Multi-input UPS with Dual Input Switching Transformer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems face drawbacks such as discernible power interruptions, battery life reduction, and inefficiency due to frequent switching and reliance on battery power during fluctuations and transients.
Innovation Solution
A UPS arrangement using a dual input switching transformer with a combiner module to determine the power ratio between AC mains and battery power, enabling efficient sinusoidal output waveform production and minimizing power quality issues, while utilizing bidirectional switches and pulse width modulation to manage power sources effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dual conversion UPS arrangement is used to provide continuous power during mains fluctuations, then power reliability is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to continual reliance on battery power and inverter
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between different power sources (mains, battery, inverter) based on real-time power quality conditions. The controller monitors voltage and frequency deviations and adaptively selects the optimal power path, transitioning from static dual-conversion architecture to a dynamic hybrid architecture that maintains reliability while minimizing energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply system is segmented into distinct operational modes (mains-powered mode, battery-powered mode, inverter-powered mode) with clear boundaries. Each mode handles specific power quality conditions, allowing the system to avoid continuous inverter operation and reduce energy consumption while maintaining reliable power delivery.
2Loss of energy
If an off-line UPS arrangement is used to minimize energy consumption during normal operation, then energy efficiency is improved, but power interruption occurs during switching between mains and battery power
Solution Approach 1:
The battery is pre-charged during normal mains operation, and the inverter is pre-synchronized with the mains frequency. When a mains failure occurs, the inverter immediately takes over without interruption because it is already synchronized and ready. This preliminary preparation eliminates the switching gap that causes power interruptions in traditional off-line UPS systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The inverter serves as an intermediary component that bridges the mains power and battery power sources. During transitions, the inverter acts as a buffer that maintains power delivery to the load, smoothing out the switching process and preventing interruptions while still allowing the system to operate in energy-efficient off-line mode during stable conditions.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If a line-interactive UPS arrangement is used to reduce battery discharge during small fluctuations, then battery life is improved, but fast transients still pass through to the load
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors the power quality parameters (voltage, frequency, harmonics) and provides real-time feedback to the power management system. When fast transients are detected, the feedback signal triggers immediate inverter intervention to block the transients from reaching the load, while still allowing the battery to remain charged for extended periods during normal fluctuations, thus extending battery life while protecting against transients.
4Ease of operation
If a delta conversion UPS arrangement is used to provide internal regulation similar to line-interactive systems, then power quality is improved, but any fast transient on the power mains will pass to the load due to limited time response
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs asymmetric protection strategies for different types of power disturbances. For slow variations, the delta conversion regulation handles them efficiently. For fast transients, the system asymmetrically switches to inverter-powered mode which provides instantaneous protection. This asymmetric response optimizes power quality regulation while blocking fast transients that would otherwise pass through the limited-time-response delta conversion system.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides high efficiency, rapid response, and reliable power delivery by optimizing the use of both AC mains and battery power, reducing battery discharge and minimizing power quality issues, thus enhancing the overall performance of the UPS system.
Implementation Method 1
A UPS arrangement using a dual input switching transformer with a combiner module to determine the power ratio between AC mains and battery power, enabling efficient sinusoidal output waveform production
Data Source
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AI summary
An uninterruptible power supply device, and method of use thereof, including a multiple-input source AC converter for receiving an AC input voltage and a DC input voltage, an inverter including a combiner module for combining the input power sources, and an AC/AC switching transformer, the inverter being controlled by a controller to provide an output voltage signal, the controller configured to sample the input voltage signal, the switching signal current and the output voltage signal, and to control the switching transformer based thereon so as to render the output voltage signal sinusoidal.