Backup bus power distribution system testing

Abstract

A method for testing a distribution center bus system, having one or more of the following features: (a) disconnecting a backup bus circuit breaker between a backup bus UPS (318) and a backup bus (314); (b) initiating a self-test mode at the backup bus UPS; (c) routing current back to the backup bus UPS through the backup bus UPS, the backup bus, and the backup bus static bypass circuit (320); (d) testing the backup bus to detect heat, determine any significant current loss, or identify other attributes that indicate a fault; (e) identifying whether the main bus static transfer switch (312) has tripped to the backup bus; and (f) terminating the self-test mode at the backup bus UPS if the main bus static transfer switch has tripped.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 941,510, filed on November 27, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to power distribution, and in particular to testing buses in a power distribution system of a data center. Background Art

[0004] A data center is a building, dedicated space within a building, or group of buildings used to house computer systems and associated components, such as telecommunications and storage systems.

[0005] Because IT operations are critical to business continuity, data centers typically include redundant or backup components and infrastructure for power, data communications connections, environmental controls (e.g., air conditioning, fire suppression), and various safety equipment. Large data centers may be industrial-scale operations that use large amounts of electricity. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present disclosure describes a method of testing a bus system that may be located in a power distribution center according to aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, such a bus system may include one or more of the following features: (a) at least one master block configured to provide power to at least one load, wherein the at least one master block may have one or more of the following features: (i) a primary power source; and (ii) a primary UPS configured with a static transfer switch (“STS”) that switches to a backup power source if the primary power source fails or is in a poor condition; (b) a backup block configured to serve as a backup power source for at least one master block, wherein the backup block may have one or more of the following features: (i) a backup power source, (ii) a backup UPS having a static bypass circuit, wherein the backup UPS is capable of circulating current through the static bypass circuit without disconnecting the UPS from the backup power source, and (iii) a backup bus capable of connecting at least one master block to the backup block.

[0007] In some examples, the method may include one or more of the following actions: (a) opening a backup bus breaker between the backup UPS and the backup bus; (b) routing current through the backup bus; (c) initiating a self-test mode at the backup UPS; (c) routing current in the backup block back to the static bypass circuit, through the backup UPS and back through the backup bus to test the integrity of the backup bus; (d) determining through the backup UPS whether at least one primary block has switched to the backup power source; (e) if at least one primary block has switched to the backup power source, terminating the self-test mode at the backup UPS; (f) monitoring the current in the backup bus through the backup UPS to determine any current loss; (g) monitoring the backup bus to locate any overheating within the backup bus; (h) terminating the self-test mode at the backup UPS; and (i) closing the backup bus breaker.

[0008] In another example, the present disclosure also describes a method for testing a distribution center bus system, which may have one or more of the following features: (a) disconnecting a backup block circuit breaker between a backup block UPS and a backup bus; (b) starting a self-test mode at the backup block UPS; (c) returning current to the backup block UPS through the backup block UPS, the backup bus, and the backup block static bypass circuit; (d) testing the backup block to determine any current loss; (e) determining whether the main block static transfer switch has tripped to the backup block; and (f) terminating the self-test at the backup block UPS if the main block static transfer switch has tripped.

[0009] In another example, the present disclosure describes a distribution center backup block test circuit having one or more of the following features: (a) a power source; (b) a UPS operably coupled to the power source; (c) a static bypass circuit operably coupled to an inverter of the backup block UPS to allow current to flow through a backup bus during a self-test of the backup block UPS; and (d) a static transfer switch coupled to the backup block and at least one main block of the distribution center. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The present disclosure can be more fully understood from the detailed description given below and the accompanying drawings which are provided for illustration and thus do not limit the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 1 A data center with multiple primary and backup blocks is schematically shown.

[0012] Figure 2 A UPS with self-test circuitry is schematically shown.

[0013] Figure 3 A data center backup bus is schematically shown.

[0014] Figure 4is a flow chart illustrating a method of load banking a spare bus in a data center. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] The following discussion is proposed to enable those skilled in the art to make and use one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Various modifications to the illustrated examples may be clear to those skilled in the art, and the general principles herein may be applied to other fields, examples, and applications in some cases without departing from the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the examples shown, but to conform to the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. The following specific embodiments are to be read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which similar elements in different drawings are intended to have similar reference numerals. The figures, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, depict selected examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. The examples provided herein have many useful alternatives and fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the examples described herein can be discussed based on the test standby bus, it should be envisioned that the various aspects of the present disclosure may be applied to other situations without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0016] Backup power typically consists of one or more uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), battery banks, and / or diesel / gas turbine generators. A UPS is an electrical device that provides emergency power to a load when the input power or utility power fails. A UPS differs from an auxiliary or emergency power system or a backup generator in that it provides near-instantaneous protection against input power interruptions by supplying energy stored in batteries, supercapacitors, or flywheels. Most UPSs have a relatively short battery runtime (only a few minutes in some cases), but it is sufficient to start the reserve power source or properly shut down the protected equipment. It is a continuous power system.

