Distributed control system and method for static transfer switches

Abstract

A static transfer switch (STS) system is provided for transferring power between power sources. The STS system includes a first alternating current (AC) switch assembly and a second AC switch assembly. The first AC switch assembly includes a first current interrupter and a first controller configured to control the first current interrupter. The second AC switch assembly includes a second current interrupter and a second controller configured to control the second current interrupter. The first and second AC switch assemblies are in communication with each other and are each configured to monitor an output power provided to a load, a first power source, and a second power source, and to transfer power in the event of a disturbance detected in the output power, the first power source, and / or the second power source.

Description

Cross-reference to related applications

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. informal patent application No. 18 / 531,305, filed December 6, 2023, entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF DECENTRALIZED CONTROL OF A STATIC TRANSFER SWITCH,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0002] The field of this disclosure relates to power supply systems, and more specifically to distributed control systems and methods for transferring power supply from one power source to another.

[0003] In mission-critical environments such as data centers, it is crucial to have backup power available in case the primary power supply becomes unavailable or drops to a level where it cannot power the load. Solid-state transfer switches, or static transfer switches (STS), are used to switch from primary power to backup power. Therefore, STSs must provide reliable performance in maintaining power supply to the load.

[0004] The known systems and methods of STS have certain shortcomings and therefore need to be improved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one aspect, a static transfer switch (STS) system is provided for transferring power between power sources. The STS system includes a first alternating current (AC) switching assembly and a second AC switching assembly. The first AC switching assembly includes: a first current interruptor configured to connect a load to or disconnect a load from the first power source; and a first controller configured to control the first current interruptor. The second AC switching assembly includes: a second current interruptor configured to connect a load to or disconnect a load from the second power source; and a second controller configured to control the second current interruptor. The first and second AC switching assemblies communicate with each other and are each configured to monitor the output power to the load, the first power source, and the second power source, and to transfer power if an interference is detected in the output power, the first power source, and / or the second power source.

[0006] On the other hand, a method for operating an STS system for transferring power between power sources is provided. The STS system includes a first AC switching assembly. The first AC switching assembly includes: a first current interruptor configured to connect a load to or disconnect a load from the first power source; and a first controller configured to control the first current interruptor, the first AC switching assembly being integrated into a module. The method includes: electrically coupling the first AC switching assembly to the first power source and the load, and monitoring the output power to the load and the first power source via the first AC switching assembly. The method further includes: transferring power via the first AC switching assembly if interference is detected in the output power and / or the first power source.

[0007] On the other hand, an STS system is provided for transferring power between power sources. The STS system includes a first AC switching assembly comprising: a first current interruptor configured to connect a load to or disconnect a load from the first power source; and a first controller configured to control the first current interruptor. The first controller is further configured to monitor the output power to the load and the first power source, and to transfer power if an interference is detected in the output power and / or the first power source. The first AC switching assembly is integrated into a first module. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments are described with reference to the following drawings, wherein the same reference numerals refer to the same parts in the various figures unless otherwise stated.

[0009] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a known power system.

[0010] Figure 2A This is a schematic diagram of an example power system.

[0011] Figure 2B yes Figure 2A A schematic diagram of the AC switching components used in the power system shown.

[0012] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of another example power system.

[0013] Figure 4 It is an operation Figures 2A to 3 The flowchart shows an example method for a static transfer switch (STS) system.

[0014] Figure 5 It is used for operation Figures 2A to 3 The example decision tree of the STS system is shown.

[0015] Figures 6A to 6D The status of an example STS system during power transfer operation is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0016] This disclosure includes systems and methods for using distributed static transfer switching (STS) systems to transfer power from one power source to another. Method aspects are partly obvious and partly discussed in detail in the following description.

[0017] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a known power system 100 is shown, which includes a known static transfer switch 132. In the power system 100, the static transfer switch 132 includes a preferred input terminal 103, a standby input terminal 103, and a load terminal 105. The preferred input terminal 103 is configured to receive power from a preferred voltage source 134-a. The standby input terminal 103 is configured to receive power from a standby voltage source 134-b. The power from the preferred voltage source 134-a and the standby voltage source 134-b is in the form of alternating current (AC). Power is supplied from the load terminal 105 to a load 139. The static transfer switch 132 also includes a first current interrupter 101 and a second current interrupter 101. The first current interrupter 101 is electrically connected between the preferred input terminal 103 and the load terminal 105. The first current interrupter 101 includes one or more semiconductor switches, such as thyristors. The second current interrupter 101 is electrically connected between the standby input terminal 103 and the load terminal 105. The second current interruptor 101 also includes one or more semiconductor switches and can be implemented in a similar manner to the first current interruptor 101.

