Power Converter Backup Switching for Zero Transition Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing uninterrupted power supply systems experience power outages during switching from grid power to backup power due to the time required for the backup power source to supply power to the load, failing to achieve uninterrupted power delivery.
Innovation Solution
A power converting device comprising an AC/DC converter, a switch, and a controlling unit that converts AC power to DC voltage and determines if it's below a predetermined level or decreased by a certain percentage, triggering the switch to engage the backup power source only when a voltage command signal is received, ensuring zero transition time and normal voltage range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the backup power source is switched to supply power to the load when grid power fails, then power continuity is improved, but the switching time causes power outage during transition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-charging the backup power source (battery) to full voltage before switching is needed. The battery is continuously charged from the grid through the AC/DC converter during normal operation, so when grid power fails, the battery immediately has sufficient voltage to supply the load without any transition delay. This eliminates the traditional problem where backup sources need time to build up voltage before can supply power.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous useful action by keeping the AC/DC converter operating in a standby charging mode even when grid power is available. The converter continuously tops up the battery voltage, ensuring the backup source remains ready to immediately take over. This continuous preparation ensures seamless power transition without interruption when grid power fails.
2Speed
If the switch is turned on immediately when voltage drops are detected, then response speed is improved, but load damage may occur if backup power source voltage is abnormal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by having the controlling unit continuously monitor the battery voltage through a voltage detection circuit. Before enabling the backup power source, the system checks whether the battery voltage meets the predetermined threshold requirement. Only when the voltage feedback confirms the battery is sufficiently charged does the controller activate the switch to connect the backup source to the load, preventing damage from under-voltage conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary voltage verification by continuously monitoring and pre-charging the battery before the switching event occurs. The AC/DC converter maintains the battery in a continuously charged state with voltage above the threshold, so when grid power fails, the voltage condition is already satisfied and the switch can be immediately activated without waiting for voltage buildup, achieving both fast response and safe operation.
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 solution ensures uninterrupted power supply by immediately switching to the backup power source when necessary, preventing damage to the load by ensuring the backup power source voltage remains within normal ranges.
Implementation Method 1
an AC/DC converter configured to convert the AC power into a DC voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A power converting device includes an AC/DC converter, a switch, and a controlling unit. The AC/DC converter converts AC power into a DC voltage, and provides the DC voltage to a load. The switch is coupled to a backup power source. The controlling unit receives the DC voltage. If the DC voltage is less than a predetermined voltage or a decrease of the DC voltage is greater than a predetermined percentage of the DC voltage and the controlling unit receives a voltage command signal of the backup power source, the controlling unit turns on the switch for providing the backup power source to the load.