Method and Apparatus for Providing Auxiliary and Welding Type Power With Thermal Protection

Abstract

A method and apparatus for providing welding-type power supply includes a power circuit and a controller. The power circuit receives input power and provides welding type power and auxiliary power. It is controlled on a control input. The power circuit also includes an auxiliary power transformer. A temperature responsive component is mounted in the auxiliary power transformer and provides a temperature signal indicative of the temperature in the auxiliary power transformer. The controller controls a cooling fan for the aux power transformer and/or turns off the aux power output in response to the sensed temperature.

1 - 8 . (canceled) 
     
     
         9 . A method of protecting a welding-type power supply comprising:
 receiving input power and converting it to welding power, including transforming power with an auxiliary transformer into auxiliary power;   sensing the temperature of the auxiliary transformer;   controlling the transforming in response to the sensing.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising turning on and off at least one fan mounted to cool at least the auxiliary transformer, wherein turning on and off is done in response to the sensing. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein turning on and off includes turning the at least one fan off when the auxiliary transformer is at a fan off temperature, and turning the at least one fan on at a fan on temperature, wherein the fan off temperature is less than the fan on temperature. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein controlling the converting and transforming includes disabling a utility output in response to the temperature of the auxiliary transformer exceeding a threshold. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein controlling the converting and transforming includes disabling an output in response to the temperature of the auxiliary transformer exceeding a threshold. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein disabling an output includes opening a relay in series with a utility power output. 
     
     
         15 - 19 . (canceled)