[0017] UPS are commonly used to supply power to hardware such as computers, data centers, telecommunications equipment, or other electrical equipment where unexpected power outages could result in business interruption or data loss. UPS units range in size from devices designed to protect a single computer without video monitoring (rated at approximately 200 volt-amperes) to large units that power an entire data center or building.

[0018] To prevent a single point of failure, all elements of the electrical system (including the reserve system) are usually fully replicated, and critical systems can be connected to a "primary" power feed and a "backup" power feed. This arrangement is often used to achieve N+1 redundancy in the system. Static transfer switches are sometimes used to ensure rapid or near-instantaneous switching from one supply to another in the event of a power failure. Static transfer switches use power semiconductors such as silicon-controlled rectifiers (SCRs) to switch the load between two sources. Because there are no mechanical moving parts, the conversion can be completed quickly, perhaps within a quarter cycle of the power frequency. Static transfer switches can be used where reliable and independent power supplies are available, and the load may need to be protected from interruptions or any surges or voltage sags (referred to as unregulation in this article) in the original power supply.

[0019] In some cases, the data center may distribute a backup UPS bus to each main bus STS in the main bus STS "as a service" via a bus trough (US) or bus bar (EMEA / AP) or cable bus, rather than directly radially feeding each main bus STS from the backup bus. Because the backup bus allocation is common to all main buses, it may be desirable to test it. Currently, one way to perform such a test is to connect to a load bank using a line end junction box. A load bank can be a device that generates an electrical load, applies the load to an electrical power source, and converts or dissipates the resulting electrical output of the power source. The load bank may include load elements with protection, control, metering, and ancillary equipment required for operation. The load bank can be permanently installed in the facility and permanently connected to the power source, or a portable version can be used to test power sources such as storage generators and batteries. The load bank can effectively replicate, prove, and verify the real-world needs of critical power systems.

[0020] Testing the backup bus through this process exposes the data center to a lack of redundancy, at least temporarily. For example, if the backup bus is undergoing a 100% load bank test and if the primary bus fails and the STS switches to the backup bus while the test is ongoing, the switched load may overload the backup bus. Since the backup bus is already undergoing a 100% load bank test, it cannot accept any additional load. Therefore, during this testing process, the use of the backup bus is effectively lost. This situation puts any customers who rely on the data center at risk.

[0021] Figure 1 A data center with multiple primary and backup blocks according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is schematically illustrated. In some examples, data center 10 may be a physical facility that houses critical applications and data. The design of a data center may be based on a network of computing and storage resources (e.g., mechanical loads 12) to enable the delivery of shared applications and data. Figure 1In the example of , data center 10 can be divided into primary blocks 14A and 14B and backup block 16. In some cases, backup block 16 can be a mirror image of primary blocks 14A and 14B, meaning that the structure of blocks 14A, 14B, and 16 is almost identical, and meaning that backup block 16 can support all mechanical loads 12 and customer cabinets 30A and 30B on either of primary blocks 14A and 14B. Although Figure 1 Two primary blocks 14A and 14B are shown, but spare block 16 can support more primary blocks than 14A and 14B. In some cases, one spare block can support anywhere from one block to eight or more blocks in data center 10.

[0022] like Figure 1 As shown, in one example, the main blocks 14A and 14B and the backup block 16 may include inputs from one or more utilities 18, 18A and 18B, one or more generators 20, 20A and 20B, and main switches 22, 22A and 22B located between the one or more utilities 18, 18A and 18B and the one or more generators 20, 20A and 20B. Figure 1 As shown, the current flows to UPS 24, 24A and 24B and to static transfer switches 26, 26A and 26B. The current may flow to electrical panels within one or more power distribution units (PDUs) 28A and 28B to provide power to circuits connected to customer cabinets 30A and 30B.

[0023] exist Figure 1 In the example of , STS 26A and 26B are automatic static transfer switches designed to transfer electrical loads between two AC power sources (e.g., between 18A and 18 or between 18B and 18) with little or no interruption in power continuity. Static transfer switches 26, 26A, and 26B can each be an electrical device that allows for nearly or seemingly nearly instantaneous transfer of power to loads 30A and 30B. This switching time means that if one power source fails (e.g., 18A or 18B), STS 26A or 26B quickly switches to reserve power source 18, so that one or more loads 30A or 30B can be powered without interruption.

[0024] The STS 26A and 26B may use solid-state power electronics or "static" switching. In some examples, the STS 26A and 26B may consist of three main components: control and metering, silicon-controlled rectifiers, and a circuit breaker bus component. The STS 26A and 26B monitor both power sources 18A and 18B, and each may be configured to automatically transfer to the backup power source 18 upon sensing a failure, degradation, or failure to regulate of either power source 18A or 18B.

