Bi-directional Converter UPS for Voltage Regulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional UPS systems face challenges in efficiently regulating charging and discharging voltages and currents of backup batteries, particularly in isolating batteries from fault conditions and maintaining efficient power supply during power source failures.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a bi-directional converter and a bi-directional switch in UPS units, which operates as a boost converter during discharging and a buck converter during charging, along with MOSFET switches and a controller to regulate voltages and currents, ensuring seamless power supply and battery protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional UPS systems use simple charging/discharging circuits, then device complexity is reduced, but voltage and current regulation precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bi-directional converter serves dual functions: as a boost converter during battery discharging to elevate voltage for load power supply, and as a buck converter during battery charging to step down voltage from the power source. This multi-functionality enables precise voltage and current regulation in both operating modes while avoiding the need for separate dedicated circuits, thus improving regulation precision without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between boost and buck converter modes based on operational requirements. The controller adjusts the switching states of MOSFETs Q1-Q4 and the operational mode of the bi-directional converter in real-time, enabling adaptive voltage and current regulation that optimizes performance for both charging and discharging scenarios
2Reliability
If batteries are isolated from fault conditions using protective switches, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective isolation function is merged into the existing bi-directional switch structure. The same MOSFETs (Q1-Q4) and controller that manage normal charging and discharging operations are also utilized for fault isolation. When a fault is detected, the controller simply changes the switching states to disconnect the battery, combining the protective function with the existing power management circuitry rather than adding separate isolation components
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-protection through automatic fault detection and isolation. The controller continuously monitors operational parameters and automatically activates the protective switching sequence when abnormalities are detected, eliminating the need for external protective devices or manual intervention while enhancing battery safety
3Device complexity
If bi-directional converter is used for both charging and discharging, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller dynamically adjusts critical parameters including the duty cycle of MOSFET switching, the frequency of switching operations, and the reference voltages for PWM generation based on the operational mode (charging or discharging). During boost mode, parameters are tuned for voltage elevation; during buck mode, parameters are optimized for voltage reduction. This adaptive parameter adjustment enables the single bi-directional converter to achieve precise voltage control across both operating conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the controller monitors actual voltage and current levels during both charging and discharging operations. Based on this feedback, the controller dynamically adjusts the switching parameters of the bi-directional converter to maintain precise voltage regulation. The feedback loop ensures that despite the converter's dual-function nature, voltage control precision is maintained by continuously adapting to actual operating conditions
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
This solution enables efficient regulation of charging and discharging processes, isolates batteries from fault conditions, and maintains a stable power supply, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of UPS systems.
Implementation Method 1
a bi-directional converter in electrical communication with the one or more battery connections and arranged to (a) provide power at a first controlled voltage from the one or more battery connections as a boost converter when power is determined to not be available from a power source; and (b) provide charge to the one or more battery connections by providing power at a second controlled voltage
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic uninterruptible power supply unit includes one or more battery connections. A bi-directional converter is in electrical communication with the one or more battery connections and arranged to (a) provide power at a first controlled voltage from the one or more battery connections as a boost converter when power is determined to not be available from a power source; and (b) provide charge to the one or more battery connections by providing power at a second controlled voltage that is different from the first controlled voltage when power is determined to be available from the power source. First and second MOSFET switches are connected in series with the one or more battery connections and arranged as a bi-directional switch that controls charging current for the one or more battery connections.