Double-Bridge UPS Circuit With Integrated DC Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems require multiple electrical components, including an independent charger, to manage power transitions between alternating and direct voltage sources, which increases costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A double active bridge converter UPS circuit integrates a transformer and inductances to facilitate energy exchange between alternating and direct voltage sources, allowing for self-charging of the DC voltage source and eliminating the need for a separate charger, using phase shift control to manage energy transfers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an independent charger circuit is used to charge the DC voltage source, then the DC voltage source can be charged from the AC power grid, but the number of electrical components increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the charger circuit functionality into the UPS circuit by using a common transformer and switch circuitry. The transformer serves both as the power conversion element for UPS operation and as the charging element when AC power is available, eliminating the need for a separate charger circuit and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable power supply continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The transformer and switch circuits are designed to perform multiple functions: they enable AC-to-DC conversion for charging the DC voltage source when AC power is available, and they enable DC-to-AC conversion for powering the load when AC power fails. This multi-functional design eliminates redundant components and reduces system complexity.
2Reliability
If a separate charger circuit is used, then the DC voltage source can be charged, but the cost of the UPS system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the charger functionality with the UPS circuit by using shared components (transformer, switches, control logic). This consolidation reduces the total bill of materials and manufacturing costs while ensuring backup power capability is maintained through the same hardware infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit components are designed to serve dual purposes: the transformer and switch network handle both charging operations (when AC is available) and UPS operations (when AC fails). This universality reduces component count and system cost while maintaining reliable backup power capability.
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 configuration enhances efficiency, reduces component count, and maintains power supply continuity by transiently storing energy from the alternating network for the direct voltage source, enabling high-frequency operation and improved EMC filtering, with efficiency greater than 97%.
Implementation Method 1
a transformer comprising a primary and a first secondary; ii. a first electrical branch comprising said primary, the first electrical branch being connected to a first switch circuit configured to allow an exchange of energy with the first terminals via said primary; and iii. a second electrical branch comprising said first secondary, said second electrical branch being connected to a second switch circuit configured to allow an exchange of energy with the second terminals via said first secondary
Implementation Method 2
the first electrical branch comprises a first inductor connected in series with said primary; ii. the second electrical branch comprises a second inductor connected in series with said first secondary
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an uninterruptible power supply circuit in the form of an active double-bridge converter comprising first terminals configured to be connected to a first alternating current electrical network, second terminals configured to be connected to a second alternating current electrical network, third terminals configured to be connected to a direct current voltage source, the uninterruptible power supply circuit further comprising a transformer having a primary and a first secondary, a first electrical branch having said primary, the first electrical branch being connected to a first circuit of switches configured to allow energy exchange with the first terminals via said primary, and a second electrical branch having said first secondary.said second electrical branch being connected to a second circuit of switches configured to permit energy exchange with the second terminals via said first secondary. The first electrical branch comprises a first inductor connected in series with said primary, the second electrical branch comprises a second inductor connected in series with said first secondary, said transformer further comprises a second secondary, a third circuit of switches being connected to said second secondary and configured to permit energy exchange with the third terminals via said second secondary, so as to permit energy exchanges between the first AC electrical network and the DC voltage source and between the DC voltage source and the second AC electrical network.