[0025] According to one or more techniques described herein, the use of the backup block 16 may provide possible benefits, technical advantages, and / or solve problems. For example, the distribution of the backup block 16 is designed to wrap around the building through the bus 31 to serve all the main blocks 14A, 14B. By modifying the switchgear by splitting the static bypass from the inverter output of the UPS 24 with the bus segment 31, the backup block 16 can take advantage of the "self-test" mode of UPS operation that has been provided as part of the UPS 24.

[0026] A "self-test" mode is typically standard on most UPS's. Some examples in the present disclosure use this built-in functionality to additionally feed current through the standby block 16 through the bus 31 rather than just through the UPS itself. The self-test mode works by closing a static bypass in parallel with the inverter when the inverter is unloaded to feed current in a ring loop back to the rectifier input (discussed in more detail below). The rectifier / inverter is controlled by the UPS to ramp up to 100% of rated output where current is fed in this closed loop. The standby bus 31 can be tested by disconnecting the normally closed bus segment 31 and allowing current to flow back to the static bypass and back into the rectifier in "self-test" mode so that the standby block 16 extends a closed loop around the distribution loop 31 through the building 10.

[0027] Utilizing the UPS "self-test" mode helps avoid standby block unavailability during 100% load testing using a load bank. In some examples, the UPS 24 can sense an overload (i.e., caused by a failover load) during the self-test mode and terminate the test so that it can supply power to any STS 26A, 26B that have switched to the standby bus 31. Thus, this UPS self-test mode allows "on-demand" 100% load testing of the standby bus 31 to identify any hot spots indicating problems with the standby bus 31. Since only the standby bus 31 I2R (impedance) kWh losses and UPS load kWh losses are incurred in the self-test mode, this test can be performed without connecting an actual 100% rated load bank and without consuming a large amount of kWh (kilowatt-hour) energy costs to test the standby bus 31. This allows the standby bus 31 to be tested with little or no downtime, thereby preventing or mitigating the risk of standby block 16 being unavailable.

[0028] Figure 2 A UPS with a self-test circuit according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is schematically shown. Figure 2, a UPS 100 may include a pair of input terminals 101, 102 and a ground 103 and a pair of output terminals 104, 105 and a ground 106. The input terminals 101, 102 are used for the purpose of connecting the UPS 100 to a utility power source, and the output terminals 103, 104 are provided for connecting the UPS 100 to a load. A bidirectional AC to DC power converter 114 connected to the load terminals 104, 105 on the AC side and a battery 116 on the DC side also charges the battery 116.

[0029] Sometimes, the UPS 100 may perform a self-test for any of several reasons. For example, such a self-test may test the UPS's ability to convert AC to DC and / or charge the battery 116, thereby helping to ensure that the UPS 100 can be used as a short-term power source using the battery 116 until a generator or alternate power source comes online to provide a reliable alternate power source. The self-test may also test the battery 116 and its ability to hold a charge. In the event of any loss of primary power, a poorly functioning or ineffective battery 116 may not be able to fully function as an alternate power source.

[0030] In operation, AC power is converted to DC and then stored in the battery 116. In the event of a power loss or when power is unreliable or unregulated, a control system ( Figure 2 The load coupled to the UPS 100 may be powered in the short term by the battery 116 routing the DC power through the inverter 118, converting the DC to AC and outputting it through the terminals 104 and 105.

[0031] During the self-test of the UPS 100, DC power is converted to AC, but the terminals 104 and 105 are typically not coupled to the load. The AC flows around the circuit back to the converter 114, where it is again converted back to DC and stored in the battery. During this self-test, the UPS 100 can test various aspects of the UPS, such as battery charge, charging efficiency, AC to DC conversion, and DC to AC conversion. The description provided herein is a simplified discussion of a UPS self-test paradigm, and self-tests in various UPSs can take many different forms.

[0032] Figure 3 is a block diagram of a data center backup bus system according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Figure 3The data center building or power distribution center 302, the main block 304, the backup block 360 and the network 305 are included. The backup block 360 includes a backup power supply 316, a computing system 370, a backup UPS 318, a static bypass circuit 320, and a switch 322. In some examples, the computing system 370 may correspond to the previously described UPS 100 associated with the UPS 100. Figure 2 control system.

[0033] Network 305 may connect several systems and devices including backup block 360 to client computing device 390 (which may be operated by administrator 391). Network 305 may be the Internet or may include or represent any public or private communications network or other network. For example, network 305 may be a cellular, ZigBee, Bluetooth, Near Field Communication (NFC), satellite, enterprise, service provider, and / or other types of networks. One or more of the client devices, server devices, or other devices may transmit and receive data, commands, control signals, and / or other information across the network 305 using any suitable communication technology. The network 305 may include one or more network hubs, network switches, network routers, satellite antennas, or any other network devices. Such devices or components may be operatively coupled to each other to provide information exchange between computers, devices, or other components (e.g., between one or more client devices or systems and one or more server devices or systems). Figure 3 Each of the devices or systems illustrated in the diagram may be operatively coupled to the network 305 using one or more network links. The links coupling such devices or systems to the network 305 may be Ethernet, asynchronous transfer mode (ATM), or other types of network connections, and such connections may be wireless links and / or wired connections. Figure 3 One or more of the devices or systems illustrated in or other devices on network 305 may be located at a remote location relative to one or more of the other illustrated devices or systems.