[0018] System 100 also includes a controller 112. Controller 112 is electrically connected between the first current interruptor 101 and the second current interruptor 101. Controller 112 monitors the output voltage of the power supply, the source voltage, and the state of the switch in the static transfer switch 132, and is configured to control the operation of the first and second current interruptors 101. The static transfer switch 132 has a centralized architecture, in which controller 112 controls the operation of both current interruptors 101. Typically, the static transfer switch 132 is a separate product, and the controller 112 is located separately from the static transfer switch 132.

[0019] Centralized control is a potential single point of failure in system 100. A failure in any aspect of the controller 112's performance would render the entire system 100 inoperable when supplying power to the critical load 139. Before being used in the field to maintain power supply to the critical load, the static transfer switch 132 needs to be assembled with the controller 112 in both hardware and software. Complex wiring is required between the static transfer switch 132 and the controller 112 to provide electrical connections for the control and operation of the static transfer switch 132. This complex wiring and connections increase the time and manpower required to assemble system 100. Software also needs to be written to control and operate the static transfer switch 132 under specific configurations. Due to the complexity and specialization of the hardware and software connections between the controller 112 and the static transfer switch 132, system 100 is not modular. Adding or replacing the static transfer switch 132 would require redesigning and rebuilding system 100. Furthermore, the separate placement of the controller 112 requires a separate compartment, increasing the footprint of system 100.

[0020] In contrast, the system and method described in this paper address the aforementioned problems in known power systems. The control unit is integrated with the power system's current interruptor, thereby distributing control of the power system and eliminating the single point of failure caused by centralized control in known systems. The STS system described in this paper is modular, allowing it to be integrated into existing switchgear systems to replace a failed STS system, or configured as an add-on or stand-alone STS system. It can be easily connected to the power supply without additional hardware, reducing assembly complexity, cost, and manpower. The modules of the STS system can be placed in different locations and communicate with each other via wired or wireless communication, increasing the flexibility of power system configuration. Changing the power system configuration requires only software modifications, without redesigning or rebuilding the system, thus simplifying system configuration.

[0021] Furthermore, redundancy in control and fault handling is incorporated into the systems and methods described herein, thereby improving system reliability. The AC switching components in the STS system described herein integrate the controller with the current interruptor. The AC switching components are self-aware, monitoring the power supply and output power, and controlling the transfer from one power source to another to maintain power supply to critical loads. The AC switching components in the STS system also communicate with each other. This communication adds another layer of redundancy and can be used to determine the state of the AC switching components and the power system. The configuration of the STS system described herein improves the reliability of the power system while increasing the flexibility of system configuration.

[0022] Figure 2A and Figure 2BA power system 201 is shown, which includes an example STS system 200. Figure 2A This is a schematic diagram of power system 201. In an example embodiment, power system 201 includes a switching equipment system 203. Switching equipment system 203 is configured to be electrically coupled to a first power source 134-1 and a second power source 134-2. Switching equipment system 203 controls the power supply from power source 134-1 or 134-2 to load 139. In addition to STS system 200, switching equipment system 203 also includes circuit breaker 250 and other components for managing the power supply and providing protection for load 139. STS system 200 is modular and configured to be integrated with existing switching equipment systems 200. For illustrative purposes only, Figure 2A Two power supplies 134 are depicted as an example. The number of power supplies 134 can be any number, such as one or three, so that the switching device system 203 and the STS system 200 can operate as described herein.

[0023] In an example embodiment, the STS system 200 includes a first AC switching assembly 202-1. The STS system 200 may also include a second AC switching assembly 202-2. Each AC switching assembly 202 monitors all power supplies 134 and the output power supplied to the load 139, and is configured to connect or disconnect a power supply 134 from the load 139. The AC switching assemblies 202 communicate with each other. The number of AC switching assemblies may correspond to the number of power supplies 134 connected to the power system 201.

[0024] For illustrative purposes only, Figure 2A The diagram depicts a single-line representation of the STS system 200, where power supply 134 is a phase of an AC power supply. Power supply 134 can also be a DC power supply.

