UPS Adaptive Voltage Control for Efficient Mode Transitions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) experience voltage drops when switching from UPS mode to bypass mode, affecting the efficiency of load power supplies and corresponding loads, as they are configured to maintain a lower output voltage to prevent sudden drops, which limits maximum efficiency operation.

Innovation Solution

An adaptive voltage control mechanism in UPS systems that adjusts the output voltage from a static bypass voltage to an efficient voltage level when switching from bypass mode to UPS mode, using a control module to manage the bypass switch and ramp the voltage to maximize efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If the UPS is configured to raise the output voltage to efficient voltage levels (e.g., 240 VAC) to maximize load power supply efficiency, then the load power supply operates at maximum efficiency, but the output voltage suddenly drops when switching from UPS mode to bypass mode

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload power supply efficiencyVSAvoidvoltage stability during mode transition
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control module detects when the bypass switch is about to transition from bypass state to non-bypass state and preliminarily adjusts the output voltage from the static bypass voltage to the efficient voltage level before the mode switch is complete. This preliminary action ensures that the voltage is already at the efficient level when the UPS mode fully engages, preventing sudden voltage drops and maintaining load power supply efficiency throughout the transition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the output voltage based on the operating mode. In bypass mode, the output voltage remains at the static bypass voltage level. When transitioning to UPS mode, the control module dynamically ramps the output voltage to the efficient voltage level. This dynamic voltage adjustment allows the system to optimize for efficiency in UPS mode while maintaining stability during transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the UPS is configured to provide the same output voltage in both UPS mode and bypass mode to prevent voltage drops, then voltage stability is maintained during mode transitions, but the load power supply cannot operate at maximum efficiency levels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage stability during mode transitionVSAvoidload power supply efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamic voltage control where the output voltage adapts to the operating mode. During bypass mode, the voltage remains at the static bypass level for stability. When transitioning to UPS mode, the control module dynamically adjusts the voltage to the efficient level, allowing maximum efficiency operation. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by making voltage stability and efficiency compatible through context-dependent adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control module continuously monitors the operating mode and adjusts the output voltage accordingly. When detecting the transition from bypass mode to UPS mode, the control module initiates voltage adjustment to reach the efficient voltage level. This feedback mechanism ensures that the voltage is optimized for efficiency while maintaining stability during the transition process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Enables efficient operation of load power supplies by maintaining optimal voltage levels, preventing voltage drops and ensuring maximum efficiency during mode transitions, while allowing for seamless switching between UPS and bypass modes.

Implementation Method 1

a rectifier coupled to an input of the uninterruptible power supply that converts a first alternating current having a first alternating current voltage to a direct current

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRectification: Diode

Implementation Method 2

an inverter coupled to an output of the uninterruptible power supply that converts direct current provided by the direct current bus to a second alternating current having a second alternating current voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9000613B2UPS adaptive output voltage control systems
Publication Date: 2015.04.07 DATA POWERWORKS LLC
  • US9000613B2 patent drawing
  • US9000613B2 patent drawing
  • US9000613B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An uninterruptible power supply includes a rectifier coupled to an input of an uninterruptible power supply and converts a first alternating current having a first alternating current voltage to a direct current. An inverter is coupled to an output of the uninterruptible power supply and converts the direct current to a second alternating current having a second alternating current voltage. A bypass switch bypasses the rectifier and the inverter and provides a bypass power from the input to the output when in a bypass state. A control module switches the bypass switch to the bypass state when in a bypass mode and switches the bypass switch to a non-bypass state when in a UPS mode. The control module adjusts the second alternating current voltage between first and second voltage levels when in an adaptive voltage control mode after switching from the bypass mode to the UPS mode.