No power outage device

Abstract

When the power conversion module is powered on, the main controller (34) obtains second identification information from the sub-controller (20) corresponding to the power conversion module to identify the second program installed in the sub-controller (20). The main controller (34) compares the first identification information of the first program, which should be installed in common on multiple sub-controllers, with the obtained second identification information. If the first identification information and the second identification information match, the main controller (34) sends a constant setting table to the sub-controller (20). If the first identification information and the second identification information do not match, the main controller (34) updates the second program by sending the first program to the sub-controller (20). The sub-controller (20) starts the second program in response to receiving the constant setting table from the main controller (34).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an uninterruptible power supply device, and more particularly to a modular uninterruptible power supply device including a plurality of power conversion modules connected in parallel.

Background Art

[0002] For example, International Publication No. 2024 / 209530 (Patent Document 1) discloses a modular uninterruptible power supply device including a plurality of power conversion modules connected in parallel to a load. The modular uninterruptible power supply device generally has a hot swap function. Hot swap means that during the operation of the uninterruptible power supply device, it is possible to repair or replace a failed power conversion module while operating other power conversion modules. Therefore, it is possible to repair or replace a failed power conversion module while continuing the operation of the load by the uninterruptible power supply device.

[0003] In the above uninterruptible power supply device, a main controller that controls a plurality of power conversion modules and a plurality of controllers that drive the plurality of power conversion modules respectively are communicatively connected by a communication line. In Patent Document 1, the main controller transmits either execution data used for executing an execution program or update data used for updating an update program to a programmable device of each controller using the communication line during the execution of the execution program.

[0004] When the processor of the programmable device receives the execution data, the processor advances the execution program based on the execution data. When the processor receives the update data, the processor writes the update data into the memory and advances the update of the update program. Then, when the programmable device is reset after the update of the update program is completed, the processor terminates the execution program and starts the update program as the execution program. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2024 / 209530 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] According to the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, it is possible to continue controlling the power conversion module (executing the execution program) using execution data via a communication line, while simultaneously updating the update program using update data. Then, upon completion of the update, all controllers can be updated without stopping the operation of the modular uninterruptible power supply by sequentially resetting the programmable devices of multiple power conversion modules.

[0007] However, in order to perform an update on each controller, the programmable device's memory needs to contain a first memory area for storing the executable program and a memory area for storing the update program. When the programmable device is reset, a program rewrite (replacement) is required: the executable program stored in the first memory area is moved to the second memory area as the update program, and the update program stored in the second memory area is moved back to the first memory area as the executable program.

[0008] Furthermore, in order to achieve parallel synchronous operation of multiple power conversion modules, it is necessary that the same program be installed on all of them. Therefore, power conversion modules inserted into an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) via hot-swapping must have the same program installed as the program running on other power conversion modules currently in operation. In this regard, it is conceivable that the program be pre-installed on the power conversion modules during the manufacturing process. However, since modular UPS systems have a larger total number of processors compared to monolithic UPS systems, there are concerns that the installation work will increase significantly.

[0009] Furthermore, if a software update occurs while a user of an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) has purchased a power conversion module as a spare, the user will need to update the program of the stored power conversion module. To update the program of a stored power conversion module, it is necessary to supply control power to the power conversion module and to prepare a dedicated update jig (cable and computer, etc.).

[0010] Therefore, the primary purpose of this disclosure is to improve the efficiency of hot-swapping of modular uninterruptible power supplies by efficiently performing program installation and updates in multiple power conversion modules with a simple configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] An uninterruptible power supply according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a plurality of power conversion modules connected in parallel to a load. The uninterruptible power supply comprises a main controller that controls the plurality of power conversion modules, a plurality of sub-controllers provided corresponding to each of the plurality of power conversion modules and driving the corresponding power conversion module by communicating with the main controller, and serial communication lines that connect the main controller and the plurality of sub-controllers. The main controller has storage. The storage stores a first program to be installed in common on the main controller and the plurality of sub-controllers, a constant setting table that defines constants used in the first program, and first identification information for identifying the first program.

[0012] When power is turned on to at least one of the power conversion modules of multiple power conversion modules, the main controller obtains second identification information from the subcontroller corresponding to the powered-on power conversion module to identify the second program installed in the subcontroller. The main controller compares the first identification information stored in storage with the obtained second identification information. i) If the first and second identification information match, the main controller sends a constant setting table to the subcontroller. ii) If the first and second identification information do not match, the main controller updates the second program by sending the first program to the subcontroller. The main controller compares the second identification information obtained from the updated subcontroller with the first identification information and sends a constant setting table to the subcontroller if the first and second identification information match. The subcontroller starts the second program upon receiving the constant setting table from the main controller. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to this disclosure, program installation and updates can be performed simply and efficiently when the power conversion module is powered on, thereby improving the efficiency of hot-swapping of modular uninterruptible power supplies. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a circuit block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an uninterruptible power supply according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This block diagram shows an example of the hardware configuration for the main controller and sub-controller. [Figure 3] This diagram illustrates the program update process that occurs when an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is powered on. [Figure 4] This diagram illustrates the program update process during hot-swapping of an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). [Figure 5] This is a flowchart illustrating the steps of the process performed by the main controller. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart illustrating the steps of the process performed by the subcontroller. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the following, the same or corresponding parts in the drawings will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated in principle.

