Gain Adjustment Stage for Balanced Modular UPS Power Sharing

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Solution Overview

Problem

In modular UPS systems, using a single control signal for multiple power modules can lead to inefficient operation, overheating, and unbalanced power sharing, as it does not account for the unique differences between modules, potentially causing damage and inefficiency.

Innovation Solution

A gain adjustment stage is introduced in each power module to allow individual adjustment of output current based on its own operating conditions, enabling dynamic power level control and balanced power sharing, while maintaining a unified current reference signal for all modules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single control signal is used for multiple power modules, then device complexity is reduced, but power sharing balance deteriorates and module efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol signal structureVSAvoidpower sharing balance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by allowing each power module to have its own gain adjustment stage that independently adjusts the current error signal based on individual module output current measurements. This enables each module to adapt its control characteristics locally rather than using a uniform control signal for all modules, thereby achieving balanced power sharing while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If a single control signal is used for multiple power modules, then control simplicity is improved, but module operating efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol signal managementVSAvoidpower module efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamics by introducing a gain adjustment stage that dynamically modifies the current error signal based on real-time measurements of output current from each power module. This dynamic adjustment allows each module to operate at optimal efficiency points under varying load conditions, transforming the static single control signal approach into a dynamic adaptive control system that responds to individual module conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If uniform control is applied to all power modules, then system simplicity is maintained, but overheating and component damage risk increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol architectureVSAvoidoverheating and component damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback by measuring the output current of each power module and using this measurement to adjust the gain of the current error signal through the gain adjustment stage. This feedback mechanism enables each module to monitor its own operating conditions and automatically adjust its control parameters to prevent overheating and component damage, transforming the open-loop uniform control into a closed-loop adaptive control system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11909257B2Gain adjustment stage for controlling modular ups systems
Publication Date: 2024.02.20 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IT CORP
  • US11909257B2 patent drawing
  • US11909257B2 patent drawing
  • US11909257B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Uninterruptible power supplies, power modules, and non-transitory computer readable mediums storing instructions for operating such power modules, the power modules comprising an input configured to receive AC power from an AC power source, an output configured to provide AC output power to a load, and a plurality of power modules coupled in parallel between the input and the output, each power module of the plurality of power modules configured to provide at least a portion of the AC output power to the output. Each power module of the plurality of power modules comprises a current compensator stage configured to generate a current error signal based on output current of a corresponding power module and a gain adjustment stage configured to adjust the current error signal based on a measurement of the output current and a desired output current of the corresponding power module.