Modular Emergency Power System with Configurable Load Bars
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) face limitations in extending runtime during grid outages, as increasing battery storage becomes impractical and expensive, while diesel generators suffer from emission, noise, and high installation costs, and existing solutions fail to efficiently manage power distribution to both critical and essential loads.
Innovation Solution
A modular emergency power system with configurable load bars and power conversion modules that can switch between DC bus feed, AC export, critical AC feed, and urgent AC feed states, allowing for dynamic power distribution from multiple sources, including renewable energy, to ensure uninterrupted power to critical loads and minimize downtime for essential loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If battery storage is increased to extend UPS runtime, then the duration of action is improved, but the weight and cost increase beyond practical levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a UPS system with an extended run generator into a hybrid power supply system. The generator (diesel, gas, or renewable) merges with the battery-based UPS to provide extended runtime capability without requiring excessive battery storage. The generator activates during grid outages to sustain critical and essential loads beyond the battery's natural runtime limit.
Solution Approach 2:
The power conversion means is designed to handle multiple functions: it can convert power for critical loads requiring uninterrupted supply, for essential loads that can tolerate brief interruptions, and for charging the battery. This multi-functional capability allows a single system to replace what would traditionally require separate UPS and generator installations.
2Duration of action of moving object
If diesel generators are used to extend runtime, then the duration of action is improved, but harmful emissions and noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables switching between different fuel types and power sources based on operational requirements. Renewable energy sources (wind, solar, hydro) can replace diesel generators when available, fundamentally changing the energy parameter from fossil-fuel-based to clean energy-based operation. The system adapts its power source parameters to minimize harmful emissions while maintaining extended runtime capability.
3Reliability
If separate power lines are used for critical and essential loads, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power conversion means serves multiple functions through a unified power distribution architecture. It simultaneously supports critical loads requiring uninterrupted power, essential loads that can tolerate brief interruptions, and battery charging operations. This multi-functional design reduces the need for completely separate power lines and switching mechanisms while maintaining high reliability through intelligent power management.
Data Source
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AI summary
A modular emergency power system architecture (200) with a plurality of output power supply lines for feeding power to a destination, in which the operational status of each output power supply line is configurable. The architecture comprises a plurality of load bars (208, 209) from which power is delivered to the destination. The load bars (208, 209) are selectively connectable to send power to or receive AC power from a mains supply (202) and/or a DC bus (210) via one or more AC/DC power conversion modules (212, 214). The DC bus (210) is connected to receive a secondary (e.g. emergency) power supply (218, 224). The architecture may provide redundancy and on-the-fly reconfigurability to complement changes in the physical location of critical components in the destination, e.g. caused by virtualisation, zoning or repair. The architecture is operable as a stand-alone uninterruptible power supply (UPS) or as an extended runtime generator for an existing UPS.