Intelligent uninterruptible power supply system

Abstract

An uninterruptible power supply system can flexibly select a power supply according to a current load. The system includes: a main power selector capable of selecting among a plurality of main power options; a battery management system including a plurality of battery management units; a controller for controlling the main power supply and the battery management system; and a bus subsystem including a controller area network bus for connecting the primary power selector, the battery management system, and the controller together. A primary power source selected by the primary power source selector is determined by the controller based on an analysis of primary power source parameters and peripheral load parameters.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an intelligent uninterruptible power supply (“intelligent UPS”) system, some embodiments of which include optimal energy management, embedded machine learning, Internet of Things (“IoT”), remote control, and remote diagnostics. Background Technology

[0002] As society becomes increasingly aware of the impacts of climate change, there is a growing recognition of the need to shift towards more sustainable and efficient energy sources. The application of smart UPS systems is one of the most important areas of this transition, as they are crucial for providing uninterrupted power in the event of grid failures.

[0003] While traditional smart UPS systems rely on fossil fuel-based power generation, there is a growing trend to power these systems with renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power.

[0004] Current UPS systems lack self-optimization and improvement capabilities because their algorithms and event management are pre-programmed. Therefore, there is a need for an intelligent UPS system that leverages the latest advancements in artificial intelligence (“AI”) to learn from existing data and autonomously adjust its configuration to improve overall system performance.

[0005] Traditional UPS systems face numerous challenges in implementing remote control and diagnostic functions. Therefore, there is a need for an intelligent UPS system that can leverage IoT technology, enabling users to access the system anytime, anywhere.

[0006] For traditional UPS systems, building and integrating the ability to provide and display visualized user data on a remote portal is a daunting task. Therefore, an intelligent UPS system is needed that enables end-users to monitor system status in real time.

[0007] Traditional UPS systems operate on a basic "on" and "off" logic to power loads, while modern intelligent loads provide information beyond just power status. For example, a smart refrigerator can transmit information such as its current temperature, operating hours, and energy consumption via a communication channel. Therefore, an intelligent UPS system capable of communicating with intelligent loads and collecting and analyzing data is needed.

[0008] Purpose of the invention The purpose of this invention is to overcome and / or mitigate one or more disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide consumers with a practical or commercially viable option. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Some embodiments of the present invention ensure energy security and optimize the use of power from grid-based sources or renewable energy sources.

[0010] Some embodiments of the present invention are designed to support primary power sources from the power grid and renewable energy facilities. The switching between the two is controlled by system software based on operating conditions such as renewable energy availability, battery state of charge, and grid stability. The software-implemented algorithms are designed to maximize the benefits from renewable energy, thereby reducing emissions.

[0011] Some embodiments of the present invention incorporate machine learning capabilities to support AI-based self-optimization and self-improvement. With the aid of specially designed AI algorithms, it can perform tasks such as: predictive maintenance by analyzing available data to anticipate when maintenance is needed and identify potential problems before they occur, thus enabling real-time monitoring by displaying real-time information on a remote portal; intelligent fault detection by analyzing voltage, current, and other parameter data to identify patterns that may indicate faults; intelligent load balancing by optimizing power distribution among multiple nodes in an intelligent UPS system; and improved energy efficiency by optimizing power consumption, power distribution, and scheduling based on identified patterns and trends.

[0012] The portal is a software program specifically designed to display user-visualized data from the smart UPS system on a remote computer. The smart UPS system collects data and transmits it to an IoT agent using the Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (“MQTT”) protocol, then stores it in a database on a cloud server. The smart UPS utilizes six uplink channels to upload data and four downlink channels to receive commands from the portal.

[0013] Users can access stored data and system information, system configurations, environmental information, and current grid energy pricing via a mobile application. Furthermore, the database is designed to accommodate multiple smart UPS systems, each with its own independent storage space.

[0014] Some embodiments of the present invention allow for remote control and diagnostics via designated pages on a portal. On the control page, users can select commands from a list and send them to the intelligent UPS system for processing and execution. On the diagnostic page, users can access system information, warning messages, and troubleshooting tips.

[0015] Warning messages can also be sent via email and short message service (“SMS”).

[0016] Some embodiments of the present invention communicate with intelligent loads to collect information and dynamically update system configurations, thereby achieving optimal efficiency. The system also includes the ability to connect and disconnect loads based on program logic, similar to a traditional UPS system.

