Modular UPS System with Dynamic Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large data center UPS systems face inefficiencies due to double-conversion architectures, leading to significant energy losses, despite efforts to improve energy efficiency through redundant power distribution and high-efficiency modes.
Innovation Solution
A modular UPS system with switchable power converter circuits and a control circuit that dynamically adjusts operational modes based on AC source quality, allowing for direct, double-conversion, and parallel inverter modes to optimize energy transfer and reduce losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If double-conversion architecture is used in UPS systems, then power quality and reliability are improved, but energy losses increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between different operational modes (double-conversion, bypass, parallel inverter) based on real-time AC source quality conditions. The control circuit monitors AC input parameters and automatically transitions the UPS architecture to optimize the balance between power quality and energy efficiency, using the double-conversion architecture only when necessary for poor grid conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by switching between different power transfer pathways. When AC source quality is good, the system bypasses the rectifier and inverter stages; when quality degrades, it activates the full double-conversion path. This parameter switching resolves the contradiction by adapting the energy conversion process to actual grid conditions.
2Loss of energy
If high-efficiency or eco modes are implemented to reduce energy consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but the system loses the ability to handle poor AC source conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its operational mode based on AC source quality monitoring. The control circuit continuously evaluates grid conditions and transitions between eco mode (for good conditions) and full double-conversion mode (for poor conditions), thereby maintaining both energy efficiency and adaptability to varying AC source qualities.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit implements feedback by monitoring AC source quality parameters and using this information to determine the appropriate operational mode. This closed-loop control ensures the system maintains energy efficiency during normal operation while automatically activating full protection capabilities when grid conditions deteriorate.
3Loss of energy
If redundant power distribution techniques are used to avoid traditional UPS architectures, then energy efficiency is improved, but system complexity and implementation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides multiple functions within a single integrated architecture: it can operate as a traditional double-conversion UPS, as a high-efficiency bypass system, or as a parallel inverter system. This multi-functionality allows the same hardware to achieve energy efficiency benefits while maintaining the option for full UPS protection, reducing the need for separate redundant systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The UPS system is segmented into distinct operational modes and power pathways that can be independently activated. The control circuit segments the power flow into different routes (through rectifier-inverter, through bypass, or through parallel inverter), allowing the system to achieve simplicity and efficiency by selecting the appropriate segment for current operating conditions.
4Reliability
If double-conversion architecture with rectifier and inverter is used, then power quality is maintained, but the system introduces significant power losses
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and removes the rectifier and inverter components from the active power path during normal operation with good AC source quality. By taking these energy-consuming components out of the circuit and using direct bypass, the system eliminates their power losses while maintaining power quality through the bypass path's inherent stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically reconfigures the power pathway by switching the rectifier and inverter in and out of service based on AC source conditions. During normal operation, these components are dynamically removed from the active path to reduce losses; during abnormal conditions, they are dynamically reactivated to maintain power quality, thus resolving the contradiction between energy use and power quality.
Data Source
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AI summary
An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system includes a first converter circuit (110), a second converter circuit (120) and a DC bus (130) coupled to the first (110) and second (120) converter circuits. The system further includes a control circuit (170) configured to control the first (110) and second (120) converter circuits and to selectively couple the first (110) and second (120) converter circuits to an AC source (10) and a load (20) to provide a first mode of operation wherein the first (110) and second (120) converter circuits respectively operate as a rectifier and an inverter to serve the load (20) from the AC source (10) and a second mode of operation wherein the first (110) and second (120) converter circuits operate as parallel inverters to serve the load (20) from the DC bus (130). The control circuit (170) may be configured to couple the AC source (10) to the load (20) to bypass the first (110) and second (120) converter circuits in a third mode of operation