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, leading to higher costs, inefficiencies, and additional failure modes 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, ensuring uninterrupted power delivery even if one source fails, with each UPS receiving power from two independent sources through direct connections and switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If active components (active switches) are used between power sources and UPS inputs, 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 path between power sources and UPS inputs. By extracting these expensive active components and replacing them with passive connections and UPS-internal switching, the system eliminates the need for external active switches while maintaining power distribution control functionality within each UPS unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the power distribution control function from the central active switch into individual UPS units. Each UPS contains its own switching mechanism, allowing distributed control of power distribution. This segmentation enables linear scalability as additional UPS units can be added without requiring upgrades to central active components.
2Ease of operation
If active components are used for power distribution, then power control is achieved, but downtime occurs during component failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements redundant power paths where each UPS can draw power from multiple independent sources simultaneously or switch between them. This beforehand cushioning ensures that if one power source or active component fails, alternative paths are already in place to maintain continuous power supply without downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces passive connection elements and UPS-internal switching mechanisms as intermediaries between power sources and loads. These intermediaries provide failover capabilities where if one active component fails, the system can route power through alternative intermediaries without interrupting the power supply to the load.
3Ease of operation
If active components require synchronization of power sources, then synchronized power supply is achieved, but system losses increase and failure modes multiply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables each UPS unit to independently manage its own power synchronization and switching operations without requiring centralized active components. Each UPS performs self-service synchronization with its connected power sources, eliminating the need for complex centralized synchronization mechanisms that cause energy losses and additional failure points.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method of power distribution and backup is provided. The power backup system 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 and the second uninterruptible power supply are both connected through a direct connection or through at least two switches to at least two power sources 102, 104.