[0025] Figure 2B This is a schematic diagram of an example AC switching assembly 202. In the example embodiment, the AC switching assembly 202 includes a controller 206 and a current interruptor 208. The current interruptor 208 is configured to connect a load 139 to a power supply 134 or disconnect the load 139 from the power supply 134. The current interruptor 208 may include a semiconductor switch, such as thyristors arranged antiparallel to each other. Other circuitry, such as auxiliary units, may be included in the current interruptor 208 to improve its performance. The operation of the current interruptor 208 is controlled by the controller 206.

[0026] In an example embodiment, controller 206 includes a processor-based microcontroller, comprising processor 246 and memory device 248, which stores executable instructions, commands, and control algorithms, as well as other data and information required for the normal operation of STS system 200. Memory device 248 includes instructions that, when executed by processor 246, enable controller 206 to control the operation of current interruptor 208. In some embodiments, memory device 248 may be, for example, random access memory (RAM) and other forms of memory used in conjunction with RAM, including (but not limited to) flash memory, programmable read-only memory (PROM), and electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM).

[0027] As used herein, the term "processor-based" microcontroller should refer not only to controller devices including the processor or microprocessor shown, but also to other equivalents such as microcomputers, programmable logic controllers, reduced instruction set circuits (RISC), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and other programmable circuits, logic circuits, their equivalents, and any other circuits or processors capable of performing the functions described below. The processor-based devices listed above are merely exemplary and are therefore not intended to limit the definition and / or meaning of the term "processor-based" in any way.

[0028] In some embodiments, AC switch assembly 202 may be placed separately from another AC switch assembly 202. AC switch assembly 202 may be placed remotely from another AC switch assembly 202. AC switch assemblies 202 may communicate with each other via wired or wireless communication (such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and / or the Internet). AC switch assembly 202 may be placed at a location connected to a corresponding power supply 134. Alternatively, the AC switch assembly may be packaged together with the corresponding power supply 134. In one example, a first AC switch assembly 202 is integrated into a module. A second AC switch assembly 202 may be integrated into a separate module. Modules may be placed separately from each other and communicate with each other via wired or wireless communication mechanisms.

[0029] By integrating the controller with the current interrupter, the size of the system described in this paper is reduced. The cost and manpower required for assembly are reduced by eliminating the complex wiring between the controller and the STS in known systems.

[0030] In the example embodiment, the STS system 200 is modular, with terminals for connecting to other components in the switching equipment system 203 or to the power supply 134 and load 139 (see description later). Figure 3The STS system 200 can be packaged into a single unit. The STS system 200 may include one or more AC switch assemblies 202. The AC switch assemblies 202 can be configured as modules within the STS system 200. The modular configuration of the STS system offers advantages in reducing assembly costs and increasing the configuration flexibility of switchgear and power systems.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of power system 201-3, which includes another example STS system 200-3. (Compared to...) Figure 2A Compared to the STS system 200 shown, where STS system 200 is configured to be integrated into existing switchgear system 203 and replace the existing STS system, STS system 200-3 is configured to act as an independent power supply system. STS system 200 is configured to be directly electrically connected to power supply 134 and load 139. STS system 200-3 is configured to act as an independent STS system to transfer power between power supplies 134. In some embodiments, STS system 200-3 is configured to act as an independent system to be integrated into a UPS system.

[0032] In an example embodiment, the STS system 200 also includes a circuit breaker 250 configured to protect the STS system 200 from overcurrent and / or short-circuit conditions. The STS system 200 may also include other components 304, such as converters or transformers, to provide the required output power to the load 139. Other components may also be included in the STS system 200, such as contactors and / or power distribution modules, which enable the STS system 200 to operate as described herein.

[0033] In addition to integrating the controller with the current interrupter, measures are implemented to further enhance the system's reliability and flexibility. In one example, the load is protected from conditions such as faults or overcurrent. Power transfer from one power source to another is performed when needed. For example, the power source is switched when its power quality is substandard. A power source is active when connected to a load. Its power quality is good or satisfactory when it meets the load's requirements and no interference is detected in the power source. Load requirements can be power requirements, voltage requirements, current requirements, or any other requirements regarding power from the power source for load operation. Interference can be a fault condition. Fault conditions can be source control board failures or communication interruption failures, where source communication is interrupted. During communication failures, the main AC switching assembly handles the transfer based on output power quality. Fault conditions can be gate faults or SCR (Silicon Controlled Rectifier) / thyristor faults, such as open-circuit SCR faults, short-circuit SCR faults, or SCR fixed-position faults. Once a gate fault is detected, the AC switching assembly provides gate fault handling. Fault conditions can be overload conditions, such as RMS (root mean square) overload faults or peak current overload faults. Once an overload condition is detected, the AC switching assembly will provide overload fault handling.

