CT Scanner Integrated UPS for Single-Phase Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical CT systems require high peak power, which is challenging to provide with standard single-phase power sources, especially in areas lacking three-phase power infrastructure, leading to costly and space-intensive external UPS solutions.
Innovation Solution
A computed tomography (CT) scanning apparatus with an integrated energy storage component and management system that functions as an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) and performs peak power shaving, allowing operation with single-phase power by storing and regulating electrical power for peak demands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If an external UPS system is utilized to meet the peak power needs of the CT system, then the peak power requirement is satisfied, but the system occupies large amounts of space and incurs high costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the UPS functionality and peak power shaving capability into the internal power distribution unit of the CT system. The energy storage component (batteries) is integrated within the stationary portion of the CT scanner, eliminating the need for separate external UPS systems. This merging reduces space occupation while maintaining the ability to provide peak power during X-ray emission.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy storage component is nested within the stationary portion of the CT scanning apparatus, specifically integrated into the power distribution unit. This nesting approach allows the UPS functionality to be housed within the existing system footprint, reducing the overall space required compared to external UPS systems.
2Power
If an external UPS system is utilized to meet the peak power needs of the CT system, then the peak power requirement is satisfied, but the system incurs high costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the UPS functionality with the existing power distribution unit, eliminating the need for separate external UPS systems. This integration reduces overall system cost by consolidating components and eliminating redundant systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The CT system's power distribution unit provides its own peak power support through integrated energy storage components, eliminating the need for expensive external UPS systems. The system serves its own power needs through self-contained energy storage and management capabilities.
3Power
If a three-phase power source is utilized to provide the amount of electrical power needed during peak power operation, then the peak power requirement is satisfied, but the infrastructure cost is significant in areas without three-phase power availability
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage component stores electrical energy in advance during periods when power demand is low, preparing energy reserves before peak power operations are needed. This preliminary energy storage allows the system to operate with single-phase power while still meeting peak power requirements during X-ray emission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the power supply parameter from requiring three-phase power to operating with single-phase power by introducing energy storage components. This parameter change enables deployment in areas without three-phase power infrastructure while maintaining peak power capability through stored energy discharge during high-demand periods.
4Ease of manufacture
If the CT system operates with single-phase power by using an integrated energy storage component, then the infrastructure cost is reduced, but the system must manage both storage and utilization of electrical power
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the main power distribution system and the UPS system with peak power shaving capability. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control systems and simplifies the overall power management architecture despite the added energy storage components.
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 solution reduces power requirements and costs associated with infrastructure, enabling CT systems to operate efficiently with single-phase power sources and providing reliable backup power, thus reducing the overall power usage and infrastructure costs.
Implementation Method 1
an energy storage component disposed in a stationary portion of the CT scanning apparatus, wherein the energy storage component is configured to receive electrical power from an external source and to store the electrical power
Implementation Method 2
an energy storage management system coupled to the energy storage component and configured to regulate both storage of the electrical power on the energy storage component and utilization of the electrical power stored on the energy storage component
Data Source
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AI summary
A computed tomography (CT) scanning apparatus is provided. The CT scanning apparatus includes an energy storage component (58) disposed in a stationary portion of the CT scanning apparatus, wherein the energy storage component is configured to receive electrical power from an external source (51) and to store the electrical power. The CT scanning apparatus also includes an energy storage management system (60) coupled to the energy storage component and configured to regulate both storage of the electrical power on the energy storage component and utilization of the electrical power stored on the energy storage component by the CT scanning apparatus. The energy storage component is configured to serve as an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for the CT scanning apparatus and to provide peak power shaving during peak power operation of the CT scanning apparatus.