[0016] <Configuration of an uninterruptible power supply> Figure 1 is a circuit block diagram showing an example configuration of an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The UPS 100 according to this embodiment converts three-phase AC power from a commercial AC power source 50 to DC power, and then converts that DC power back to three-phase AC power for supply to a load 54. In Figure 1, for the sake of simplicity of the drawing and explanation, only the circuit corresponding to one of the three phases is shown.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the uninterruptible power supply device 100 includes a bypass module B0, N power modules P1 to PN (N is an integer of 2 or more), and communication lines 40 and 42. The bypass module B0 and the power modules P1 to PN are communicably connected to each other by the communication lines 40 and 42.

[0018] The communication lines 40 and 42 are configured to transmit data bidirectionally by serial communication. Specifically, the communication line 40 is used to exchange various data necessary for the operation control of the uninterruptible power supply device 100 in real time between the bypass module B0 and the power modules P1 to PN. For example, the bypass module B0 and the power modules P1 to PN exchange various data via the communication line 40 by CAN (Controller Area Network) communication with excellent noise resistance. The communication line 40 corresponds to an embodiment of the "first serial communication line".

[0019] The communication line 42 is used to transmit a program from the bypass module B0 to the power modules P1 to PN when installing a program in the power modules P1 to PN or updating a program installed in the power modules P1 to PN. For example, the bypass module B0 transmits a program to the target power module via the communication line 42 by RS-485 communication capable of high-speed data communication. The communication line 42 corresponds to an embodiment of the "second serial communication line".

[0020] By making the communication between the bypass module B0 and the power modules P1 to PN a dual system of the first serial communication line and the second serial communication line in this way, it is possible to install and update the program in the power modules P1 to PN without disturbing the operation control of the uninterruptible power supply device 100.

[0021] The bypass module B0 has an input terminal T1, an output terminal T2, and a semiconductor switch 30 connected between the input terminal T1 and the output terminal T2.

[0022] Each of the power modules P1 to PN is a "power conversion module" that has a converter and an inverter. In the following description, power modules P1 to PN may be collectively referred to as "power module P". Power module P has an input terminal T11, a battery terminal T12, and an output terminal T13.

[0023] The input terminal T1 of bypass module B0 and the input terminal T11 of each power module P are both connected to the commercial AC power supply 50. Input terminal T1 and each input terminal T11 receive the commercial frequency AC voltage VI supplied from the commercial AC power supply 50.

[0024] The battery terminal T12 of each power module P is connected to the battery 52. ​​The battery 52 stores DC power. The battery 52 corresponds to one embodiment of a "power storage device". A capacitor may be connected instead of the battery 52.

[0025] The output terminal T2 of bypass module B0 and the output terminal T13 of each power module P are both connected to the load 54. In other words, bypass module B0 and power modules P1 to PN are connected in parallel to each other between the commercial AC power supply 50 and the load 54. The load 54 is driven by AC power supplied from bypass module B0 or ​​power modules P1 to PN.

[0026] Such an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) 100 is called a "modular UPS." A modular UPS has an internal parallel circuit of power modules P corresponding to the capacity of the UPS. If M power modules P are required for power supply by the UPS, the power quality can be improved by implementing (M+1) power modules P to achieve redundancy.

[0027] This method of achieving redundancy on a module-by-module basis within a single uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is also called the "hot-swap method." The hot-swap method refers to a structure that allows the power module P to be stopped during UPS operation, and then pulled out and inserted. This allows for the replacement of a power module P while the UPS continues to supply power in the event of a failure or inspection.

[0028] (Configuration of bypass module B0) Bypass module B0 comprises a semiconductor switch 30, a main controller 34, and an operating unit 32.

[0029] The semiconductor switch 30 is connected between the input terminal T1 and the output terminal T2. The semiconductor switch 30 is, for example, a thyristor switch having a pair of thyristors connected in antiparallel. The semiconductor switch 30 is controlled by the main controller 34. The semiconductor switch 30 is turned off in inverter power supply mode and turned on in bypass power supply mode. Inverter power supply mode is a mode in which AC power is supplied from the power module P to the load 54. Bypass power supply mode is a mode in which AC power is supplied from the commercial AC power supply 50 to the load 54 via the bypass module B0.

[0030] The control unit 32 includes multiple buttons operated by the user of the uninterruptible power supply 100, a display that shows various information, and the like. By operating the control unit 32, the user can turn the power of the uninterruptible power supply 100 on and off, and select one of two modes, bypass power supply mode or inverter power supply mode.

[0031] Furthermore, the control unit 32 is connected to a communication network (not shown), enabling data exchange between the uninterruptible power supply 100 and external devices (not shown) via the communication network. These external devices include, for example, a PC (Personal Computer) or a server.