[0034] The systems and methods described herein include an AC switching assembly for controlling a switch to connect or disconnect a power source when needed. The system's state, as well as the power quality and output power of the power source, are monitored by the AC switching assembly and used to determine whether a transfer is required. The AC switching assembly monitors the state and power quality and controls its own operation, unlike known power systems where operation depends on communication with a centralized control system. During a transfer, the AC switching assembly controls disconnection from the active power source and, after disconnection, connects to an inactive power source to ensure that power sources do not cross-connect and that only one power source is supplied to the load at a given time, thereby protecting the load from excessive power.

[0035] A switch in a current interrupter can be a single point of failure in a system. Instead of replicating switches or switch drivers (which increases the cost, size, and complexity of the power system), the systems and methods described herein include AC switching assemblies that detect faults in the switch by monitoring the power supply and output power, thus eliminating the system's heavy reliance on switches. Therefore, if a switch fails, the fault is detected, and remedies are provided, such as connecting to a different power supply and relaying the fault for replacement or repair.

[0036] The system and method described herein facilitate hot-swapping of AC switch control modules, where the switching of master / slave switch components is performed without disconnecting any AC switch component. Upon startup, the AC switch component 202 possesses self-awareness and acquires master / slave roles based on communication. Each AC switch component 202 controls and manages the faults of the STS system 200, thus providing redundancy at the module level rather than the component level. Each AC switch component 202 is configured to monitor output power and power supply, and, if interference is detected in the output power and / or power supply, transfer power from one power supply to another. Therefore, system reliability is improved without significantly increasing cost due to module replication.

[0037] The controllers of the AC switching components communicate with each other, thereby improving system reliability. Each AC switching component controller has self-awareness capabilities, monitoring the power supply status, power quality, and output power. Each AC switching component controller directly monitors the power quality of the corresponding power supply connected to the AC switching component and directly monitors the output power, as the AC switching component is connected to the load. The power quality of other power supplies is obtained through communication, or implied by communication failures of other AC switching components in the event of a failure. For example, if the power quality of one power supply is good, this status is relayed to the AC switching components of other power supplies. Conversely, if the power quality of this power supply is poor, this status may be relayed, or it may not be relayed if the AC switching component of this power supply fails. Based on the fact of communication or lack thereof, other AC switching components can determine that a power supply is poor and can initiate power transfer based on the power quality of the output power, without waiting for commands from centralized control as in known systems.

[0038] In some embodiments, the STS system 200 includes a single AC switch assembly 202. When the STS system 200 includes a single AC switch assembly 202, the STS system 200 can be configured as a backup system for an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), and the AC switch assembly 202 acts as a bypass switch for the UPS system. The UPS system includes an internal output controlled by an inverter. When the internal output is subject to interference or is unavailable, the STS system 200 acts as a bypass and maintains the output power supplied to the load 139.

[0039] Figure 4This is a flowchart of an example method 400 for operating an STS system. The example STS system may be the STS system 200 described herein. In the example embodiment, method 400 includes electrically coupling a first AC switching assembly 402 to a first power source and a load. Method 400 also includes monitoring the output power to the load and the first power source via the first AC switching assembly 404. Method 400 further includes transferring power via the first AC switching assembly 406 if interference is detected in the output power and / or the first power source.

[0040] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a decision tree 500 used to operate the STS system 200. In the example embodiment, preferred power supply 134-p and non-preferred power supply 134-n are available (see description later). Figures 6A to 6D In this AC switching assembly, one AC switching component can act as the master AC switching component, while the other acts as the slave AC switching component. The master AC switching component controls the operation of the current interrupter 208 and manages faults in the STS system 200. For example, the master AC switching component monitors the active power supply, the inactive power supply, and the output power, and transfers power from the active power supply to the inactive power supply if an interference is detected in the output power and / or the active power supply. After the transfer, the state of the power supply is updated to reflect whether the specific power supply is active or inactive. The slave AC switching component acts as a backup AC switching component, as long as the master switching component communicates with the slave AC switching component, and manages the power quality of the output power to ensure good output power quality. When the slave AC switching component detects that the master AC switching component cannot communicate or that the output power quality is poor despite being managed by the master AC switching component (indicating that the master switching component is not operating correctly), the slave AC switching component becomes the master AC switching component and controls the operation of the STS system. The STS system 200 can configure the AC switch assembly as the primary AC switch assembly based on factors such as configuration, internal faults, communication failures, or output power and power quality of the power supply connected to the AC switch assembly 202. The AC switch assembly 202 corresponding to the preferred power supply 134-p can act as the primary AC switch assembly. The AC switch assembly 202 corresponding to the non-preferred power supply 134-n can act as the secondary AC switch assembly.

