DC Backup System Removing AC-to-DC Converter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional direct current (DC) backup systems in electrical architectures are bulky due to the inclusion of AC-to-DC and DC-to-AC converters in uninterruptible power systems (UPS), making installation difficult and energy transformation efficiency low, especially when requiring both conversions for energy storage and release.
Innovation Solution
A DC backup system comprising a battery backup unit and a battery control unit, where the battery control unit is integrated or separate, receives state and test information to manage battery operation, converting between charge and discharge modes to supply power to electronic devices when the input power fails, utilizing a power supply unit and power supply control unit to maintain desired voltage levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If AC-to-DC and DC-to-AC converters are included in the UPS system, then the system can provide uninterruptible power supply with energy storage and release capabilities, but the volume becomes large and installation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the AC-to-DC converter from the UPS system, retaining only the DC-to-AC converter and battery module. This removal of the AC-to-DC conversion function reduces system volume while maintaining the core backup capability through direct DC battery power delivery, eliminating the need for dual conversion hardware
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of converting AC to DC for storage and then DC to AC for output (traditional UPS), the system inverts the approach by directly using DC battery power to supplement AC input, eliminating the AC-to-DC conversion step and reducing system complexity and volume
2Reliability
If AC-to-DC and DC-to-AC converters are included in the UPS system, then the system can perform energy conversion for storage and release, but the energy transformation efficiency becomes low
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the AC-to-DC converter from the system, the patent eliminates one energy conversion step. The battery now charges directly from AC input without conversion loss, and discharges in DC form to supplement the AC output, reducing total energy transformation losses while maintaining backup functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by operating the battery in DC mode throughout, avoiding repeated AC-DC-AC conversions. This parameter change from dual-conversion to single-conversion mode directly improves energy transformation efficiency while preserving power backup capability
3Reliability
If conventional UPS systems with dual converters are used, then comprehensive power management is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the AC-to-DC converter and associated control circuitry from the traditional UPS architecture, simplifying the device structure. The remaining DC-to-AC converter and battery module provide sufficient power management functionality with reduced complexity, while maintaining supply stability through direct DC battery supplementation
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 DC backup system reduces volume, simplifies installation, and enhances energy transformation efficiency, ensuring reliable power delivery even when the primary power source fails or the AC power shelf is absent, with the battery control unit effectively managing battery operations to maintain voltage stability.
Implementation Method 1
a battery backup unit and a battery control unit. The battery backup unit is configured to be coupled to the electronic device and is operable to output state information indicating a state thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A DC backup system is for providing emergency electric power to an electronic device powered by an input power source, and includes a battery backup unit and a battery control unit. The battery backup unit is operable to output state information indicating a state thereof, and test information associated with a self test performed thereon. The battery control unit is electrically connected to the battery backup unit for receiving the state information and the test information therefrom, and is configured to control, according to the state information and the test information, the battery backup unit to output electric power to the electronic device when the input power source fails.