Parallel AC DC Backup Power Supply with Capacitor Buffer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional backup power supply systems either fail to provide continuous electricity during external power outages or are not cost-effective due to limited battery capacity and high investment costs in rechargeable batteries, leading to potential data loss and instability in electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
A backup power supply system with parallel AC and DC power sources, including a DC/DC power converter and an AC/DC power converter, connected through a power control device with a power balance unit that adjusts output ratios and detects malfunctions to provide stable DC current to electronic devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a UPS is used to provide backup power during AC power outages, then continuous power supply is achieved, but the startup time is too long causing computer to stop operating and lose data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-charges capacitors during normal AC power operation so that when a power outage occurs, the capacitors immediately discharge to provide power to the computer. This preliminary energy storage eliminates the startup delay inherent in conventional UPS systems that must first detect the outage and then initiate power delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a parallel power delivery path using capacitors that mirrors the main AC power supply. This alternative power path is prepared in advance and can immediately take over when the AC power fails, copying the function of the main power supply without the delay of system initialization.
2Reliability
If rechargeable batteries are used as DC power source, then backup power is available, but battery capacity is limited requiring continual purchase which is not cost effective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, limited-capacity rechargeable batteries with inexpensive capacitors that can be rapidly recharged from the AC power source. While capacitors store less energy individually, their ability to be quickly recharged makes them effectively unlimited in practice, and much cheaper than high-capacity battery systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the energy storage parameter from chemical energy in batteries to electrical energy in capacitors. This parameter change allows for faster charge/discharge cycles and lower cost, while the parallel architecture ensures sufficient total energy availability through multiple capacitor units.
3Reliability
If multiple parallel AC/DC powers are used, then power failure resistance is improved, but all powers stop operating immediately if external power source is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces capacitors as intermediary energy storage devices between the AC power source and the DC/DC converter. These capacitors act as a buffer that maintains power flow during the transition period when AC power fails, allowing the DC/DC converter to continue operating without immediate interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-charges capacitors during normal operation to create an energy cushion that protects against power outages. This beforehand cushioning ensures that when AC power fails, the capacitors immediately discharge to maintain power supply, preventing the sudden stoppage that occurs in conventional parallel AC/DC systems.
4Duration of action of moving object
If battery capacity is increased to maintain computer operation longer, then operation duration is improved, but investment cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic power supply system where capacitors are continuously recharged from the AC source during normal operation. This dynamic approach replaces the static, finite capacity of large batteries with a renewable energy buffer system that can sustain operation indefinitely as long as AC power is available, eliminating the need for expensive high-capacity battery banks.
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
Ensures continuous electricity supply during AC or DC power source malfunctions or outages, improves electricity quality, reduces data loss, and is cost-effective by utilizing both AC and DC power sources efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
at least one AC/DC power electrically connected to an AC power source for taking AC current therefrom prior to providing rectified DC current
Implementation Method 2
at least one DC/DC power electrically connected to a DC power source for taking DC current therefrom prior to providing regulated DC current
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a backup power supply comprising at least one DC/DC power electrically connected to a DC power source for taking DC current therefrom prior to providing regulated DC current, at least one AC/DC power electrically connected to an AC power source for taking AC current therefrom prior to providing rectified DC current, and a power control device including a power balance unit, a power output circuit, and a detection circuit each interconnected the AC/DC power and the DC/DC power. The power control device can combine DC current from both the AC/DC power and the DC/DC power prior to providing to an electronic device (e.g., computer). The invention can continue providing electricity to the computer in the event of not only a malfunctioning of the AC/DC or DC/DC power but also a power outage of either the AC or DC power source.