[0034] The computing system 370 included in the backup block 360 can be implemented as any suitable computing system, such as one or more server computers, workstations, appliances, cloud computing systems, and / or other computing systems that may be capable of performing the operations and / or functions described according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, the computing system 370 represents a cloud computing system, a server group, and / or a server cluster (or a portion thereof) that provides services to client devices and other devices or systems. In other examples, the computing system 370 can represent or be implemented by one or more virtualized computing instances (e.g., virtual machines, containers) of a data center, a cloud computing system, a server group, and / or a server cluster.

[0035] exist Figure 3 , the power distribution center 302 is shown as having a main block 304, but Figure 3 Any number of master blocks 304 may be included in the system. In such examples, each master block may be configured to provide power to one or more loads 306. In the illustrated example, the master block 304 may have a main power source 308 and a main UPS 310, which is configured to be connected to one or more static transfer switches 312 via switch devices 311 and / or 311R. The switch device 311 connects the power source 308 and the UPS 310 to the static transfer switch 312, and the switch device 311R connects the power source 316 (from the backup block 360) and the UPS 318 (via the backup bus 314) to the static transfer switch 312. In some examples, the switch devices 311 and 311R may be distribution units, switch panels, or other logic that enables power to be distributed to one or more loads 306 at high voltage with UPS support. In some examples, the switch devices 311 and 311R may be connected to the static transfer switch 312. Figure 1 The power distribution unit 28 corresponds to the power distribution unit 28. If the main power supply 308 becomes unavailable and / or cannot be regulated, each of the static transfer switches 312 switches to the backup power supply (e.g., via the backup bus 314). Unable to regulate is defined in this article as power loss or abnormal power quality delivered to the system. Such abnormalities may include low power factor, voltage changes, frequency changes, and surges. In general, electrical systems are based on power supply at a specific voltage and frequency. Devices and electronic devices are selected based on this expected power supply.

[0036] As described herein, the backup block 360 can be used as a backup power source for the main block 304. The backup bus 314 can have a backup power source 316 and a backup UPS 318 having a static bypass circuit 320. In the example shown, the backup UPS 318 is able to circulate current through the static bypass circuit 320 without disconnecting the UPS 318 from the backup power source 316. Typically, this is done as a self-test operating mode of the UPS. Figure 3 For example, the backup bus 314 may connect the main block 304 to the backup power source 316 via the backup block 360. The UPS self-test process for testing the backup bus 314 may be considered a "regenerative self-test" in which current is supplied by the inverter 118 (see, for example, Figure 2) is generated, output to the backup bus 314, runs all the way around the backup bus 314, runs back to the static bypass 320 (e.g., opposite to normal "forward" bypass operation), and is regenerated by the rectifier 114. As described herein, if the primary block 304 fails and the load 306 needs to be transferred to the backup bus 314, while the backup bus is 100% loaded, the backup bus 314 can be tested, which can include load banks without placing the data center 302 at risk of failure. Testing of the backup bus 314 can be performed at up to 100% of its rating (e.g., 3000 amps).

[0037] exist Figure 3 In the example of , computing system 370 may include power supply 371, one or more processors 373, one or more communication units 375, one or more input devices 377, one or more output devices 378, and one or more storage devices 380. Storage device 380 may include control module 381 and test module 382. One or more of the devices, modules, storage areas, or other components of computing system 370 may be interconnected to enable inter-component communication (physically, communicatively, and / or operatively). In some examples, such connectivity may be provided via a through communication channel (e.g., communication channel 372), a system bus, a network connection, an inter-process communication data structure, or any other method for conveying data.

[0038] The power supply 371 can provide power to one or more components of the computing system 370. The power supply 371 can receive power from a main alternating current (AC) power source in a building (e.g., a power distribution center 302), a home, or other location. In other examples, the power supply 371 can be a battery or a device that supplies direct current (DC). In a further example, the computing system 370 and / or the power supply 371 can receive power from another source. One or more of the devices or components illustrated within the computing system 370 can be connected to the power supply 371 and / or can receive power from the power supply 371. The power supply 371 can have intelligent power management or consumption capabilities, and one or more modules and / or one or more processors 373 of the computing system 370 can control, access, or adjust such features to consume, dispatch, supply, or otherwise manage power in an intelligent manner.