[0017] Some embodiments of the present invention consist of eight basic components that work together to provide a reliable and uninterrupted power supply to connected electrical facilities. These components include a controller for system operation, a battery as a backup power source, an AC / DC converter for charging the battery, a DC / AC converter for using the backup power source, a communication hub for providing external links, an intelligent switch array for controlling target objects, a portal as a user interface, and a local dashboard for testing and system configuration.

[0018] Some embodiments of the present invention can be configured as plug-and-play standalone devices by excluding features such as renewable energy and cloud services.

[0019] Some embodiments of the present invention are capable of rapidly powering commercial or household appliances in response to brief voltage interruptions or drops, on the order of a millionth of a second.

[0020] According to one aspect (though not necessarily the most general aspect), the present invention relates to an uninterruptible power supply system, comprising: A main power selector that allows selection between multiple main power options; A battery management system, which includes multiple battery management units; A controller for controlling the main power supply and the battery management system; and The bus subsystem includes a controller local area network (“CAN”) bus for connecting the main power selector, the battery management system and the controller together; The main power supply selected by the main power selector is determined by the controller based on the analysis of the main power supply parameters and the external load parameters.

[0021] Preferably, the controller can be connected to a display panel dashboard to provide a local interface for system testing, debugging, and configuration.

[0022] Preferably, in the uninterruptible power supply system according to claim 1, the instrument panel provides visualized real-time data to the end user.

[0023] Preferably, the controller includes an intelligent switch array designed and wired to perform control tasks on a specific target object.

[0024] Preferably, the controller enables the exclusion of peripheral devices and functions, thereby allowing the system to be used as a plug-and-play standalone device using a wall socket as the main power source.

[0025] Preferably, the plurality of main power supply options are selected from: grid power; engine generator power; solar power; wind power; hydropower; and external battery power. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the architecture of an intelligent UPS system according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing a detailed view of how a controller according to some embodiments of the present invention interfaces with other devices, including batteries and smart switches.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing a detailed view of how a controller, according to some embodiments of the present invention, interfaces with the Internet, cloud servers, and local dashboards.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing a detailed view of how a controller interfaces with smart loads and ordinary loads according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a flowchart of system software running on an embedded platform of a controller according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 6 A plug-and-play variant of an intelligent UPS system according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The features shown and described with reference to the accompanying drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as other features may also be included.

[0033] Some embodiments of the present invention provide a smart UPS in which a mains power supply provides power to both appliances and batteries via a charger. The mains power supply can be a power grid connected via a wall outlet, or it can be a renewable energy source such as a solar panel. An additional advantage of a smart UPS is that it ensures uninterrupted operation of the electrical system even in the event of a power outage or interruption. Furthermore, a smart UPS is a plug-and-play device via a wall outlet, while appliances can be connected to a power outlet on the side of the device. A smart UPS includes standard advanced features such as an embedded machine learning stack, IoT via MQTT, cloud services, remote database access, remote control, and remote system diagnostics via the Internet. A smart UPS can be easily reconfigured to support advanced features such as solar power.

[0034] exist Figure 1The architecture of the intelligent UPS system is depicted, in which controller 6 acts as the basic platform for all applications. The main power source can be selected from grid power 1 or solar panels 5, which can be replaced by other renewable energy sources such as wind turbines. During normal operation of the power grid, load 10 is powered by grid power 1, and bypass 9 is off. The main power selector is presented as a smart switch 18, used to control the switching of load 10 between grid power 1 and auxiliary power 12. When the main power source is in use, battery 12 is in charging mode, and its charging power source can be selected from grid power 5 via the UPS AC / DC converter, or from solar panels 5 via the maximum power point tracking battery charging controller 7 (“MPPT”). The selection of the charging power source is controlled by smart switch 17 based on system configuration and current operating conditions. During power outages, load 10 is powered and controlled by battery 12 via UPS DC / AC converter 11. Controller 6 communicates with UPS AC / DC converter 9 via link 16 using the CAN bus protocol, and controller 6 also communicates with MPPT battery charging controller 7 via link 15 using the CAN bus protocol.

[0035] Controller 6 sends information to local dashboard 2 for display via link 13. Database 3 on a remote cloud server receives data packets from controller 6 via the MQTT protocol using IoT. Input / output (“IO”) modules 4 are linked to controller 6 through appropriate general-purpose I / O ports.

[0036] Figure 2 A detailed description is provided of how controller 6 communicates with battery management system (“BMS”) 20 and I / O module 4. BMS 20 is a component of battery 12. The communication protocol on link 33 is based on the CAN bus. Link 34 transmits logic signals for turning smart switch array 38 on and off, and for controlling target objects 30, 31, and 32. BMS 20 communicates with battery pack 37, which is part of battery 12, via the CAN bus. Battery pack 37 includes a set of battery management units (“BMUs”) 21, 22, and 23 and their respective battery cells 27, 28, and 29. Each BMU controls the group of battery cells using the CAN bus.