[0041] In the example embodiment, upon power system startup, STS system 200 connects 502 to preferred power supply 134-p. It is determined 504 whether the gate of preferred power supply 134-p is open. If the gate is open, power is supplied from the preferred power supply 506 to the load. If the gate is closed, output power and power supply are monitored 508. It is determined 510 whether the power supply being monitored by the AC switching assembly is the preferred power supply. If the power supply is the preferred power supply, it is determined whether the power quality of power supply 510 is good. If the preferred power supply is of good quality, the active gate 516 is closed, and the gate of power supply 516 is opened, thereby connecting the load to the preferred power supply. If the preferred power supply is of poor quality, decision tree 500 returns to determining whether power supply 510 is the preferred power supply, and then selects a non-preferred power supply 134-n (see description later). Figures 6A to 6D Determine if the output power quality of 514 is poor. If the output power is poor, close the active gate of 516 and open the gate of 516 (the non-preferred power supply), thereby providing power 520 to the load. If the output power quality is poor when the power supply is non-preferred and not active, monitor the output power and power supply while keeping the preferred power supply active.

[0042] In decision tree 500, if the power quality of preferred power source 134-p is good, then the preferred power source is the one to provide power to load 139, unless the output power quality is poor or insufficient to meet the needs of load 130. When the output power is poor, the power supply is switched from the preferred power source to a non-preferred power source. When power is provided by a non-preferred power source 134-n, if STS system 200 determines that the quality of preferred power source 134-p has recovered to the required quality, the power supply is switched back to preferred power source 234. The preferred power source is preferred over the non-preferred power source due to reasons such as power stability or duration. For example, the preferred power source could be a power supply from a utility company, while the non-preferred power source could be a power supply from an energy storage device such as a battery (which has a limited lifespan).

[0043] Figures 6A to 6D The operation of the STS system 200 is also illustrated. In the example embodiment, in Figure 6AIn this configuration, with the gate 602 of the AC switch assembly 202 open, the preferred power source 134-p supplies power to the load 139. The gate controls the operation of the current interrupter 208. When the gate is open, the current interrupter 208 connects the power source 134 to the load 139. When the gate is closed, the current interrupter 208 disconnects the load 139 from the power source 134. The power quality of the preferred power source 134-p is good. The power quality of the non-preferred power source 134-n is also good, and the gate of the AC switch assembly connected to the backup power source 134-n is closed so that power can be supplied from the preferred power source 134-p when the power quality of the preferred power source 134-p is good. The preferred power source 134-p is the active power source, while the non-preferred power source 134-n is the inactive power source. The power quality of the inactive side and the output power is monitored. The AC switch assembly can infer the power quality of the power source not connected to the AC switch assembly by checking the output power. If the power supply is active and the power quality of the output power is good, then it can be inferred that the power quality of the power supply is good.

[0044] In the example embodiment, Figure 6B A fault was detected in the preferred power supply 134-p, indicating poor power quality on the active side. Meanwhile, the power quality on the inactive side remained good. The poor output power quality is due to the poor power quality of the active power supply. Figure 6B The state of the gating on either side shown is before the transition.

[0045] In the example embodiment, Figure 6C In this scenario, because the output power is poor and the power quality on the inactive side is good, the gating on the active side is closed, and the gating on the inactive side is open, thereby facilitating the transfer of power supply to load 139 from preferred power source 134-p to non-preferred power source 134-n. When non-preferred power source 134-n is connected to load 139 and supplies power to it, the power quality of preferred power source 134-p is continuously monitored by AC switching assemblies 202-1 and 202-2 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figures 2A to 3 During this period, remedial measures can be taken, such as shutting off the circuit breaker and / or replacing the fuse.

