Multiple-Input UPS Converter Using Shared Bridge Arms for Dual-Mode Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) require complex and costly circuits with low load capacity and large size, necessitating a solution for higher load capacity, fewer elements, and miniaturization.
Innovation Solution
A multiple input converter with bridge arm units and bidirectional DC-DC conversion units that can operate in both AC power and battery modes, using a neutral point for bus voltage balancing and integrating AC and DC switches to reduce component count and enhance power density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate circuit portions are designed for online mode and battery mode, then the uninterruptible power supply can handle different power sources independently, but the device complexity increases and the overall size becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the online mode circuit and battery mode circuit into a single integrated circuit structure. The bridge arm units can operate in different configurations depending on the power source, eliminating the need for completely separate circuit portions. This reduces device complexity while maintaining the ability to handle different power sources independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge arm units are designed with multi-functionality, capable of operating in both online mode (connected to AC power) and battery mode (connected to rechargeable battery). The same circuit components serve multiple purposes depending on the operating mode, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability across different power sources.
2Reliability
If separate circuit portions are designed for online mode and battery mode, then the uninterruptible power supply can handle different power sources independently, but the overall size of the uninterruptible power supply becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the online mode circuit and battery mode circuit into a single integrated circuit structure. The bridge arm units can operate in different configurations depending on the power source, eliminating the need for completely separate circuit portions. This reduces device complexity while maintaining the ability to handle different power sources independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge arm units are designed with multi-functionality, capable of operating in both online mode (connected to AC power) and battery mode (connected to rechargeable battery). The same circuit components serve multiple purposes depending on the operating mode, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability across different power sources.
3Adaptability or versatility
If many circuit elements are used to achieve both online mode and battery mode functionality, then the uninterruptible power supply can handle various operating conditions, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge arm units are designed with multi-functionality, capable of operating in both online mode (connected to AC power) and battery mode (connected to rechargeable battery). The same circuit components serve multiple purposes depending on the operating mode, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability across different power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the online mode circuit and battery mode circuit into a single integrated circuit structure. The bridge arm units can operate in different configurations depending on the power source, eliminating the need for completely separate circuit portions. This reduces device complexity while maintaining the ability to handle different power sources independently.
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 reduces the number of power elements, minimizes switching losses, and improves power output range for various load conditions, facilitating device miniaturization and cost reduction while maintaining balanced DC bus voltages.
Implementation Method 1
the bidirectional DC-DC conversion unit is configured, by means of the second DC switch group, to discharge power from the rechargeable battery to the positive and negative DC buses when in electrical communication with the rechargeable battery
Implementation Method 2
in a mains mode, the upper and lower bridge arms are configured to be simultaneously connected to the AC power to rectify and output the power to the positive and negative DC buses
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention provides a multiple input converter for outputting power from AC power or a battery to positive and negative DC buses. The multiple input converter includes at least one bridge arm unit and a bidirectional DC-DC conversion unit. The bridge arm unit corresponding to one phase of the AC power includes an upper bridge arm and a lower bridge arm that can independently form a two-level converter. In a battery mode, the upper and lower bridge arms discharge power from the rechargeable battery to the positive and negative DC buses, and the bidirectional DC-DC conversion unit discharges power from the rechargeable battery to the positive and negative DC buses or balances voltages of the positive and negative DC buses. In a mains mode, the bridge arm units are simultaneously connected to the AC power for rectifying and outputting the power to the positive and negative DC buses. The bidirectional DC-DC conversion unit is connected between the battery and the positive and negative DC buses to determine to perform charging or discharging according to load conditions. The power converter of the present invention reduces circuit elements and provides a variety of optimized power output modes, reducing costs.