[0039] The one or more processors 373 of the computing system 370 can implement functions and / or execute instructions associated with the computing system 370 or associated with one or more modules illustrated herein and / or described below. The one or more processors 373 can be a processing circuit system that performs operations according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, can be a part of the processing circuit system and / or can include the processing circuit system. Examples of processors 373 include microprocessors, application processors, display controllers, auxiliary processors, one or more sensor hubs, and any other hardware configured to function as a processor, processing unit, or processing device. The spare block 360 can use one or more processors 373 to perform operations according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure using software, hardware, firmware, or a mixture of hardware, software, and firmware resident in and / or executed at the computing system 370.

[0040] One or more communication units 375 of computing system 370 may communicate with devices external to computing system 370 by transmitting and / or receiving data, and in some aspects may operate as input devices and output devices. In some examples, communication unit 375 may communicate with other devices over a network. In other examples, communication unit 375 may send and / or receive radio signals over a radio network such as a cellular radio network. In other examples, communication unit 375 of computing system 370 may transmit and / or receive satellite signals over a satellite network such as a global positioning system (GPS) network. Examples of communication unit 375 include a network interface card (such as an Ethernet card), an optical transceiver, a radio frequency transceiver, a GPS receiver, or any other type of device that can send and / or receive information. Other examples of communication unit 375 may include a device that is capable of transmitting information through a mobile device. GPS, NFC, ZigBee, and cellular networks (e.g., 3G, 4G, 5G) and Devices that communicate with each other via a radio and a Universal Serial Bus (USB) controller. Such communications may adhere to, implement or comply with appropriate protocols, including Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP), Ethernet, Bluetooth, NFC, or other technologies or protocols.

[0041] One or more input devices 376 may represent any input device of the computing system 370 through which the computing system 370 receives input, including input from other components of the backup block 360 such as the backup bus 314, the backup power supply 316, the backup UPS 318, and / or the static bypass circuit 320. The one or more input devices 376 may generate, receive, and / or process input from any type of device capable of detecting input from a person or a machine. For example, the one or more input devices 376 may generate, receive, and / or process input in the form of electronic, physical, audio, image, and / or visual input (e.g., peripherals, keyboards, microphones, cameras).

[0042] The one or more output devices 377 may represent any output device of the computing system 370 through which the computing system 370 sends signals, including control signals intended for other components of the backup block 360. Such components may include the backup bus 314, the backup power supply 316, the backup UPS 318, and / or the static bypass circuit 320. The one or more output devices 377 may generate or send information, control signals, and / or output to any type of device capable of detecting input from a person or machine. For example, the one or more output devices 377 may generate, receive, and / or process output in the form of electrical and / or physical outputs (e.g., peripherals, actuators).

[0043] One or more storage devices 380 within the computing system 370 may store information for processing during operation of the computing system 370. The storage device 380 may store program instructions and / or data associated with one or more of the modules described according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The one or more processors 373 and the one or more storage devices 380 may provide an operating environment or platform for such modules, which may be implemented as software, but in some examples may include any combination of hardware, firmware, and software. The one or more processors 373 may execute instructions and the one or more storage devices 380 may store instructions and / or data for one or more modules. The combination of the processor 373 and the storage device 380 may retrieve, store, and / or execute instructions and / or data for one or more applications, modules, or software. The processor 373 and / or the storage device 380 may also be operably coupled to one or more other software and / or hardware components, including but not limited to one or more of the components of the computing system 370 and / or one or more devices or systems illustrated as being connected to the computing system 370.

[0044] In some examples, one or more storage devices 380 are temporary storage, which may mean that the primary purpose of one or more storage devices is not long-term storage. Storage devices 380 of computing system 370 may be configured to be used as volatile memory for short-term storage of information, so if deactivated, the stored content is not retained. Examples of volatile memory include random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), and other forms of volatile memory known in the art. In some examples, storage device 380 also includes one or more computer-readable storage media. Storage device 380 may be configured to store a larger amount of information than volatile memory. Storage device 380 may also be configured to be used as non-volatile memory space for long-term storage of information, and retain information after activation / deactivation cycles. Examples of non-volatile memory include magnetic hard disks, optical disks, flash memory, or electrically programmable memory (EPROM) or electrically erasable programmable (EEPROM) memory.

[0045] The control module 381 may perform functions related to controlling the operation of the backup block 360, including determining when to supply power to one or more primary blocks 304, or whether to cause the test module 382 to initiate or terminate self-tests of the backup block 360 or other tests of other components of the backup bus system 300. In some examples, the control module 381 may interact with the switch 322 (which may be a "normally closed" switch) to cause the switch 322 to open or close.

[0046] The test module 382 can perform functions related to initiating a self-test operation of the standby block 360, including determining when to open and / or close the switch 322 to initiate or terminate such a test. In some examples, the test module 382 can initiate a self-test, monitor the results of the self-test, and upon completion, evaluate the self-test. In some examples, the test module 382 can specifically monitor whether one or more of the main blocks 304 have placed a load on the standby bus 314 during the self-test. In the event that a load has been placed on the standby bus 314, the test module 382 can cause the computing system 370 to terminate any test in progress.