[0046] In the example embodiment, Figure 6D When the power quality of the preferred power source recovers to a good state, for example, if the fault has been rectified, the system switches back to the preferred power source 134-p, with gate 602 on the preferred power source 134-p side open and gate 602 on the non-preferred power source 134-n side closed. When the non-preferred power source 134 is not connected to the load 139, the power quality of the non-preferred power source 134 is monitored so that when a switch to the non-preferred power source 134-n is required, the power quality of the non-preferred power source 134-n is good.

[0047] For illustrative purposes only, Figures 5 to 6D Two power sources are described. The STS system 200 can act as a bypass switch in a single AC switch configuration. For example, the STS system 200 is connected to an inactive side power source. The inactive side power source can be designated as the preferred power source. When the power quality of the inactive side power source is good, the STS system 200 transfers power to the inactive power source. In some embodiments, the STS system 200 is coupled to three or more power sources. One of the power sources is designated as the preferred power source 134-p, while the others are non-preferred power sources 134-n. The non-preferred power sources 134-n can have preference states that are ordered so that when the preferred power source 134-p is unavailable, the non-preferred power source with the highest preference order is connected to provide power to the load 139.

[0048] As used herein, the terms “processor” and “computer,” as well as related terms such as “processing device,” “computing device,” and “controller,” are not limited to those integrated circuits referred to in the art as computers, but broadly refer to microcontrollers, microcomputers, analog computers, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and other programmable circuits, and these terms are used interchangeably herein. In the embodiments described herein, “memory” may include (but is not limited to) computer-readable media (such as random access memory (RAM)) and computer-readable non-volatile media (such as flash memory). Alternatively, floppy disks, optical discs—read-only memory (CD-ROMs), magneto-optical discs (MODs), and / or digital versatile optical discs (DVDs) may also be used. Similarly, in the embodiments described herein, additional input channels may be (but are not limited to) computer peripherals associated with an operator interface (such as a touchscreen, mouse, and keyboard). Alternatively, other computer peripherals may be used, which may include, for example, (but are not limited to) scanners. Furthermore, in example embodiments, additional output channels may include (but are not limited to) operator interface monitors or heads-up displays. Some embodiments involve the use of one or more electronic or computing devices. Such devices typically include processors, processing devices, or controllers, such as general-purpose central processing units (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), microcontrollers, reduced instruction set computer (RISC) processors, ASICs, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), digital signal processing (DSP) devices, and / or any other circuitry or processing devices capable of performing the functions described herein. The methods described herein may be encoded as executable instructions embodied in a computer-readable medium, including but not limited to storage devices and / or memory devices. When executed by a processed device, such instructions cause the processing device to perform at least a portion of the methods described herein. The examples above are not intended to limit the definition and / or meaning of the terms processor and processing device in any way.

[0049] At least one technical effect of the systems and methods described herein includes: (a) a modular STS system; (b) an STS system including AC switching components configured to monitor and control power delivery of a power source; (c) an STS system including any number of AC switching components; and (d) an STS system including redundancy control and fault management.

[0050] Exemplary embodiments of the power transfer system and method have been described in detail above. The system and method are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather components of the system and / or operation of the method can be used independently or separately from other components and / or operations described herein. Furthermore, the described components and / or operations may also be defined or used in conjunction with other systems, methods, and / or devices, and are not limited to practice using only the systems described herein.

[0051] As used herein, an element or step expressed in the singular and preceded by the words “a” or “an” should be understood to not exclude a plurality of elements or steps unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. Furthermore, references to “example” or “an example” in this disclosure are not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of additional examples that also include the described features. Further, with regard to the use herein of the terms “includes,” “including,” “having,” “comprising,” and variations thereof, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprises” as an open-ended transition, without excluding any additional or other elements.

[0052] While certain features of various embodiments of the invention may be shown in some figures but not in others, this is merely for convenience. According to the principles of the invention, any feature in a figure may be referenced and / or claimed in combination with any feature in any other figure.

[0053] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also enables any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any device or system and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples known to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to fall within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that are not indistinguishable from the literal language of the claims, or if such other examples include equivalent structural elements that are not substantially different from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A static transfer switch (STS) system for transferring power between power sources, the STS system comprising: The first AC switching assembly includes: A first current interruptor is configured to connect a load to a first power source or disconnect the load from the first power source; and A first controller is configured to control the first current interruptor; and The second AC switch assembly includes: A second current interruptor is configured to connect the load to a second power supply or disconnect the load from the second power supply; and The second controller is configured to control the second current interrupter. The first AC switch assembly and the second AC switch assembly communicate with each other and are each configured as follows: Monitor the output power to the load, the first power supply, and the second power supply; and If interference is detected in the output power, the first power supply, and / or the second power supply, the transmission power is reduced.

