Wall Control Interface Phase Modulation Circuit for Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional AC power control circuits experience high power loss and high input current harmonics due to poor power management, leading to inefficient power transmission.
Innovation Solution
A control circuit for a wall control interface that includes a phase-detection circuit and a control circuit, which generate data signals correlated to the duty cycle of the power line signal to control a switch and achieve phase modulation, reducing power loss and input current harmonics by maintaining the switch in a turn-on state during normal conditions and modulating the phase only during communication for power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional phase control circuitry is used to control AC power to the load, then power control functionality is achieved, but power loss increases and input current harmonics worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by using the AC power line signal's natural periodicity for communication purposes. The system modulates the power line signal during specific cycles to transmit data while maintaining normal power transmission during other cycles, thereby achieving communication without continuous disruption to power delivery and reducing overall power loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using the existing power line infrastructure as a communication medium. Rather than adding separate control wiring that would increase power loss, the system uses the power lines themselves to carry both power and communication signals, eliminating the need for additional power-consuming control circuits.
2Adaptability or versatility
If phase modulation is continuously applied to control power, then power management capability is improved, but power loss and input current harmonics increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by implementing phase modulation only when communication is required, rather than continuously. The system switches between normal power transmission mode and communication mode, applying phase modulation selectively during specific time intervals to transmit data, thereby maintaining power management capability while minimizing power loss and harmonic generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its operation mode based on communication needs. The controller switches between normal power transmission and phase-modulated communication modes, making the system adaptable to varying requirements while avoiding continuous phase modulation that would cause excessive power loss and harmonics.
3Loss of energy
If the switch is kept in turn-on state during normal conditions, then power efficiency is improved and input current harmonics are reduced, but power control functionality is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic action to alternate between normal power transmission mode (with switch in turn-on state for efficiency) and communication mode (with phase modulation for control functionality). This periodic switching allows the system to maintain high power efficiency during normal operation while periodically enabling power control capabilities when communication is required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves multi-functionality by making the power line system capable of both efficient power transmission and controlled power management. The same power line infrastructure and switch component serve dual purposes: maintaining turn-on state for efficiency during normal conditions, and enabling phase modulation for power control during communication intervals.
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 effectively reduces power loss and input current harmonics, ensuring efficient power transmission and low harmonic distortion, making it suitable for applications like ceiling fan control and lighting dimming.
Implementation Method 1
The phase-detection circuit is coupled to receive a power line signal for generating a data signal in accordance with the phase of the power line signal
Data Source
AI summary
A wall control interface for power management includes a transmitting circuit that generates a switching signal to control a switch and achieve a phase modulation to a power line signal in response to a transmitting-data. A receiving circuit is coupled to detect the phase of the power line signal for generating a data signal and a receiving-data in response to the phase of the power line signal. The receiving circuit further generates a control signal to control power of a load in accordance with the data signal or the receiving-data. The phase modulation is achieved by controlling a turn-on angle of the power line signal. The switch remains in a turn-on state during the normal condition, which achieves good power and low current harmonic. The phase modulation is only performed during the communication of the power management.