Single Transformer LPS for UPS Systems

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional Logic Power Supply (LPS) systems in Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) are costly, inefficient, and overly complex due to the use of two full capacity converters with separate transformers, which receive power from either a battery charger or AC mains.

Innovation Solution

A single-transformer based LPS system with a control scheme that selectively uses power from either a DC or AC source, utilizing a DC-DC controller and an AC-DC controller to generate output voltages based on the available power source, thereby reducing complexity and cost while maintaining efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If two full capacity converters with separate transformers are used, then power supply reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two separate transformers into a single transformer with dual primary windings. This consolidation maintains the ability to accept power from both AC and DC sources while reducing component count, complexity, and cost. The single transformer is controlled by a microcontroller that selectively activates appropriate windings based on power source availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single transformer is designed with universal functionality to handle both AC and DC power inputs. By incorporating both AC and DC primary windings in the same transformer core, the system achieves multi-functionality where one transformer performs the roles previously requiring two separate transformers, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If two full capacity converters with separate transformers are used, then power supply reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two separate transformers into a single transformer with dual primary windings. This consolidation maintains the ability to accept power from both AC and DC sources while reducing component count, complexity, and cost. The single transformer is controlled by a microcontroller that selectively activates appropriate windings based on power source availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If two full capacity converters with separate transformers are used, then adaptability to different power sources is improved, but system size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower source adaptabilityVSAvoidsystem size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two separate transformers into a single transformer with dual primary windings. This consolidation maintains the ability to accept power from both AC and DC sources while reducing component count, complexity, and cost. The single transformer is controlled by a microcontroller that selectively activates appropriate windings based on power source availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single transformer is designed with universal functionality to handle both AC and DC power inputs. By incorporating both AC and DC primary windings in the same transformer core, the system achieves multi-functionality where one transformer performs the roles previously requiring two separate transformers, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 provides a more efficient, smaller, and less costly LPS system by processing power from two different sources using a single transformer, improving the overall performance and compactness of the UPS system.

Implementation Method 1

a transformer including a first primary winding configured to be coupled to a DC power source, a second primary winding configured to be coupled to an AC power source, and at least one secondary winding

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3005512B1LPS architecture for UPS systems

Publication Date: 2019.09.04 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IT CORP

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AI summary

According to one aspect, embodiments herein provide a UPS comprising a transformer including a first primary winding configured to be coupled to a DC source, a second primary winding configured to be coupled to an AC source, and at least one secondary winding, control logic, and at least one output line, wherein the control logic is configured, in a first mode of operation, to enable the first primary winding to generate, based on power received from the DC source, a first output voltage at the at least one output line, and to disable the second primary winding, and wherein the control logic is configured, in a second mode of operation, to enable the second primary winding to generate, based on power received from the AC source, a second output voltage at the at least one output line, and to disable the first primary winding.