Auxiliary Controller Manages UPS Power States
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) operate inefficiently when a connected load is in an away mode, as certain components remain in an active state despite not actively performing functions, leading to unnecessary power consumption.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an uninterruptible power supply system with a main controller, auxiliary controller, and battery charger that can initiate shutdown and power-up sequences based on load power status and battery charge levels, allowing the system to enter a low-power state and awaken periodically to assess charging conditions, thereby reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the UPS components remain in active state to ensure immediate power delivery capability, then the reliability is improved, but the power consumption increases unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The UPS system dynamically transitions between active and low-power states based on load conditions. When the load enters away mode, the system shifts from a static active state to a dynamic low-power state, awakening periodically to assess charging needs. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliability when needed while minimizing power consumption during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary controller implements periodic awakening cycles where the main controller and logic power supply are reactivated at intervals to check battery charge levels and load status. This periodic action ensures the system maintains power delivery capability through regular readiness assessments while spending most time in low-power state, thus resolving the contradiction between continuous reliability and reduced energy consumption.
2Speed
If the main controller and logic power supply remain continuously active, then the system responsiveness is improved, but the energy waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary controller performs preliminary assessments of system needs and initiates main controller activation only when necessary. By monitoring load status and battery charge levels continuously in low-power mode, the auxiliary controller can predict when main controller activation will be needed, thus maintaining responsiveness without continuous operation and reducing energy waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through the auxiliary controller's ability to autonomously manage power state transitions. The auxiliary controller monitors system conditions and automatically activates or deactivates the main controller based on predefined criteria, eliminating the need for continuous main controller operation while maintaining system responsiveness and reducing energy waste.
3Productivity
If the UPS enters low-power mode to reduce energy consumption, then the energy efficiency is improved, but the ability to respond to power needs is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the auxiliary controller continuously monitors battery charge levels, load status, and power source availability. This feedback enables the auxiliary controller to determine optimal times to activate the main controller, ensuring response capability is maintained when actually needed while maximizing energy efficiency during idle periods. The feedback loop resolves the contradiction by providing intelligence to power state management.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary controller serves as an intermediary between the low-power state and the main power delivery system. It bridges the gap by monitoring system needs and mediating power state transitions, ensuring that the main controller is activated only when necessary while maintaining overall system reliability. This intermediary role resolves the contradiction by decoupling continuous monitoring from continuous high-power operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Examples of the disclosure include an uninterruptible power supply comprising an input configured to be coupled to a power source, an output configured to output power to a load, a main controller, a main logic power supply, an auxiliary logic power supply, and an auxiliary controller configured to receive power from the auxiliary logic power supply, the auxiliary controller being configured to receive a signal indicating that the load is not powered by the uninterruptible power supply, output a first signal to initiate shutdown of the main controller and the main logic power supply, and output a second signal to power-up the main controller and the main logic power supply after a predetermined period of time elapses after outputting the first signal.