[0032] (Configuration of Power Module P) The power module P consists of switches S1 to S3, capacitors 1, 6, and 10, reactors 2 and 9, converter 4, DC line 5, bidirectional chopper 7, inverter 8, current detector 12, and subcontroller 20.

[0033] Switch S1 and reactor 2 are connected in series between input terminal T11 and the input node of converter 4. Capacitor 1 is connected to the node between switch S1 and reactor 2. Switch S1 is turned on when the corresponding power module P is in operation and turned off when the corresponding power module P is stopped. The instantaneous value of the AC input voltage VI supplied from the commercial AC power supply 50 is detected by the subcontroller 20. Based on the instantaneous value of the AC input voltage VI, it is determined whether or not a power outage has occurred in the commercial AC power supply 50.

[0034] Capacitor 1 and reactor 2 constitute AC filter 3. AC filter 3 is a low-pass filter that allows AC power at commercial frequency to pass from the commercial AC power supply 50 to the converter 4, while preventing switching frequency signals generated in the converter 4 from passing through to the commercial AC power supply 50.

[0035] The converter 4 is controlled by the subcontroller 20 and, under normal circumstances when AC power is supplied from the commercial AC power supply 50, converts the AC power to DC power and outputs it to the DC line 5. In the event of a power outage of the commercial AC power supply 50, the operation of the converter 4 is stopped.

[0036] Capacitor 6 is connected to DC line 5 and smooths the voltage of DC line 5. The instantaneous value of the DC voltage VD appearing on DC line 5 is detected by subcontroller 20. DC line 5 is connected to the high-voltage side node of bidirectional chopper 7, and the low-voltage side node of bidirectional chopper 7 is connected to battery terminal T12 via switch S2.

[0037] Switch S2 is turned on when the corresponding power module P is in use and turned off when the corresponding power module P and battery 52 are being maintained. The instantaneous value of the terminal voltage VB of battery 52, which appears at battery terminal T12, is detected by the subcontroller 20.

[0038] The bidirectional chopper 7 is controlled by the subcontroller 20. Under normal circumstances, it stores the DC power generated by the converter 4 in the battery 52. ​​In the event of a power outage of the commercial AC power supply 50, it supplies the DC power from the battery 52 to the inverter 8 via the DC line 5.

[0039] When the bidirectional chopper 7 stores DC power in the battery 52, it steps down the DC voltage VD of the DC line 5 and supplies it to the battery 52. ​​When the bidirectional chopper 7 supplies DC power from the battery 52 to the inverter 8, it steps up the terminal voltage VB of the battery 52 and outputs it to the DC line 5. The DC line 5 is connected to the input node of the inverter 8.

[0040] The output node of inverter 8 is connected to the first terminal of reactor 9, and the second terminal of reactor 9 is connected to output terminal T13 via switch S3. Capacitor 10 is connected to the second terminal of reactor 9. The instantaneous value of the AC output voltage VO appearing at the second terminal is detected by subcontroller 20. Current detector 12 detects the instantaneous value of the current Io flowing from inverter 8 to output terminal T13 (i.e., load 54) via switch S3, and provides a signal Iof indicating the detected value to subcontroller 20.

[0041] The reactor 9 and capacitor 10 constitute the AC filter 11. The AC filter 11 is a low-pass filter that allows the commercial frequency AC power generated by the inverter 8 to pass through to the output terminal T13, while preventing the switching frequency signals generated by the inverter 8 from passing through to the output terminal T13. Switch S3 is controlled by the subcontroller 20 and is turned on when the corresponding power module P is in operation and turned off when the corresponding power module P is stopped.

[0042] The subcontroller 20 controls the entire corresponding power module P based on the AC input voltage VI, DC voltage VD, terminal voltage VB of the battery 52, AC output current Io, and AC output voltage VO. Specifically, the subcontroller 20 detects whether a power outage has occurred based on the detected value of the AC input voltage VI and controls the converter 4 and inverter 8 in synchronization with the phase of the AC input voltage VI.

[0043] Furthermore, the subcontroller 20 normally controls the converter 4 so that the DC voltage VD becomes the reference DC voltage VDR, and stops the operation of the converter 4 in the event of a power outage of the commercial AC power supply 50. In addition, the subcontroller 20 normally controls the bidirectional chopper 7 so that the terminal voltage VB of the battery 52 becomes the reference DC voltage VBR, and in the event of a power outage of the commercial AC power supply 50, it controls the bidirectional chopper 7 so that the DC voltage VD becomes the reference DC voltage VDR.

[0044] Furthermore, the sub-controller 20 exchanges various data with the main controller 34 and the sub-controllers 20 of other power modules P via the communication line 40. Based on the data from the main controller 34 and the other sub-controllers 20, the sub-controller 20 controls the converter 4 and inverter 8 so that the current distribution of the multiple power modules P becomes equal.

[0045] The main controller 34 controls the entire uninterruptible power supply 100 based on signals and data provided from multiple power modules P via the communication line 40. Each sub-controller 20 controls the corresponding power module P according to control commands provided by the main controller 34 via the communication line 40.

