Multiport DC UPS Eliminating AC Conversion Stages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing AC UPS systems are inefficient due to the need for AC to DC and back to AC conversions, are heavy and bulky, and utilize low energy density lead acid batteries, resulting in short backup times and inefficiencies in powering IT equipment that primarily requires DC power.
Innovation Solution
A multiport DC UPS system that includes an AC to DC power supply with surge protection, a bidirectional DC/DC battery charger, low voltage DC battery bank, DC distribution bus, load controllers, and a microprocessor for managing power distribution and prioritization, along with DC/DC converters to meet varying voltage needs of IT devices, and a cloud application for remote monitoring and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If AC to DC and back to AC conversions are used in UPS systems, then AC power can be supplied to AC loads, but energy efficiency deteriorates and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the unnecessary AC to DC and DC to AC conversion stages from the traditional UPS system. By directly connecting the DC battery power source to DC loads through DC switches and DC circuit breakers, the system eliminates the power inverter and AC output stages, retaining only the essential DC power distribution components. This extraction of redundant conversion stages directly improves energy efficiency while reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional AC UPS architecture by designing a DC-centric system where DC power is the primary form throughout. Instead of converting DC battery power to AC and then back to DC for DC loads, the system maintains DC power from source to load, fundamentally reversing the conventional power flow approach and eliminating wasteful bidirectional conversions.
2Reliability
If lead acid batteries are used in UPS systems, then reliable power storage is achieved, but weight increases and energy density decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the battery technology parameter from traditional lead acid chemistry to alternative battery chemistries with higher energy density. This parameter change in battery material composition and electrochemical properties enables achieving the same or better power storage reliability with significantly reduced weight and increased energy density, directly addressing the contradiction between reliability and weight.
3Quantity of substance
If lead acid batteries are used in UPS systems, then sufficient power storage capacity is achieved, but backup time shortens due to low energy density
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the battery energy density parameter by adopting advanced battery chemistries that provide higher energy per unit mass and volume. This parameter change enables the system to achieve the same power storage capacity with less total battery material, or alternatively, provides extended backup time for the same physical battery size, directly resolving the contradiction between storage capacity and backup duration.
4Ease of operation
If AC UPS systems are used to power DC IT equipment, then AC power infrastructure is utilized, but conversion inefficiencies occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal DC power distribution system that can serve multiple functions: directly powering DC IT equipment, interfacing with DC renewable energy sources, and providing clean DC power to any DC load. This multi-functional DC architecture eliminates the need for repeated AC to DC conversions at each equipment interface, reducing conversion inefficiencies while maintaining ease of operation through standardized DC connections.
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 multiport DC UPS system enhances efficiency by directly providing DC power, extends backup time through improved battery management, and reduces physical size and weight, while enabling prioritization of loads and remote monitoring for optimal power management.
Implementation Method 1
an alternating current to direct current (AC-DC) converter configured to convert a grid AC power signal to a first DC power signal
Implementation Method 2
at least one DC-DC converter coupled to the first switch and configured to convert the battery DC power signal or the first DC power signal to a second DC power signal
Data Source
AI summary
A DC UPS may include a battery power source, an AC-DC converter configured to convert a grid AC power signal to a first DC power signal, and a first switch coupled downstream from the AC-DC converter. The DC UPS may include a second switch coupled between the first switch and a battery power source, and a DC-DC converter coupled to the first switch and configured to convert the battery DC power signal or the first DC power signal to a second DC power signal. The DC UPS may include first DC outputs coupled to the first switch and configured to provide the battery DC power signal or the first DC power signal to corresponding first loads, second DC outputs coupled downstream from the DC-DC converter and configured to provide the second DC power signal to corresponding second loads, and a controller.