[0047] Figure 3The modules illustrated in and / or illustrated or described elsewhere in the present disclosure (e.g., control module 381 and / or test module 382) can perform operations described using software, hardware, firmware, or a mixture of hardware, software, and firmware resident on one or more computing devices and / or executed on the one or more computing devices. For example, a computing device can use multiple processors or multiple devices to execute one or more of such modules. A computing device can execute one or more of such modules as a virtual machine executed on underlying hardware. One or more of such modules can be executed as one or more services of an operating system or computing platform. One or more of such modules can be executed as one or more executable programs at the application layer of a computing platform. In other examples, the functions provided by the modules can be implemented by dedicated hardware devices.

[0048] Although some modules, data storage, parts, programs, executable files, data items, functional units and / or other items included in one or more storage devices can be described separately, one or more of these items can be combined and operated as a single module, part, program, executable file, data item or functional unit. For example, one or more modules or data storage devices can be combined or partially combined so that they operate or provide functions as a single module. Further, one or more modules can interact with each other and / or operate in conjunction with each other so that, for example, one module serves as a service or extension of another module. In addition, each module, data storage device, part, program, executable file, data item, functional unit or other item described in the storage device can include multiple parts, sub-parts, modules, sub-modules, data storage devices and / or other parts or modules or data storage devices not described.

[0049] Further, each module, data storage device, component, program, executable file, data item, functional unit or other item illustrated in the storage device can be implemented in various ways. For example, each module, data storage device, component, program, executable file, data item, functional unit or other item illustrated in the storage device can be implemented as a downloadable or pre-installed application or "app". In other examples, each module, data storage device, component, program, executable file, data item, functional unit or other item illustrated in the storage device can be implemented as part of an operating system executed on a computing device.

[0050] Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating operations performed by an example computing system according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Figure 3 In the context of the spare block 360 (including the computing system 370) Figure 4 In other examples, Figure 4 The operations described in the embodiment may be performed by one or more other components, modules, systems, or devices. Figure 4 The operations described may be combined, performed in a different order, omitted, or may include additional operations not specifically illustrated or described.

[0051] exist Figure 4 In the illustrated process and in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure, the backup block 360 may disconnect the backup bus switch (401). Figure 3 In the depicted example, the communication unit 375 of the computing system 370 detects a signal via the network 305. The communication unit 375 outputs information about the signal to the test module 382. The test module 382 determines that the signal corresponds to a command received from the client computing device 390 and in response to input from the administrator 391 to initiate a self-test operation of the standby block 360 and the standby bus 314. The test module 382 causes the output device 377 to interact with the switch 322 and open the switch 322.

[0052] The backup block 360 may enable current to flow through the backup bus 314 (402). For example, continuing with the described example, by opening the switch 322, the computing system 370 enables current to flow from the backup power source 316 through the backup UPS 318 and through the backup bus 314. Figure 3 As illustrated, current flows within the power distribution center 302 and through the backup bus 314 passing near each of the primary blocks 304 included within the power distribution center 302 .

[0053] The standby block 360 may initiate a self-test (403). For example, again referring to the described example, the test module 382 causes the output device 377 to output a control signal to initiate a test of the standby block 360 and / or the standby bus 314. Once the test is initiated, the input device 376 may detect one or more signals. The input device 376 may output information about the signals to the test module 382. The test module 382 may evaluate the information about the signals and determine whether they indicate proper operation or improper operation of the standby block 360 and / or the standby bus 314.

[0054] In some examples, the test module 382 can evaluate the operation of the standby block and / or standby bus 314 without user input. In other examples, the test module 382 can receive information about overheating or other health indicators of the standby bus 314, such as via the network 305. Such information can be received in response to field personnel or other users observing and / or measuring the condition of the standby bus 314. One or more of such users can use a computing device (e.g., client device 390, etc.) to communicate information about the standby bus 314 to the computing system 370 and / or the test module 382 via the network 305.

[0055] The backup block 360 may enable current to flow through the static bypass circuit 320 (404). Figure 3 , by causing the switch 322 to be open, the computing system 370 enables current to flow through the backup bus 314 and return through the static bypass circuit 320. The backup UPS 318 within the backup block 360 receives the current flowing back through the static bypass circuit 320. The input device 376 can receive information about the current flowing through the backup UPS 318 and can output the information about the current to the test module 382. The test module 382 can evaluate the information about the current and determine whether the information is consistent with proper operation or improper operation of the backup block 360 and / or the backup bus 315.

[0056] The standby block 360 can determine whether the master block has switched to the standby bus 314 (405). For example, referring again to the described example, the input device 376 can detect inputs while the test module 382 is testing. The input device 376 can output information about the inputs to the test module 382. Based on this information, the test module 382 can determine that a load has been placed on the standby bus 314, which indicates that one or more of the master blocks 304 have switched to the standby bus (the YES path from 405). In other examples, the test module 382 can determine that a load has not yet been placed on the standby bus 314 (the NO path from 405).