[0046] Specifically, the main controller 34 determines the current, i.e., the load current IL, which is the sum of the output currents Io of multiple power modules P, based on the output signals Iof of multiple current detectors 12 transmitted from each sub-controller 20 via the communication line 40. The main controller 34 then determines the appropriate number of power modules P required to supply that load current IL. Furthermore, the main controller 34 compares the determined appropriate number of power modules P with the current number of power modules P, and based on the comparison result, determines whether to put each power module P into an operating state or a stopped state. The main controller 34 transmits a signal indicating the determination result to each sub-controller 20 via the communication line 40.

[0047] When the sub-controller 20 wants to stop the corresponding power module P, it turns off the corresponding switches S1 and S3 and stops the operation of the corresponding converter 4, bidirectional chopper 7, and inverter 8. When the sub-controller 20 wants to start the corresponding power module P, it keeps the corresponding switches S1 and S3 in the ON position and continues the operation of the corresponding converter 4, bidirectional chopper 7, and inverter 8.

[0048] <Example hardware configuration of main controller 34 and subcontroller 20> Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the main controller 34 and the sub-controller 20.

[0049] As shown in Figure 2, the main controller 34 comprises a processor 70, memory 72, storage 74, a communication interface (I / F) 76, and input / output (I / O) circuits 78. These devices are connected via a bus for transmitting data.

[0050] The processor 70 controls the operation of the entire uninterruptible power supply 100 by reading and executing a program in memory 72. The processor 70 is comprised of at least one integrated circuit. The integrated circuit is comprised of, for example, at least one CPU (Central Processing Unit), at least one MPU (Micro Processing Unit), at least one FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof.

[0051] Memory 72 includes, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory). Storage 74 consists of non-volatile memory such as hard disks and flash memory, and stores various data and programs. The various programs include the program for the main controller 34 and the program to be installed on the subcontroller 20. The program for the main controller 34 and the program for the subcontroller 20 are basically the same.

[0052] Because the main controller 34's storage 74 stores the program to be installed on the sub-controllers 20, the main controller 34 can send the program to all connected sub-controllers 20, thereby enabling the installation or update of the program on all sub-controllers 20. Program installation and updates will be explained in detail later.

[0053] The processor 70 reads the program from the storage 74 into the ROM. The RAM functions as working memory and temporarily stores various data necessary for program execution. The communication interface 76 communicates data with the subcontroller 20 of each power module P via communication lines 40 and 42. The I / O circuit 78 is connected to the operation unit 32 and can exchange data with the operation unit 32.

[0054] Storage 74 further stores the constant setting table 60. The constant setting table 60 is a table that defines constants used within the program and is used for centralized management of constants. Constants are variables whose values ​​do not change during program execution. For example, there are hundreds to thousands of constants in total, including values ​​such as rated frequency and rated voltage.

[0055] The constant setting table 60 further includes information for identifying programs that should be installed in common by the main controller 34 and the subcontroller 20. This identification information may include, for example, a program number. A program number typically consists of a multi-digit number or a combination of letters and numbers. Note that the identification information only needs to be stored in the storage 74 and does not necessarily need to be described in the constant setting table 60.

[0056] The constant setting table 60 stored in storage 74 may be installed via any recording medium, or downloaded from an external device 110 via a communication network NW and the operation unit 32. The constant setting table 60 stored in storage 74 is transmitted from the main controller 34 to the subcontroller 20 via the communication line 42 during program installation or update.

[0057] The subcontroller 20 comprises a processor 80, memory 82, storage 84, and a communication interface 86. These devices are connected via a bus for transmitting data.

[0058] The processor 80 controls the operation of the corresponding power module P by reading and executing a program in memory 82. The processor 80 is comprised of at least one integrated circuit. The integrated circuit is comprised of, for example, at least one CPU, at least one MPU, at least one FPGA, or a combination thereof.

[0059] Memory 82 includes, for example, ROM and RAM. Communication I / F 86 communicates data with the main controller 34 and the subcontrollers 20 of other power modules P via communication lines 40 and 42.

[0060] Storage 84 consists of non-volatile memory such as a hard disk or flash memory, and stores various data and programs. At the time of manufacturing and shipment of the power module P, only the firmware for controlling the operation of the power module P during startup is stored in storage 84; the program (software) for driving and controlling the power module P is not yet installed. When power is first supplied to the power module P, this program is installed in the subcontroller 20. The program installation process in the subcontroller 20 will be described later.

[0061] The various data stored in the storage 84 include the AC input voltage VI, DC voltage VD, terminal voltage VB of the battery 52, AC output current Io, and detected AC output voltage VO, which are acquired during the operation of the power module P. The subcontroller 20 stores the output signal Iof of the current detector 12 in the storage 84 and transmits it to the main controller 34 via the communication line 40. The subcontroller 20 then receives a signal from the main controller 34 via the communication line 40 indicating the result of the determination of whether to put the power module P into an operating state or a stopped state.

