Parallel UPS Management Device for Simplified Maintenance

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Solution Overview

Problem

The maintenance process for alternating current uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) connected in parallel is lengthy and delicate, requiring complex procedures to disconnect and reconnect control cables and manage hardware securities, posing risks to maintenance personnel and complicating the transition between parallel and independent operations.

Innovation Solution

A management device that supervises the state of end-of-line switches, inverters, and link switches to control the inhibition of the paralleling management module and hardware securities, allowing for simplified maintenance by automating the deactivation of the paralleling management module when an inverter is stopped or an end-of-line switch is open, and inhibiting hardware securities when the link switch is open, thus facilitating safer and faster maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual maintenance procedures are used for parallel UPS systems, then maintenance personnel have direct control over the process, but the maintenance process becomes lengthy and delicate requiring complex cable disconnection and reconnection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance operation simplicityVSAvoidmaintenance duration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service through automated detection and control. The management device automatically detects the state of end-of-line switches and inverters, and autonomously controls the paralleling management module without requiring manual cable disconnection or reconnection by maintenance personnel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (cable disconnection, physical switch manipulation) with an automated electronic control system. The management device uses electronic detection and control signals to manage the paralleling state, eliminating the need for manual mechanical intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of repair

If control cables are disconnected for maintenance, then hardware securities can be safely accessed, but the paralleling management module requires complex reconnection and restarting procedures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehardware security accessibilityVSAvoidreconnection procedure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The management device performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting when end-of-line switches are opened and proactively controlling the paralleling management module before maintenance begins. This prevents the need for manual cable disconnection while ensuring hardware securities are safely inaccessible during maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The management device acts as an intermediary between the end-of-line switches and the paralleling management module. It receives detection signals from the switch state and automatically transmits appropriate control signals to the paralleling module, eliminating the need for direct manual intervention and complex reconnection procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the paralleling management module remains active during maintenance, then system continuity is maintained, but maintenance personnel face safety risks from live electrical components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply continuityVSAvoidmaintenance personnel safety risks
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The management device uses feedback from the detection means about end-of-line switch states to automatically adjust the control signal to the paralleling management module. When maintenance switches are opened, the feedback signal triggers automatic inhibition of the paralleling module, ensuring safety while maintaining system reliability through automated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3598599B1Management device for two ac uninterruptible power supplies coupled in parallel, and system therefor
Publication Date: 2020.09.30 VERTIV IND SYST SAS
  • EP3598599B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3598599B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3598599B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a management device (25) for two uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) in alternating current (10a, 10b) connected in parallel, said management device (25) comprising: - means for monitoring (Sil, Si2) the state of the end-of-line switches (I1, I2) of each UPS (10a, 10b); - means for monitoring (Sol, So2) the state of the inverters (13a, 13b) of each UPS (10a-10b); and - means for generating a control signal (Cmd) capable of controlling the inhibition of a parallel management module (20) of the two UPS (10a, 10b) when said supervisory means (Sil, Si2, Sol, So2) indicate that an inverter (13a, 13b) is stopped or that an end-of-line switch (I1, I2) is open.