Automatic transfer power supply with relay protection
US10511186B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 1, 2017 |
| Grant date | Dec 17, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 31, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02J9/068
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
In an automatic transfer power supply with relay protection, multiple electric power sources may be selectively coupled with a switched-mode power supply circuit using multiple corresponding sets of relays. The switched-mode power supply circuit may include one or more switches that operate under the control of a switch controller element to implement the functionality of the switched-mode power supply. To protect the relays during source transfer, a source transfer controller may signal the switch controller element to halt current flow through the switched-mode power supply circuit, and then signal the relays to change state while the current flow is halted, thereby protecting the relays during source transfer. Sparking may be reduced in relays that physically move metal armatures to make and break electrical connections, prolonging relay life and/or reducing relay failures and improving power supply availability.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.