Bidirectional Inverter Backup Power for Zero-Delay Source Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power backup systems experience delays when transitioning from a main power source to a backup source, leading to potential power outages due to the time required for generators to start and become operational.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a synchronous inverter or bidirectional current conversion device that directly converts AC power from a generator to the required amplitude and frequency for a load circuit, and DC power from a battery to the required amplitude and frequency, while also charging the battery from either the generator or utility source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a generator is used as backup power source, then power can be provided during utility failure, but there is a delay in starting and bringing the generator into service
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-charges a capacitor bank from the utility power source before a failure occurs. When utility power fails, the capacitor bank immediately provides power to the load while the generator starts up, eliminating the delay that would otherwise occur while waiting for the generator to become operational.
Solution Approach 2:
A capacitor bank is introduced as an intermediary energy storage device between the utility source and the load. This capacitor bank acts as a bridge, providing immediate power during the transition period when the utility fails and the generator is still starting up, thus mediating the power supply continuity issue.
2Reliability
If automatic transfer switch is used to disconnect utility and transfer to generator, then load is protected from utility failure, but there is still a delay before generator power is available
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitor bank is pre-charged from the utility source before failure occurs. When the automatic transfer switch disconnects the utility, the capacitor bank immediately discharges to power the load, providing seamless transition protection without waiting for the generator to start and come online.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitor bank serves as an intermediary power source during the transfer process. It bridges the gap between utility disconnection and generator connection, maintaining load protection while eliminating the time delay that would otherwise exist during the power source transition.
3Loss of time
If generator starts immediately upon utility failure, then power can be restored quickly, but system efficiency decreases due to unnecessary generator operation
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitor bank is pre-charged during normal utility operation. When a failure occurs, the pre-charged capacitor provides immediate power, allowing the system to delay generator startup until absolutely necessary, thus reducing unnecessary fuel consumption while still maintaining quick power restoration capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitor bank serves itself by being automatically recharged from the utility source during normal operation and automatically discharging when utility power fails. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for the generator to start unnecessarily, reducing energy loss while maintaining the ability for quick power restoration when truly needed.
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 reduces the delay in power transition by enabling immediate switching between power sources without the need for intermediate conversions, thereby minimizing power losses and ensuring continuous power supply to the load.
Implementation Method 1
a bidirectional current conversion device configured to convert a first format of power from the generator to a second format for charging the battery and configured to convert the second format of power from the generator to a third format for supplying the load circuit
Implementation Method 2
The implementation of a synchronous inverter or bidirectional current conversion device that directly converts AC power from a generator to the required amplitude and frequency for a load circuit, and DC power from a battery to the required amplitude and frequency
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a controlled field alternator or utility source of electrical power, a conversion device, and a controller. The conversion device includes a first power input associated with a first power source, a second power input associated with a second power source, and circuitry configured to perform a first conversion of power from a first format from the first power source to a second format for charging the second power source and perform a second conversion of power from the second format for the second power source to a third format for supplying a load.