Modular UPS Power Module Switching for Load-Based Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current modular power systems, such as modular uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs), often maintain all power modules in an active state, leading to inefficient operation as not all modules operate at peak efficiency and some may be unnecessarily active.
Innovation Solution
A power system comprising an input, output, sensors, and multiple power modules, where a system controller selectively activates and deactivates power modules based on load information to maintain only the most efficient combination of modules in an active state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If all power modules are maintained in an active state, then the system can provide maximum power output capacity, but the system efficiency decreases due to unnecessary active modules consuming power and operating below peak efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of active power modules based on real-time load conditions. The controller continuously monitors load demand and activates or deactivates modules accordingly, transitioning the system from a static all-active configuration to a dynamic adaptive configuration that optimizes efficiency while maintaining adequate power capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational state parameter of power modules from a fixed 'all active' state to a variable state where modules can be activated or deactivated based on load requirements. This parameter change enables the system to operate at peak efficiency by ensuring active modules are working under optimal load conditions.
2Power
If multiple power modules are activated, then the available power capacity increases, but the complexity of module coordination and control increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements feedback control by continuously monitoring load conditions and adjusting the number of active modules accordingly. This feedback mechanism simplifies coordination complexity by providing automatic, rule-based control logic that responds to load changes without requiring complex manual coordination or sophisticated algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The power system is segmented into independent, identical power modules that can be individually activated or deactivated. This segmentation simplifies control complexity by allowing the system to manage power capacity in discrete units rather than controlling a monolithic complex system, making module coordination more manageable through standardized interfaces.
3Adaptability or versatility
If power modules operate below peak load, then the system can handle variable demand, but the efficiency of individual modules decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of active modules to match load demand, ensuring that active modules operate closer to their peak efficiency point. When demand is low, fewer modules are activated; when demand is high, more modules are brought online. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by maintaining adaptability to variable demand while preventing individual modules from operating inefficiently at low loads.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple power modules are merged to collectively handle variable demand while maintaining individual module efficiency. By combining the output of multiple modules, the system can satisfy high demand requirements while ensuring each active module operates at an efficient load level, rather than forcing single modules to operate inefficiently at low loads.
Data Source
AI summary
Examples of the disclosure include a power system comprising an input to receive input power, an output to provide power to a load, a sensor configured to provide load information indicative of power drawn by the load, a plurality of power modules, each having a power module input configured to be coupled to the input, and a power module output configured to be coupled to the output, and a controller coupled to the power modules and the sensor, and being configured to control the power modules to provide power to the output, receive the load information from the sensor, select, based on the load information, at least one power module to maintain in an active state to provide power to the output, and deactivate each power module other than the at least one power module based on selecting the at least one power module to maintain in the active state.