[0062] <Program update process> In the modular uninterruptible power supply (UPS) shown in Figure 1, parallel synchronous operation of multiple power modules requires that the same program be installed on all power modules. Furthermore, in a hot-swap configuration where a power module can be stopped, withdrawn, and inserted during UPS operation, the inserted power module must have the same program installed as the program running on the other power modules currently in operation.

[0063] Regarding these points, it is conceivable to pre-install the program into the power module during the manufacturing process. However, since modular uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) have a larger total number of processors compared to monolithic UPSs, there are concerns that the installation work will increase significantly.

[0064] Furthermore, if a software update occurs while a power module purchased by a user as a spare is being stored, the user of the uninterruptible power supply (UPS) will need to update the program of that power module. To update the program of a power module in storage, it is necessary to supply control power to that power module and to prepare a dedicated update jig (cable and computer, etc.).

[0065] To address these concerns, in this embodiment, the main controller 34 is configured to primarily perform the installation and updating of programs for each power module.

[0066] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the program update process when the uninterruptible power supply 100 is powered on. Figure 3 shows the portion of the uninterruptible power supply 100 shown in Figure 1 that is related to the program update process.

[0067] When power is supplied to the uninterruptible power supply 100, the main controller 34 first obtains the program number, which is the identification information of the program stored in the storage 74, and compares the obtained program number with the main controller's program number described in the constant setting table 60. The program number described in the constant setting table 60 represents the program number of the program that the main controller 34 should install.

[0068] If the program number of a program stored in storage 74 matches the program number described in constant setting table 60, the main controller 34 starts the program.

[0069] On the other hand, if the program number of a program stored in storage 74 does not match the program number described in constant setting table 60, the main controller 34 generates an error signal and outputs it to the operation unit 32 without starting the program. When the operation unit 32 receives the error signal from the main controller 34, it notifies the user of the uninterruptible power supply 100 of the error via a display or the like. Alternatively, the operation unit 32 transmits the error signal to an external device 110 via the communication network NW.

[0070] After the program is started, the main controller 34 communicates with each of the subcontrollers 20 of power modules P1 to PN via the communication line 42 to obtain the program number of the program stored in the storage 84 of each power module P's subcontroller 20. This program number corresponds to one embodiment of the "second identification information". The solid arrows in Figure 3 show how the program number is transmitted from each subcontroller 20 to the main controller 34.

[0071] Next, the main controller 34 compares the program number (second identification information) obtained from the sub-controller 20 with the program number (first identification information) described in the constant setting table 60 for each power module P. The program number specified in the constant setting table 60 represents the program number of the program that the sub-controller 20 should install. This program number corresponds to one embodiment of the "first identification information". For each power module P, the main controller 34 compares the program number obtained from the sub-controller 20 with the program number described in the constant setting table 60 and determines whether the two match.

[0072] If, in one power module P, the program number obtained from the subcontroller 20 matches the program number described in the constant setting table 60, the main controller 34 transmits the constant setting table 60 to the subcontroller 20 of that power module P via the communication line 42.

[0073] In the power module P, the subcontroller 20 starts a program once it confirms that it has received the constant setting table 60 from the main controller 34. The subcontroller 20 stores the received constant setting table 60 in the storage 84. The dashed arrows in Figure 3 show how the constant setting table 60 is sent to the subcontrollers 20 of all power modules P1 to PN.

[0074] In response to this, if the program number obtained from the subcontroller 20 in any of the power modules P1 to PN does not match the program number described in the constant setting table 60, the main controller 34 sends a copy of the program stored in the storage 74 to the subcontroller 20 of that power module P via the communication line 42.

[0075] In the power module P, the subcontroller 20 updates the program stored in the storage 84 based on a copy of the program received from the main controller 34. After the update is complete, the subcontroller 20 transmits the program number of the updated program stored in the storage 84 to the main controller 34 via the communication line 42.

[0076] The main controller 34 compares the program number obtained from the updated subcontroller 20 with the program number described in the constant setting table 60 and confirms that they match. Once it is confirmed that the program number obtained from the subcontroller 20 matches the program number described in the constant setting table 60, the main controller 34 transmits the constant setting table 60 to the subcontroller 20 via the communication line 42.

[0077] The subcontroller 20 starts a program upon receiving the constant setting table 60 from the main controller 34. The subcontroller 20 stores the received constant setting table 60 in the storage 84.

[0078] Furthermore, for power module P, which is in a new (unused) state among the multiple power modules P1 to PN, the program is not installed when the power is first turned on. Therefore, in the update process described above, the subcontroller 20 of power module P cannot send the program number to the main controller 34.

[0079] Therefore, in this embodiment, during the manufacturing process of the power module P, arbitrary initial information is written to the firmware for controlling the operation of the power module P when it starts up. This arbitrary initial information may include, for example, any numbers or a dummy program number (hereinafter also referred to as "initial number") composed of a combination of letters and numbers.

[0080] Therefore, when power is supplied to a new power module P, the subcontroller 20 of the power module P sends an initial number (dummy program number) to the main controller 34. The main controller 34 verifies that the initial number obtained from the subcontroller 20 does not match the program number described in the constant setting table 60, and then sends a copy of the program stored in the storage 74 to the subcontroller 20.

