Concurrent AC and DC Power Module with Bidirectional Inverter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) often fail to provide simultaneous backup power in the form of alternating-current (AC) and direct-current (DC) to electrical equipment during power disruptions, necessitating separate solutions for different equipment types.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a power module, bidirectional inverter-charger, transistor with switching circuitry, and controller that concurrently provides AC power to one outlet and DC power to another via switching circuitry, utilizing energy storage elements like batteries or capacitors, ensuring continuous operation of diverse electrical equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional UPS provides only AC backup power, then AC equipment can be protected during power disruptions, but DC equipment cannot receive backup power simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower output type compatibilityVSAvoidpower supply system configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The UPS device is designed to provide both AC and DC power outputs simultaneously through a single unified system. The power module can concurrently output AC power to AC outlets and DC power to DC outlets, eliminating the need for separate UPS systems for different equipment types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines AC and DC power supply functions into a single integrated UPS device. The power module integrates both AC inversion and DC output capabilities, merging what were previously separate systems into one unified power protection solution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If separate AC and DC UPS systems are used, then each equipment type receives appropriate backup power, but system complexity and installation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebackup power availabilityVSAvoidsystem installation and management
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A single UPS device performs multiple functions by providing both AC and DC backup power simultaneously. This multi-functional approach ensures reliable protection for both AC and DC equipment while simplifying system installation and management compared to using separate dedicated UPS systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If a single power module provides both AC and DC output, then unified power management is achieved, but the switching control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem configurationVSAvoidswitching control mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The controller monitors the power module's output and automatically adjusts switching between AC and DC power delivery based on real-time conditions. This feedback mechanism enables automated control of the power distribution, managing the complexity of simultaneous AC and DC output through intelligent monitoring and adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The power module employs dynamic switching capability to adaptively distribute power between AC and DC outputs. The controller can dynamically adjust the power distribution based on load requirements and input power availability, enabling flexible and adaptive power management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables simultaneous backup power supply to AC and DC-dependent equipment, allowing for unified power management and equipment installation in the same system, enhancing reliability during power disruptions.

Implementation Method 1

switching a transistor including switching circuitry in response to an absence of AC input power to the device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical switching:

Implementation Method 2

bidirectional inverter-charger

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical energy conversion:

Implementation Method 3

utilizing energy storage elements like batteries or capacitors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical energy storage: Electrical Accumulator

Implementation Method 4

utilizing energy storage elements like batteries or capacitors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS11588345B2Concurrent alternating-current and direct-current
Publication Date: 2023.02.21 HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE DEV LP
  • US11588345B2 patent drawing
  • US11588345B2 patent drawing
  • US11588345B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Example implementations relate to concurrent alternating-current and direct-current. In one example, a device comprises a power module connected to a first power outlet, the power module connected to a second power outlet, and a controller to the power module to concurrently provide alternating-current (AC) power to the first power outlet and direct-current (DC) power to the second power outlet by switching a transistor including switching circuitry in response to an absence of AC input power to the device.