Line-Interactive UPS Topology With Series Capacitor Voltage Regulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs) face efficiency challenges due to double-conversion of input power, which increases costs and reduces performance, especially in line-interactive modes.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a line-interactive UPS that combines a power-factor-correction (PFC) circuit and a series-active-filter inverter topology, with a capacitor coupled in series with the load, allows for efficient voltage regulation and power conditioning by varying the voltage across the capacitor in response to input voltage changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If double-conversion of input power is implemented in UPS, then power quality and reliability are improved, but efficiency deteriorates and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower reliabilityVSAvoidenergy efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between online double-conversion mode and line-interactive mode based on input power quality conditions. When input voltage is within acceptable ranges, the system operates in line-interactive mode with higher efficiency; when input voltage deviates significantly, it transitions to online mode to maintain power quality and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by adjusting the switching state between different conversion modes. The controller monitors input voltage parameters and modifies the power conversion configuration accordingly, transitioning between full double-conversion and partial conversion to optimize the balance between reliability and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If double-conversion of input power is implemented in UPS, then power quality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower qualityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power conversion circuitry is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate as a full online double-conversion system when high power quality is required, or as a line-interactive system when input power is acceptable. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated circuits for each mode, thereby managing complexity while maintaining power quality improvement capabilities.

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

3Loss of energy

If voltage across capacitor is varied in response to input voltage changes, then power conditioning efficiency is improved, but control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy lossesVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller implements feedback control by monitoring input voltage conditions and automatically adjusting the voltage across the capacitor accordingly. This closed-loop control optimizes power conditioning efficiency by varying capacitor voltage in response to actual input conditions, reducing energy losses while managing control complexity through automated regulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4498588A1Power conditioning systems and methods of operating a load-conditioning system
Publication Date: 2025.01.29 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IT CORP
  • EP4498588A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4498588A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4498588A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Examples of the disclosure include a power-conditioning system comprising a load output configured to be coupled to a load, a power-factor-correction circuit (PFC) comprising a first switching leg and a second switching leg, wherein the first switching leg and the second switching leg are configured to be controlled based on a first modulation index, an inverter comprising the second switching leg and a third switching leg, wherein the third switching leg is configured to be controlled based on a second modulation index, and a capacitor coupled to an inverter output of the inverter and being coupled in series with the load output.