CPU-Free DC UPS Relay Control for Power Failure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing DC uninterruptible power supply systems can malfunction due to CPU errors caused by electromagnetic waves, leading to incorrect power outage detection and unnecessary discharge of auxiliary power supplies, which can disrupt critical loads like network servers and CCTV cameras, and have complex circuit configurations for power conversion.
Innovation Solution
A DC uninterruptible power supply system that operates without a CPU, using a switchover portion with comparators and a relay to manage power supply from a DC power conversion system to an auxiliary power supply, ensuring continuous power to loads even if the DC power conversion system short-circuits or is disconnected, and stabilizing voltage for uniform control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a CPU is used to control power conversion and supply operations, then the system can perform intelligent control and decision-making, but the system may malfunction due to electromagnetic waves causing wrong power outage detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the CPU from the power supply control system, replacing it with a relay-based control mechanism. This eliminates the vulnerability of the CPU to electromagnetic waves while maintaining the essential control functionality through hardware-based voltage comparison and relay switching operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electronic control system (CPU-based) with a electro-mechanical control system using relays. The relays are controlled by voltage comparison circuits that trigger relay coils to open or close contacts, providing a more reliable control mechanism that is less susceptible to electromagnetic interference.
2Extent of automation
If a CPU-based control system is used, then power conversion can be managed, but unnecessary discharge of auxiliary power supplies occurs due to software errors or electromagnetic interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the software-based CPU control with hardware-based relay control. The relay control circuit uses voltage comparators and reference voltages to automatically control relay switching, eliminating software errors and electromagnetic interference that cause false discharge commands. This ensures auxiliary power supply is only discharged when actually needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If AC to DC conversion circuitry is included for charging auxiliary power supply, then the system can operate during power outages, but the circuit configuration becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing DC power conversion system serve dual functions: both charging the auxiliary power supply during normal operation and providing power to the load during power outages. This eliminates the need for separate AC-to-DC conversion circuitry while maintaining uninterrupted power supply capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the charging function and load power supply function into a single DC power conversion system. By using one system for both purposes and controlling it through relay switching, the circuit configuration is simplified while maintaining the ability to operate during power outages.
4Ease of operation
If the system waits for CPU detection of power outage, then control decisions can be made, but power supply to critical loads is delayed causing network communication failure or security breaches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the CPU-based detection and decision-making process with a hardware-based voltage monitoring and relay control system. The voltage comparator continuously monitors the DC power conversion system output and immediately triggers relay switching when voltage drops occur, eliminating the time delay associated with CPU processing and software execution.
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
Prevents unnecessary discharge of auxiliary power supplies and simplifies circuit configurations by allowing continuous power delivery to loads during system failures, enhancing reliability and reducing the risk of data loss or security breaches.
Implementation Method 1
a charging portion which boosts a level of DC voltage power supplied from the DC power conversion system normally connected to the first connection unit and charges the auxiliary power supply device with the boosted DC voltage power
Implementation Method 2
a discharge portion which generates internal voltage power by stepping down a level of voltage power of the auxiliary power supply device
Implementation Method 3
a switchover portion which includes a relay connected to the first connection unit, the second connection unit, and the discharge portion, in which as the first clear voltage and the second clear voltage are output at the same time from the first comparator and the second comparator while the load is connected to the second connection unit, the relay is controlled to be a clear state
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a direct current (DC) uninterruptible power supply system. The DC uninterruptible power supply system is connected to a DC power conversion system converting prevailing alternating current (AC) power into DC power, supplies the DC power to a load, charges an internal auxiliary power supply device with the DC power, and continuously supplies power to the load from the auxiliary power supply device while cutting off an electric connection with the DC power conversion system when the DC power conversion system short-circuits due to a leakage current or damage thereof or is disconnected.