[0057] The standby block 360 may terminate the self-test (406). For example, in the example where the test module 382 has determined that a load has been placed on the standby bus 314, the test module 382 outputs information to the control module 381. The control module 381 determines that the information from the test module 382 corresponds to a command to terminate the self-test. The control module 381 causes the output device 377 to output a signal causing the standby UPS 318 to terminate the self-test.

[0058] The backup block 360 may eventually close the switch 322 (408). For example, in the example where the test module 382 has determined that a load has been placed on the backup bus 314, the signal causing the backup UPS 318 to terminate the self-test may include a signal causing the switch 322 to close. In another example, the backup block 360 may eventually complete the self-test without interruption (NO path from 405 and YES path from 407). In this example, the test module 382 may cause the output device 377 to output a signal causing the switch 322 to close (YES path from 407).

[0059] For any flowchart or process, apparatus, and other examples or illustrations described herein included in the flowchart, certain operations, actions, steps, or events included in any of the techniques described herein may be performed in a different order, may be added, merged, or excluded entirely (e.g., not all described actions or events are necessary for the practice of the technique). In some examples, operations, actions, steps, or events may be performed simultaneously, for example, by multithreading, interrupt processing, or multiple processors, rather than sequentially. Even if certain other operations, actions, steps, or events are not explicitly identified as being automatically executed, they may be automatically executed. In addition, alternatively, certain operations, actions, steps, or events described as being automatically executed may not be automatically executed, but instead, in some examples, such operations, actions, steps, or events may be executed in response to an input or another event.

[0060] For ease of explanation, a limited number of devices (e.g., primary block 304, standby block 360, computing system 370, etc.) are shown in the figures and / or other descriptions referenced herein. However, the technology according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure may be performed using more such systems, components, devices, modules, and / or other items, and the general reference to such systems, components, devices, modules, and / or other items may represent any number of such systems, components, devices, modules, and / or other items.

[0061] The figures included herein each illustrate at least one example implementation of an aspect of the present disclosure. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to such implementations. Thus, in addition to the systems, methods, or techniques illustrated in the figures, other examples or alternative implementations of the systems, methods, or techniques described herein may be suitable in other instances. Such implementations may include a subset of the devices and / or components included in the figures and / or may include additional devices and / or components not shown in the figures.

[0062] The specific embodiments set forth above are intended as descriptions of various configurations and are not intended to represent the only configurations in which the concepts described herein may be practiced. The specific embodiments include specific details for providing a full understanding of the various concepts. However, these concepts may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, in order to avoid confusing these concepts, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in the referenced figures.

[0063] Thus, although one or more implementations of various systems, devices and / or components may be described with reference to specific figures, such systems, devices and / or components may be implemented in several different ways. For example, one or more devices illustrated as separate devices in the figures herein may be implemented as a single device alternatively; one or more components illustrated as separate components may be implemented as a single component alternatively. In addition, in some examples, one or more devices illustrated as a single device in the figures herein may be implemented as multiple devices alternatively; one or more components illustrated as a single component in the figures herein may be implemented as multiple components alternatively. Each of such multiple devices and / or components may be directly coupled via wired or wireless communication and / or remotely coupled via one or more networks. In addition, one or more devices or components illustrated in various figures herein may be implemented alternatively as a part of another device or component not shown in these figures. In this way and in other ways, some of the functions described herein may be performed via distributed processing performed by two or more devices or components.

[0064] Further, some operations, techniques, features and / or functions may be described herein as being performed by specific parts, devices and / or modules. In other examples, such operations, techniques, features and / or functions may be performed by different parts, devices or modules. Thus, even if not specifically described in this manner herein, some operations, techniques, features and / or functions that may be described herein as being attributed to one or more parts, devices or modules may also be attributed to other parts, devices and / or modules in other examples.

[0065] Although specific advantages have been identified in conjunction with the description of some examples, various other examples may include some, none, or all of the listed advantages. Other technical advantages, etc. may become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in light of this disclosure. Further, although specific examples have been disclosed herein, regardless of whether or not various aspects of the disclosure are currently known, they may be implemented using any number of technologies, and thus, the disclosure is not limited to the examples specifically described and / or illustrated in this disclosure.

[0066] In one or more examples, the functions described may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions may be stored as one or more instructions or codes on a computer-readable medium and / or transmitted via a computer-readable medium and executed by a hardware-based processing unit. A computer-readable medium may include a computer-readable storage medium corresponding to a tangible medium such as a data storage medium or a communication medium including any medium that facilitates the transfer of a computer program from one place to another (e.g., according to a communication protocol). In this manner, a computer-readable medium may generally correspond to (1) a tangible computer-readable storage medium that is non-transitory; or (2) a communication medium such as a signal or carrier wave. A data storage medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by one or more computers or one or more processors to retrieve instructions, codes, and / or data structures for implementing the techniques described in the present disclosure. A computer program product may include a computer-readable medium.

