Parallel UPS Power Distribution Without Active Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional uninterrupted power supply systems require expensive active components that are not linearly scalable and incur downtime during failures, with inefficiencies and higher costs due to the need for synchronization of power sources.
Innovation Solution
A power backup system comprising multiple uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) connected in parallel to independent power sources without active components, allowing for direct power reception and continuous supply to loads even if one source fails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If active components (switches) are used between power sources and UPS systems, then power distribution control is achieved, but system cost increases and scalability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes active switching components from the power distribution architecture. Instead of using expensive active switches to control power flow, the system relies on passive parallel connections of multiple UPS systems, each independently connected to power sources. This extraction of active components directly reduces system cost while the modular parallel architecture enables linear scalability by simply adding more UPS units.
2Reliability
If active components are used for power distribution, then power control is achieved, but system reliability decreases due to component failure and downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power distribution system into multiple independent UPS units, each with its own direct connection to power sources and loads. This segmentation eliminates single points of failure - if one UPS or its associated active component fails, other segments continue operating independently. The modular architecture transforms a centralized complex system into distributed simple units, improving reliability while reducing overall system complexity.
3Loss of energy
If synchronization of power sources is implemented, then coordinated power supply is achieved, but energy losses and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the synchronization function from the power distribution architecture. Instead of actively synchronizing multiple power sources through complex control systems that incur energy losses, the system allows multiple UPS units to operate independently in parallel. Each UPS handles its own power conversion and output synchronization, eliminating the need for centralized source synchronization and reducing energy losses.
4Ease of repair
If active switches are used between power sources and UPS, then power routing control is achieved, but maintenance downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system into independent UPS modules with passive parallel connections, allowing maintenance to be performed on individual units without affecting others. Active components are eliminated or localized within each UPS, enabling hot-swapping and modular replacement. This segmentation transforms maintenance from system-wide downtime to component-level serviceability, dramatically reducing overall maintenance downtime.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method of power distribution and backup is provided. The power backup system (100) includes a first uninterruptible power supply (106(1)) and a second uninterruptible power supply (106(2)) configured to drive a load (110(1)) in parallel. The first uninterruptible power supply (106(1)) and the second uninterruptible power supply (106(2)) are both connected through a direct connection to at least two power sources (102, 104).