Asymmetric Uninterruptible Power Supply Paths for Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional uninterruptible power supply systems with multiple redundant pathways often incur increased costs and complexity due to higher component counts, which can lead to additional failure modes and inefficiencies, especially when dealing with varying voltage systems.
Innovation Solution
A power supply system with two power supply paths, one having a lower component count and the other a higher component count, where one path provides fixed voltage and the other varying voltage, utilizing a power converter and an energy storage device like a battery to ensure reliability and redundancy while minimizing component duplication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple fully redundant pathways of identical structure are used, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to higher component counts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing power supply paths with different component counts and configurations. Specifically, one path uses a lower component count design while another path uses a higher component count design, breaking the symmetry of traditional fully redundant identical pathways. This asymmetric design maintains reliability through diversity while reducing overall system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different characteristics to different parts of the power supply system. Different power supply paths have different component counts, voltage regulation strategies, and protection mechanisms tailored to their specific roles. This localized optimization allows each path to be designed for its specific function rather than requiring all paths to have identical high-specification components.
2Reliability
If multiple fully redundant pathways of identical structure are used, then reliability is improved, but cost increases due to hardware duplication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces component quantity by eliminating the need for fully identical redundant pathways. By using asymmetric designs where paths have different component counts, the system achieves reliability through functional diversity rather than complete duplication, thereby reducing the total quantity of components required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing power supply paths that can serve multiple functions. The paths with different component counts can both provide power supply and voltage regulation, with one path potentially serving as primary and another as backup or load-sharing path. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized dedicated components in each path.
3Power
If higher component count pathways are used, then power supply capacity is improved, but failure modes increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the power supply system into multiple independent paths with different component counts. This segmentation isolates failure modes to specific paths rather than affecting the entire system. The lower component count paths have fewer potential failure points, while higher component count paths provide additional capacity and redundancy, and failures in one path do not propagate to other paths.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides reliable and efficient power supply with reduced costs and complexity by allowing switching between paths in case of faults, maintaining high reliability with fewer components and avoiding unnecessary hardware duplication, thus optimizing system efficiency and failure mode management.
Implementation Method 1
Each power supply path has a power converter structured to convert AC electrical power to DC electrical power
Data Source
AI summary
An uninterruptible power supply system includes an AC input interface and a DC output interface, and a plurality of power supply paths coupled between the AC and DC interfaces. A first one of the power supply paths has a lower component count, whereas a second one of the power supply paths has a higher component count. At least one of the power supply paths is structured to supply DC electrical power to a power bus in the DC output interface at a varying voltage.