Modular UPS Architecture with Integrated Distribution Assembly

Solution Overview

Problem

In large-scale applications such as data centers, traditional modular UPS systems are expensive and time-consuming to install and difficult to expand due to the need for extensive wiring and conduit runs between multiple UPS assemblies.

Innovation Solution

A modular UPS system architecture where UPS assemblies are coupled to a distribution assembly with integrated interconnection modules and bypass switches, allowing for parallel connection of AC and DC sources without external wiring, enabling easy expansion and simplified installation by consolidating connections within a centralized distribution assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple UPS assemblies are individually mounted and wired to a central paralleling system using external conduits or wiring trays, then the system provides scalable power capacity, but the installation becomes expensive and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescalable power capacityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the paralleling system functionality into an integrated distribution assembly that consolidates multiple UPS assemblies within a single enclosure. The distribution assembly includes integrated busbars, circuit breakers, and control systems that eliminate the need for external conduits and wiring trays, thereby reducing installation time while maintaining scalability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The distribution assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a paralleling system, provides power distribution through integrated busbars, includes protection devices (circuit breakers), and offers control functionality. This multi-functional integration eliminates the need for separate external components, reducing both installation time and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple UPS assemblies are individually mounted and wired to a central paralleling system using external conduits or wiring trays, then the system provides scalable power capacity, but the installation becomes expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescalable power capacityVSAvoidinstallation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the paralleling system functionality into an integrated distribution assembly that consolidates multiple UPS assemblies within a single enclosure. The distribution assembly includes integrated busbars, circuit breakers, and control systems that eliminate the need for external conduits and wiring trays, thereby reducing installation time while maintaining scalability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The distribution assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a paralleling system, provides power distribution through integrated busbars, includes protection devices (circuit breakers), and offers control functionality. This multi-functional integration eliminates the need for separate external components, reducing both installation time and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Power

If extensive wiring and conduit runs are used between multiple UPS assemblies, then the system provides power distribution, but the installation becomes time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower distributionVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the paralleling system functionality into an integrated distribution assembly that consolidates multiple UPS assemblies within a single enclosure. The distribution assembly includes integrated busbars, circuit breakers, and control systems that eliminate the need for external conduits and wiring trays, thereby reducing installation time while maintaining scalability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The distribution assembly acts as an intermediary component that provides integrated power distribution through built-in busbars and connection terminals. This intermediary structure eliminates the need for extensive external wiring and conduit runs, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining effective power distribution across all UPS assemblies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2888799B1UPS systems with modular block architectures

Publication Date: 2021.12.22 EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LTD

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AI summary

A UPS system includes a power distribution assembly (120) having a plurality of side faces and comprising an AC input (121) and an AC output (122) and at least two UPS assemblies (110) having respective side faces confronting respective ones of the side faces of the power distribution assembly (120), each of the at least two UPS assemblies (110) comprising a plurality of converter modules (114) and an interconnection module (112) configured to switchably couple AC inputs and AC outputs of the converter modules (114) to respective ones of the AC input (121) and the AC output (122) of the power distribution assembly (120) through conductors (116, 118) passing through the confronting side faces. The conductors (116, 118) may couple the power distribution assembly (120) to the at least two UPS modules (110) without the use of conduit and/or cable trays.