[0067] As an example and not limitation, such computer-readable storage media may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, flash memory, or any other medium that can be used to store the desired program code in the form of an instruction or data structure and can be accessed by a computer. In addition, any connection is properly referred to as a computer-readable medium. For example, if a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL) or wireless technology (such as infrared, radio and microwave) is used to transmit instructions from a website, server or other remote source, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL or wireless technology (such as infrared, radio and microwave) are included in the definition of the medium. However, it should be understood that computer-readable storage media and data storage media do not include connections, carrier waves, signals or other transient media, but are directed to non-transient tangible storage media. As used, the disc and disk include compact discs (CDs), laser discs, optical discs, digital versatile discs (DVDs), floppy discs and blue-ray discs, wherein the discs usually reproduce data magnetically, and the discs reproduce data optically by lasers. The above combination should also be included in the scope of computer-readable media.

[0068] Instructions may be executed by one or more processors, such as one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), general-purpose microprocessors, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable logic arrays (FPGAs), or other equivalent integrated or discrete logic circuit systems. Thus, the terms "processor" or "processing circuit system" as used herein may each refer to any of the aforementioned structures or any other structure suitable for implementing the described techniques. Additionally, in some examples, the described functionality may be provided within dedicated hardware and / or software modules. Furthermore, these techniques may be fully implemented in one or more circuits or logic elements.

Claims

1. A method for testing a power distribution center bus system located in a power distribution center, wherein the power distribution center comprises: At least one main block is configured to supply power to at least one load, wherein the at least one main block comprises: Mains power, and a main uninterruptible power supply UPS configured with a static transfer switch, the static transfer switch switching to a backup power supply if the main power supply becomes unregulated; and a backup block configured to serve as the backup power supply for the at least one main block, wherein the backup block comprises: Backup power supply, a backup UPS having a static bypass circuit, wherein the backup UPS is capable of circulating current through the static bypass without disconnecting the backup UPS from the backup power source, and A backup bus capable of connecting the at least one master block to the backup bus; wherein the method comprises: Disconnecting a standby bus circuit breaker between the standby UPS and the standby bus; enabling current to flow through the standby bus; Initiating a self-test mode at the backup UPS; and Current in the backup bus is allowed to flow through the static bypass circuit, the backup UPS, and the backup bus to test the integrity of the backup bus.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising determining, by the backup UPS, whether the at least one master block has switched to the backup power source.

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising terminating the self-test mode at the backup UPS in response to determining that the at least one master block has switched to the backup power source.

4. The method of any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising monitoring the current in the backup bus by the backup UPS to determine any current loss.

5. The method of any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising monitoring the backup bus to locate any overheating within the backup bus.

6. The method of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the primary power source becoming unregulated comprises the primary power source being unable to produce power, and wherein the method further comprises: The self-test mode at the backup UPS is terminated. 7 . The method of claim 6 , wherein terminating the self-test mode comprises closing the backup bus breaker.

8. A method for testing a power distribution center bus system, the method comprising: Disconnect the backup bus circuit breaker between the backup UPS and the backup bus; Starting a self-test mode at the standby UPS; Returning the current to the standby UPS through the standby UPS, the standby bus, and the standby bus static bypass circuit; as well as The backup bus is tested to determine any current draw.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising identifying whether a primary block static transfer switch has tripped to the backup bus.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising terminating the self-test mode at the backup UPS in response to determining that the master block static transfer switch has tripped.

11. The method of any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the backup UPS is coupled to a first main bus and a second main bus via the backup bus.

12. A method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the standby bus is capable of performing a 100% load bank test during the self-test mode.

13. The method of any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the static bypass circuit is disconnected from an inverter of the backup UPS and an output of the backup bus to utilize the self-test mode of the backup UPS.

14. A distribution center standby bus test circuit, comprising: power supply; a backup UPS operably coupled to the power source; as well as A static bypass circuit is operably coupled to the inverter of the backup UPS to allow current to flow through the backup bus during a self-test mode of the backup UPS.

15. The circuit of claim 14, further comprising a static transfer switch coupled to the backup bus and to at least one main bus of a power distribution center.

16. The circuit of any one of claims 14 to 15, wherein the self-test mode is a built-in function of the backup UPS.

17. The circuit of claim 16, wherein the current used to normally test the backup UPS is used to test the backup bus.

18. The circuit of claim 15, wherein the backup UPS is configured to terminate the self-test mode of the backup UPS if the static transfer switch switches the main block to the backup bus, wherein the main block is configured to supply power to at least one load, wherein the main block includes a main power supply and a main uninterruptible power supply UPS, and the main uninterruptible power supply UPS is configured with the static transfer switch.

19. The circuit of any one of claims 14, 15, and 18, wherein the backup UPS tests the current in the backup bus during testing.

20. The circuit of any one of claims 14, 15 and 18, wherein heat loss of the standby bus is tested during a standby bus test.

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