Horizontal Busbar Switchboard for UPS Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing low voltage switchboards face challenges in accommodating new industry standards for UPS integration, with non-standard busbar orientations making it difficult to add UPS units, leading to compatibility, selectivity, and monitoring issues.

Innovation Solution

A switchboard apparatus with horizontally configured busbars and modular, type-tested UPS sections that can be easily integrated with low voltage switchboard sections, featuring AC and DC ground connections, and seamless connection of multiple UPS units, along with Intelligent Electronic Devices for Remote Monitoring and Diagnostic systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If vertical busbar orientation is used in existing switchboards, then the switchboard structure is maintained, but UPS integration becomes difficult and compatibility issues arise

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUPS integration capabilityVSAvoidbusbar configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional vertical busbar orientation to a horizontal configuration. This inversion allows UPS units to be easily integrated into the switchboard structure, as the horizontal busbars can directly connect to UPS terminals without requiring complex adapters or modifications. The inverted orientation makes the switchboard adaptable to UPS integration requirements while simplifying the overall connection architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Stability of the object's composition

If non-standard busbar orientations are used, then existing switchboard design is maintained, but adding UPS units leads to compatibility and monitoring issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitchboard design stabilityVSAvoidUPS integration reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the orientation parameter of the busbars from vertical to horizontal. This parameter change resolves the compatibility issues between existing switchboard designs and UPS units. The horizontal orientation becomes a new standard configuration that maintains switchboard design stability while significantly improving UPS integration reliability and enabling proper monitoring connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If vertical busbars are used, then cable routing is simplified, but connection to UPS units becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUPS connection easeVSAvoidbusbar-UPS connection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The horizontal busbar configuration serves multiple functions: it maintains the structural integrity of the switchboard, simplifies UPS unit integration, enables straightforward cable routing, and provides universal compatibility with standard UPS terminal orientations. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for complex connection adapters or custom mounting solutions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If industry standards evolve to require UPS integration, then power quality protection is improved, but existing switchboard configurations become obsolete

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoidswitchboard update ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by designing the switchboard with horizontal busbars from the outset, anticipating future UPS integration requirements. This forward-thinking design ensures that when industry standards evolve to mandate UPS integration, the switchboard is already configured to accommodate these requirements, eliminating the need for costly retrofits or complete redesigns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2227845B1Switchboard with UPS and horizontal busbars
Publication Date: 2014.04.02 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO
  • EP2227845B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2227845B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2227845B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

A switchboard including at least four conductors of horizontal configuration, the conductors secured to the switchboard to maintain the horizontal configuration, wherein at least one of the four conductors of horizontal configuration is an AC PEN (23) and at least one of the four conductors of horizontal configuration is a DC ground; at least one uninterrupted power supply and battery mounted in the switchboard and operatively connected to the DC ground (23); and at least one uninterrupted power supply and battery mounted in the switchboard and operatively connected to the AC ground (23).