[0081] The subcontroller 20 installs the program into storage 84 based on the copy of the program received from the main controller 34. After the installation is complete, the subcontroller 20 sends the program number of the program stored in storage 84 to the main controller 34 via communication line 42.

[0082] The main controller 34 compares the program number obtained from the subcontroller 20 with the program number described in the constant setting table 60. If it confirms that the two match, it transmits the constant setting table 60 to the subcontroller 20 via the communication line 42.

[0083] The subcontroller 20 starts a program upon receiving the constant setting table 60 from the main controller 34 and stores the received constant setting table 60 in the storage 84.

[0084] The update process described above is executed when the power to the uninterruptible power supply (UPS) 100 is turned on. For example, the update process described above is executed each time the UPS 100 is powered on, such as during the operational test performed at the factory when the UPS 100 is shipped, the operational test performed when the UPS 100 is delivered to the site, the operational test performed during inspection of the UPS 100, and during a power reset of the UPS 100.

[0085] In this update process, the main controller 34 takes the lead in verifying whether the program number (second identification information) of the program installed in each power module P matches the program number (first identification information) of the program to be installed in the power module P. If these two program numbers do not match, the main controller 34 sends the program to the corresponding power module P, thereby performing a program update in that power module P.

[0086] In this way, when a program update is required due to a software version upgrade, the update program and constant setting table 60 are sent from the external device 110 to the main controller 34 via the operation unit 32. After the program and constant setting table 60 are stored in the storage 74 of the main controller 34, the power of the uninterruptible power supply 100 is reset, making it possible to update the programs of all power modules P1 to PN at once. This is because the main controller 34 checks for program number mismatches for each power module P and performs the program update process.

[0087] Furthermore, for a new power module P among the multiple power modules P1 to PN, the main controller 34 can install the program by checking for any mismatch in the initial number (dummy program number) pre-written to that power module P. Therefore, it becomes unnecessary to install the program during the manufacturing process of the power module P, thereby reducing labor costs.

[0088] In this embodiment, even if some power modules P are repaired or replaced while the uninterruptible power supply 100 is in operation, the main controller 34 can install or update programs on these power modules P.

[0089] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the program update process during hot-swapping of the uninterruptible power supply 100. Figure 4 shows the portion of the uninterruptible power supply 100 shown in Figure 1 that is related to the program update process.

[0090] Figure 4(A) shows the power module P2 being stopped and removed from the uninterruptible power supply 100 while the uninterruptible power supply 100 is in operation. Figure 4(B) shows another power module P2A being inserted into the uninterruptible power supply 100.

[0091] In such cases, a program update process is executed in response to the power being turned on to the inserted power module P2A. Specifically, first, the main controller 34 detects that the power module P2A has been inserted by communicating with the sub-controller 20 of the power module P2A.

[0092] Next, the main controller 34 obtains the program number of the program stored in the storage 84 of the subcontroller 20 of the power module P2A. The solid arrows in Figure 4(B) show how the program number is transmitted from each subcontroller 20 to the main controller 34. At this time, if the power module P2A is in new condition, the main controller 34 obtains an initial number (dummy program number) from the subcontroller 20.

[0093] The main controller 34 compares the program number obtained from the subcontroller 20 with the program number described in the constant setting table 60. If the program number obtained from the subcontroller 20 matches the program number described in the constant setting table 60, the main controller 34 transmits the constant setting table 60 to the subcontroller 20 via the communication line 42.

[0094] In response to this, if the program number obtained from the subcontroller 20 does not match the program number described in the constant setting table 60, the main controller 34 sends a copy of the program stored in the storage 74 to the subcontroller 20 via the communication line 42. The dashed arrow in Figure 4(B) shows how a copy of the program is sent to the subcontroller 20 of the power module P2A. In the power module P2A, the subcontroller 20 updates (or installs) the program stored in the storage 84 based on the copy of the program received from the main controller 34. After the update (or installation) is complete, the subcontroller 20 sends the program number of the program stored in the storage 84 to the main controller 34 via the communication line 42.

[0095] The main controller 34 compares the program number obtained from the subcontroller 20 with the program number described in the constant setting table 60. If it confirms that the two match, it transmits the constant setting table 60 to the subcontroller 20 via the communication line 42.

[0096] The subcontroller 20 starts a program upon receiving the constant setting table 60 from the main controller 34. The subcontroller 20 stores the received constant setting table 60 in the storage 84.

[0097] Even when the power module P2A is inserted while the uninterruptible power supply 100 is in operation, the main controller 34 can install or update a program on the power module P2A.

[0098] The operation of the main controller 34 and subcontroller 20 will be explained below using flowcharts. Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of the process performed by the main controller 34. This process is executed each time the power to the uninterruptible power supply 100 is turned on.

[0099] As shown in Figure 5, if the power to the uninterruptible power supply 100 is turned on in step 01 (when S01 is determined to be YES), the main controller 34 obtains the program number of the program stored in the storage 74 of the main controller 34 in S02.