[0037] Figure 3The communication between controller 6 and various peripheral devices is depicted. Local dashboard 2 displays data received from controller 6 via channel 53. IoT data packets are sent to cloud server 42 via IoT channel 51, and the cloud server bridges the IoT data packets to database 3. Portal 40 and mobile application 41 can securely access database 3 through platform management 39. Controller 6 also generates warning messages 45, which are registered and stored in database 3 and sent as emails 43 and SMS messages 44. User interface group 48, consisting of portal 40 and mobile application 41, is connected to platform management 39 via link 46. Warning message group, consisting of emails 43 and SMS messages 44, is connected to warning module 45 via link 52.

[0038] exist Figure 4 The diagram depicts the loads and their connections to controller 6. Load 10 comprises two groups: intelligent load group 67, containing intelligent loads 57, 58, and 59, and ordinary load group 69, containing loads 60, 61, and 62. Intelligent load group 67 is powered and controlled by an intelligent UPS system, while ordinary load group 69 is powered only by the intelligent UPS system and is not controlled by controller 6. Solar module 56 consists of solar panel 5 and MPPT battery charging controller 7, and the main power supply 55 can be selected from grid power 1 or solar panel 5.

[0039] Figure 5 A flowchart detailing the system software running on controller 6 is shown. Upon system startup at point 70, initialization functions are performed. Subsequently, the system executes configuration and various tasks in sequence, including the following processes: BMS process 72 for battery management; MPPT battery charging controller operation 73 for solar energy management; converter operation 74 for grid power connection and management; dashboard process 75 for testing and configuration; IoT management for communication via the Internet 76; database management for data storage and secure access 77; switch array process for controlling target objects 78; load management for communication and power switching 79; alert message process 80 for building and publishing messages 80; portal communication for user interface and remote operation 81; mobile application communication 82; and embedded machine learning 83 for executing specially designed algorithms.

[0040] Figure 6 The intelligent UPS system is designed as a standalone device, easily installed simply by plugging it into a wall outlet. The intelligent UPS 87 connects to the main power supply, while appliances 89, 90, 91, and 92 connect to auxiliary power outlets located on the functional side of the intelligent UPS 87. This configuration ensures a stable and uninterrupted power supply to the appliances, allowing them to operate normally even during power outages or power fluctuations.

[0041] In this patent specification, adjectives such as first and second, left and right, above and below, top and bottom, upper and lower, front and back are used only to define one element or method step to distinguish it from another element or method step, and do not necessarily require the specific relative positions or order described by these adjectives. Words such as "comprising" or "including" are not used to define an exclusive set of elements or method steps. Rather, these words are used only to define the minimum set of elements or method steps included in a particular embodiment of the invention.

[0042] The foregoing description of various embodiments of the present invention is intended to illustrate the invention to those skilled in the art. It is not intended to be exhaustive of all embodiments, nor is it intended to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment. Many alternatives and variations of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon which the foregoing teachings are known. Therefore, although some alternatives have been specifically discussed, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easy to implement to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, this specification is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and variations of the invention discussed herein, as well as other embodiments falling within the spirit and scope of the invention described above.

Claims

1. An uninterruptible power supply system, comprising: A main power selector that allows selection between multiple main power options; A battery management system, which includes multiple battery management units; A controller for controlling the main power supply and the battery management system; as well as A bus subsystem, comprising a CAN bus for connecting the main power selector, the battery management system, and the controller together; The main power supply selected by the main power selector is determined by the controller based on the analysis of the main power supply parameters and the external load parameters.

2. The uninterruptible power supply system as described in claim 1, wherein, The controller can be connected to a display panel dashboard to provide a local interface for system testing, debugging, and configuration.

3. The uninterruptible power supply system as described in claim 1, wherein, The dashboard provides end users with visualized, real-time data.

4. The uninterruptible power supply system as described in claim 1, wherein, The controller includes an array of intelligent switches that are designed and wired to perform control tasks on a specific target object.

5. The uninterruptible power supply system as described in claim 1, wherein, The controller enables the exclusion of peripheral devices and functions, allowing the system to be used as a plug-and-play standalone device using a wall socket as the main power source.

6. The uninterruptible power supply system as described in claim 1, wherein, The multiple main power options are selected from: grid power; engine generator power; solar power; wind power; hydropower; and external battery power.

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