2. The STS system according to claim 1, wherein the STS system is modular.

3. The STS system according to claim 1, wherein the first AC switch assembly is configured as follows: The power is transferred from the first power source to the second power source in the following manner: Disconnect the first current interruptor from the load; and After the first current interrupter is disconnected, the second current interrupter is connected to the load.

4. The STS system according to claim 1, wherein the STS system is configured to be integrated with an existing switchgear system.

5. The STS system of claim 1, wherein the STS system is configured to be included as an additional STS system as part of a switchgear system.

6. The STS system according to claim 1, wherein the STS system comprises three or more AC switching assemblies.

7. A method of operating a static transfer switching (STS) system for transferring power between power sources, the STS system including a first alternating current (AC) switching assembly, the first AC switching assembly comprising: The first current interrupter is configured to connect the load to the first power supply or disconnect the load from the first power supply. The method includes a first controller configured to control the first current interrupter, the first AC switching assembly being integrated into the module, and the method comprising: The first AC switch assembly is electrically coupled to the first power source and the load; The output power to the load and the first power supply are monitored via the first AC switching assembly; and In the event that interference is detected in the output power and / or the first power supply, power is transmitted via the first AC switching assembly.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the STS system further comprises: The second AC switch assembly includes: A second current interruptor is configured to connect the load to a second power supply or disconnect the load from the second power supply; and The second controller is configured to control the second current interrupter. The second AC switch assembly communicates with the first AC switch assembly, and Monitoring the output power via the first AC switching assembly also includes: The second power supply is monitored via the first AC switching assembly.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: Monitor the output power, the first power supply, and the second power supply; as well as If the interference is detected in the output power, the first power supply, and / or the second power supply, the power is transmitted.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein transmitting the power further comprises: Disconnect the first current interruptor from the first power supply; as well as Connect the second current interruptor to the second power supply.

11. The method of claim 7, wherein the first power source is a preferred power source, and the method further comprises: During the startup of the STS system, the preferred power source is electrically connected to the load via the first AC switching assembly.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: If the interference is detected in the output power and / or the preferred power source, the power will be transferred from the preferred power source to a non-preferred power source. Monitor the preferred power supply and the output power; as well as When the preferred power source has good power quality, the power is transferred from the non-preferred power source to the preferred power source.

13. The method of claim 7, wherein the first AC switch assembly is a main AC switch assembly, and the method further comprises: The active power supply, inactive power supply, and output power are monitored via the main AC switch assembly. as well as If the interference is detected in the output power and / or the active power supply, the power is transferred from the active power supply to the inactive power supply via the main AC switching assembly.

14. The method of claim 7, further comprising: Configure the STS system as a bypass switch for an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system in the following manner: Configure the first AC switch assembly as the slave AC switch assembly of the UPS system.

15. A static transfer switch (STS) system for transferring power between power sources, the STS system comprising: The first AC switching assembly includes: A first current interruptor is configured to connect a load to a first power supply or disconnect a load from the first power supply; and A first controller is configured to control the first current interrupter, and the first controller is further configured to: Monitor the output power supplied to the load and the first power source; and If interference is detected in the output power and / or the first power supply, the transmission power, and The first AC switch component is integrated into the first module.

16. The STS system of claim 15, wherein the STS system is modular.

17. The STS system according to claim 15, further comprising: The second AC switch assembly includes: The second current interrupter is configured to connect the load to a second power supply or disconnect the load from the second power supply. The second controller is configured to control the second current interrupter, and the second controller is further configured to: Monitoring the output power, the first power supply, and the second power supply; and If the interference is detected in the output power, the first power supply, and / or the second power supply, the power is transmitted. The first AC switch assembly and the second AC switch assembly communicate with each other.

18. The STS system of claim 17, wherein the second AC switch assembly is integrated into the second module.

19. The STS system of claim 15, wherein the STS system includes a single AC switch assembly, and the first AC switch assembly is configured as a bypass switch for an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system.

20. The STS system of claim 15, wherein the STS system comprises three or more AC switching assemblies.

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