Hybrid UPS System with Distributed Modular Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional AC and DC UPS systems for telecommunications are cumbersome, require significant space and weight due to batteries, and are prone to failure if a single rectifier or inverter is lost, necessitating complex and costly installations.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid UPS system that operates with dual power inputs, utilizing AC to DC conversion and lead acid batteries for storage, with a control circuit to manage thermal runaway and seamlessly switch between primary and secondary power sources, reducing the need for large centralized batteries and complex cabling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional AC or DC UPS systems are used with centralized batteries, then uninterrupted power supply is achieved, but significant floor space and floor weight are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the traditional centralized UPS system into distributed modular units. Each module contains its own power conversion circuitry and can operate independently, eliminating the need for large centralized battery rooms while maintaining uninterrupted power supply capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a centralized three-dimensional battery installation to distributed two-dimensional modular units that can be placed at various locations within the facility, reducing overall floor space requirements while maintaining power supply reliability.
2Reliability
If traditional AC or DC UPS systems are used with centralized batteries, then uninterrupted power supply is achieved, but considerable floor weight load is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the heavy centralized battery system into distributed modular units with local power conversion and storage capabilities. This distributes the weight load across multiple locations rather than concentrating it in one area, reducing peak floor weight requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces heavy mechanical battery installations with lighter electronic power conversion modules that use switching power supplies and smaller local capacitors, significantly reducing the weight load on floor structures.
3Reliability
If traditional UPS systems are installed, then power continuity is provided, but complex and expensive power cable installation is required
Solution Approach 1:
The modular UPS units are designed with universal power input and output interfaces that can connect to standard electrical infrastructure. This eliminates the need for specialized complex cabling, as the modules can interface with existing building power systems using conventional cables and connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces standardized power interface modules as intermediaries between the UPS system and building infrastructure. These modules provide adaptive coupling that simplifies cable requirements by handling voltage matching and connection adaptation, reducing installation complexity.
4Device complexity
If a single rectifier or inverter is used in AC systems, then system simplicity is maintained, but loss of either unit results in loss of UPS output
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single-point-of-failure rectifier/inverter architecture into multiple distributed power conversion modules. Each module can operate independently, so if one fails, the others continue to provide power, maintaining both simplicity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates redundant power conversion modules in advance, so that if one rectifier or inverter fails, backup modules are already in place to immediately take over, preventing loss of UPS output without requiring complex real-time switching logic.
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 hybrid system provides reliable, space-efficient, and cost-effective uninterruptible power with reduced installation and maintenance needs, offering greater redundancy and flexibility by integrating smaller components and eliminating the risk of thermal runaway.
Implementation Method 1
one or more converter elements operative to receive the AC from the power input, to convert the AC to DC, and to deliver the DC to a power storage element
Implementation Method 2
one or more power storage elements connected to the converter elements. The power storage elements are operative to store at least a portion of the direct current delivered from the converter elements
Implementation Method 3
a control circuit for disconnecting the power storage elements from the secondary power input and from the converter elements in response to detecting thermal runaway in the power storage elements
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, system, and method for supplying an uninterruptible power source to a dual power device capable of being alternately powered through either a primary power input connected to a primary power source or a secondary power input connected to a secondary power source is provided. One implementation includes a power input for receiving AC from the primary power source, one or more converter elements operative to receive the AC from the power source, to convert the AC to DC, and to deliver the DC to a power storage element. The apparatus also includes a power storage element that stores at least a portion of the DC delivered from the converter elements. The power stored in the power storage elements is delivered to the secondary power input of the dual power device when the primary power source is disconnected from the dual power device. The apparatus may further include a control circuit for disconnecting the power storage elements from the secondary power input and from the converter elements in response to detecting thermal runaway in the power storage elements.