power sources is provided. The alternating current power supply comprises a first alternating current power input, a second alternating current power input, and an alternating current power output having a first output conductor and a second output conductor. The alternating current power supply includes a first switch means for coupling the first alternating current input to the first output connector and the second alternating current input to the second output connector. The first switch means is sequentially responsive to the first current flow followed by the second current flow. The alternating current power supply further comprises an isolation means connected between the first switch means and the alternating current power output, wherein the isolation means is configured to isolate the first current flow from the second current flow.