[0100] Next, in S03, the main controller 34 reads the constant setting table 60 stored in the storage 74. In S03, the main controller 34 obtains the program number of the program to be installed on the main controller 34, which is described in the constant setting table 60.

[0101] In S04, the main controller 34 compares the program number of the program stored in the storage 74 with the program number described in the constant setting table 60. In S04, the main controller 34 determines whether the program number of the program stored in the storage 74 matches the program number described in the constant setting table 60.

[0102] If the program number of the program stored in storage 74 matches the program number described in constant setting table 60 (when S05 is determined to be YES), in S06 the main controller 34 starts the program. In S06, the processor 70 of the main controller 34 reads the program into memory 72 and executes it.

[0103] On the other hand, if the program number of a program stored in storage 74 does not match the program number described in constant setting table 60 (when NO is determined in S05), the main controller 34 generates an error signal in S07 without starting the program and outputs it to the operation unit 32. Upon receiving the error signal, the operation unit 32 notifies the user of the uninterruptible power supply 100 of the error via a display or the like. Alternatively, the operation unit 32 transmits the error signal to an external device 110 via the communication network NW.

[0104] When the program is started in S06, the main controller 34 determines in S08 whether or not it has received a program number from each sub-controller 20 that is connected to the main controller 34. The program number provided by each sub-controller 20 represents the program number of the program installed on that sub-controller 20. A dummy program number is provided for sub-controllers 20 that do not have a program installed.

[0105] In S09, the main controller 34 compares the program number obtained from the sub-controller 20 with the program number described in the constant setting table 60 for each power module P. In S09, the main controller 34 determines whether the program number obtained from the sub-controller 20 matches the program number described in the constant setting table 60.

[0106] If the program number obtained from the subcontroller 20 matches the program number described in the constant setting table 60 (when S10 is determined to be YES), in S12, the main controller 34 transmits the constant setting table 60 to the subcontroller 20 via the communication line 42.

[0107] In response to this, if the program number obtained from the subcontroller 20 does not match the program number described in the constant setting table 60 (when NO is determined in S10), the main controller 34, in S11, sends a copy of the program stored in the storage 74 to the subcontroller 20 via the communication line 42. After that, the main controller 34 returns to the process of S08. Upon receiving the program number from the subcontroller 20 to which the copy of the program was sent (when YES is determined in S08), and confirming that the program number matches the program number described in the constant setting table 60 (when YES is determined in S10), the main controller 34, in S12, sends the constant setting table 60 to the subcontroller 20.

[0108] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure performed by the subcontroller 20. This procedure is performed each time the power to the power module P is turned on. Specifically, this procedure is performed when the power to the uninterruptible power supply 100 is turned on, or when the power module P is inserted into the uninterruptible power supply 100 while it is in operation.

[0109] As shown in Figure 6, if the power to the power module P is turned on in S21 (when S21 is judged as YES), the subcontroller 20 obtains the program number of the program stored in the storage 84 of the subcontroller 20 in S22.

[0110] In S23, the sub-controller 20 transmits the program number obtained in S22 to the main controller 34 via the communication line 42.

[0111] After transmitting the program number in S23, in S24 the subcontroller 20 determines whether or not it has received the constant setting table 60 from the main controller 34. If the constant setting table 60 has been received from the main controller 34 (when S24 determines YES), the subcontroller 20 stores the received constant setting table 60 in storage 84 in S25. Furthermore, in S26 the subcontroller 20 starts the program. In S26, the processor 80 of the subcontroller 20 reads the program into memory 82 and executes it.

[0112] If the subcontroller 20 does not receive the constant setting table 60 from the main controller 34 within a predetermined time after sending the program number to the main controller 34 in S23 (when the NO determination is made in S24), the subcontroller 20 then determines in S27 whether or not it has received a copy of the program from the main controller 34.

[0113] When the subcontroller 20 receives a copy of the program from the main controller 34 (when S27 is determined to be YES), in S28 the subcontroller 20 updates the program stored in storage 84 based on the received copy of the program. In S28, the program is installed in the storage 84 of the subcontroller 20 of the power module P, which is in a new condition. After that, the subcontroller 20 returns to S23 and sends the program number of the program stored in storage 84 to the main controller 34 via the communication line 42.

[0114] If the subcontroller 20 receives the constant setting table 60 after transmitting the program number in S23 (when YES is determined in S24), it stores the constant setting table 60 in storage 84 in S25 and starts the program in S26.

[0115] <Effects and Effects> As described above, according to this embodiment, in a modular uninterruptible power supply 100 equipped with multiple power modules, when power is turned on to each power module P, the main controller 34 takes the lead in installing and updating the programs of each power module P. As a result, when power is turned on to the uninterruptible power supply 100 (Figure 3), or when a power module P is inserted by hot-swapping while the uninterruptible power supply 100 is in operation (Figure 4), the installation or updating of the programs in the power modules P will be automatically performed.

