Modular UPS with Stacked Buss Bars for Space Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical power systems with UPS capabilities are complex, require significant wiring and components, and are often incompatible with standard panelboards, leading to increased downtime and initial costs, as well as difficulties in efficient on-site repairs.

Innovation Solution

A power protection system utilizing a stacked buss bar system with modular power protectors, such as UPS or power line conditioners, that can be easily installed and replaced, allowing for backfeeding of electrical current through circuit breakers, reducing wiring and components, and being compatible with standard panelboards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a power protection system with UPS capabilities is implemented using traditional wiring methods, then power protection functionality is provided, but the system becomes complex with significant wiring and components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower protection functionalityVSAvoidwiring and components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the power protection system into modular units that can be independently installed and configured. Each module contains integrated components (circuit breakers, buss bars, UPS equipment) that function as self-contained units, eliminating the need for extensive interconnecting wiring between separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple functions into integrated assemblies. Circuit breakers, buss bars, and UPS equipment are combined into single modular units, reducing the overall number of components and eliminating extensive wiring requirements while maintaining power protection functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If a power protection system with extensive wiring and components is installed, then power protection is provided, but initial costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower protectionVSAvoidinitial costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The modular segmented design allows customers to purchase and install only the power protection capacity they need initially, rather than being forced to purchase a complete pre-wired system. This reduces initial costs while maintaining adequate power protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The universal modular design can be configured for different power protection needs using the same basic components. This eliminates the need for custom pre-wired systems for each application, reducing initial costs through standardization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If a power protection system with numerous installed components is used, then power protection capabilities are achieved, but on-site repair becomes difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower protection capabilitiesVSAvoidon-site repair

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The segmented modular design allows individual modules to be quickly removed and replaced on-site without affecting other parts of the system. Technicians can replace a single failed module rather than troubleshooting and repairing multiple interconnected components, significantly improving ease of repair.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If a power protection system requiring significant wiring is implemented, then UPS functionality is provided, but downtime increases during installation and repairs

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveUPS functionalityVSAvoiddowntime

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The modular segmented architecture allows for rapid installation by simply plugging together pre-assembled units rather than installing extensive wiring. Similarly, repairs involve swapping modules rather than troubleshooting complex wiring, significantly reducing downtime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular units are pre-assembled and pre-wired during manufacturing, eliminating the need for on-site wiring installation. This preliminary preparation reduces installation downtime and facilitates quick repairs through simple module replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS7489051B2Adaptive power system with improved efficiency and distribution space reduction

Publication Date: 2009.02.10 DATA POWERWORKS LLC

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a method and system using a power protector, such as an uninterruptible power supply (power protector) or a power line conditioner. An input of the power protector can be coupled to an output of one or more of circuit breakers using electrical buss bars for unique modularity and easy installation and replacement. Further, an input of a second set of circuit breakers can be coupled to an output of the power protector to backfeed the power through the second set of circuit breakers and out through the buss bar to one or more electrical loads. Additional power protectors can be used for capacity and/or redundancy. A stacked buss bar system can be used that consolidates the system into a compact assembly heretofore unknown in the industry. In at least some embodiments, the system can be compatible with standard panelboards having circuit breakers disposed therein.