[0116] Therefore, for users of the uninterruptible power supply 100, it is unnecessary to pre-install a program on each power module P. Furthermore, for power modules P stored by the user as spares, it is unnecessary to perform program updates while they are in storage. Thus, according to this embodiment, program installation and updates on power modules P can be performed efficiently with a simple configuration. As a result, the hot-swapping efficiency of the uninterruptible power supply 100 can be improved.

[0117] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. This disclosure is indicated by the claims rather than the foregoing description and is intended to include all modifications in the meaning and scope of the claims equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0118] 1,6,10 Capacitors, 2,9 Reactors, 3,11 AC filters, 4 Converters, 5 DC lines, 7 Bidirectional choppers, 8 Inverters, 12 Current detectors, 20 Subcontrollers, 30 Semiconductor switches, 32 Control units, 34 Main controllers, 40,42 Communication lines, 50 Commercial AC power supply, 52 Battery, 54 Load, 60 Constant setting table, 70,80 Processors, 72,82 Memory, 74,84 Storage, 76,86 Communication I / F, 100 Uninterruptible power supply, 110 External devices, B0 Bypass module, NW Communication network, P1~PN, P2A,P Power modules, S1~S3 Switches, T1,T11 Input terminals, T2,T13 Output terminals, T12 Battery terminal.

Claims

1. An uninterruptible power supply comprising multiple power conversion modules connected in parallel to a load, A main controller that controls the multiple power conversion modules, Multiple sub-controllers are provided corresponding to each of the aforementioned multiple power conversion modules and communicate with the main controller to drive the corresponding power conversion module, The system includes a serial communication line for communicating between the main controller and the plurality of sub-controllers, The main controller has storage, which stores a first program to be installed in common on the main controller and a plurality of subcontrollers, a constant setting table defining constants used in the first program, and first identification information for identifying the first program. When power is turned on to at least one of the power conversion modules of the plurality of power conversion modules, the main controller: From the subcontroller corresponding to the power-up-activated power conversion module, second identification information is obtained for identifying the second program installed in the subcontroller. The first identification information stored in the storage is compared with the acquired second identification information. i) If the first identification information and the second identification information match, the constant setting table is transmitted to the subcontroller. ii) If the first identification information and the second identification information do not match, The second program is updated by transmitting the first program to the subcontroller. The second identification information obtained from the updated subcontroller is compared with the first identification information. In response to the first identification information and the second identification information matching, the constant setting table is transmitted to the subcontroller. The sub-controller is an uninterruptible power supply that starts the second program in response to receiving the constant setting table from the main controller.

2. When the power of the aforementioned uninterruptible power supply is turned on, Each of the plurality of subcontrollers transmits the second identification information to the main controller via the serial communication line. The aforementioned main controller For each of the plurality of subcontrollers, the first identification information stored in the storage is compared with the acquired second identification information. The constant setting table is transmitted to the first subcontroller whose first identification information and second identification information match, The first program is sent to a second subcontroller whose first identification information and second identification information do not match, thereby updating the second program. In response to the matching of the second identification information obtained from the updated second subcontroller with the first identification information, the constant setting table is transmitted to the second subcontroller. The uninterruptible power supply according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of subcontrollers starts the second program in response to receiving the constant setting table from the main controller.

3. When the uninterruptible power supply is powered on, the main controller will: The uninterruptible power supply according to claim 2, wherein the program is started when the identification information of the program installed on the main controller matches the first identification information.

4. If one of the power conversion modules is replaced while the uninterruptible power supply is in operation, The subcontroller corresponding to the replaced power conversion module transmits the second identification information to the main controller via the serial communication line when power is turned on. The aforementioned main controller The first identification information stored in the storage and the second identification information obtained from the subcontroller are compared, When the first identification information and the second identification information match, the constant setting table is transmitted to the subcontroller, If the first identification information and the second identification information do not match, the first program is sent to the subcontroller. In response to the fact that the second identification information obtained from the subcontroller matches the first identification information, the constant setting table is transmitted to the subcontroller. The uninterruptible power supply according to claim 1, wherein the sub-controller starts the second program in response to receiving the constant setting table from the main controller.

5. An uninterruptible power supply according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein during the manufacturing process of the power conversion module, arbitrary initial information is written to the firmware of the subcontroller as the second identification information.

6. The first identification information is described in the constant setting table, as an uninterruptible power supply according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. During operation of the uninterruptible power supply, each of the multiple subcontrollers is configured to drive the corresponding power conversion module by exchanging data in real time with the main controller and other subcontrollers. The aforementioned serial communication line is A first serial communication line used for transmitting the aforementioned data, An uninterruptible power supply according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a second serial communication line used for transmitting the first program and the constant setting table.

8. The first serial communication line is a communication line for CAN (Controller Area Network) communication. The uninterruptible power supply according to claim 7, wherein the second serial communication line is a communication line for RS-485 communication.

9. With an additional bypass module, The bypass module is A semiconductor switch connected between the AC power supply and the load, An uninterruptible power supply according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising the semiconductor switch and the main controller for controlling the plurality of power conversion modules.

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