UPS Automatic Restart via Load Disconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) do not allow protected devices to automatically restart after a power outage, as they remain connected and present voltage to the device, preventing automatic startup when power is restored.
Innovation Solution
A modified UPS that monitors the operational status of the load device after a power interruption, disconnects itself once the device has shut down, and reconnects to provide power when it is safe to do so, ensuring the device can automatically start up when power is restored.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the UPS remains connected to the device after shutdown, then the device can receive continuous power support, but the device cannot automatically start up when power is restored
Solution Approach 1:
The UPS performs preliminary disconnection action before power restoration occurs. The controller monitors the power input voltage and detects when it returns to normal levels, then proactively closes the switch to reconnect the UPS to the load circuit, enabling the device to automatically detect power restoration and start up without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system inverts the conventional approach by disconnecting the UPS during power outage rather than maintaining connection. This inversion allows the device to experience a true power loss condition that triggers automatic startup upon reconnection, solving the contradiction between continuous power support and automatic startup capability
2Extent of automation
If the UPS disconnects itself after shutdown, then the device can automatically start up when power is restored, but the device loses continuous power support
Solution Approach 1:
The UPS employs dynamic switching between connected and disconnected states based on real-time power conditions. The controller continuously monitors input voltage and load status, dynamically adjusting the switch position to maintain optimal operation - connected during normal power, disconnected during outage for automatic startup, and reconnected upon power restoration
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control through the controller that monitors power input voltage, load operational status, and switch position. This feedback loop enables the UPS to automatically adjust its connection state based on detected conditions, ensuring both automatic startup capability and continuous power support when appropriate
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided an uninterruptible power supply (100) for supplying power to a load circuit (200) from a power source (300). The uninterruptible power supply (100) comprises: an auxiliary power supply (110) for supplying power to the load circuit in the event of an interruption in supply of power from the power source; a charging/discharging circuit (120) operable to charge the auxiliary power supply from the power source and to discharge the auxiliary power supply through the load circuit; a voltage monitor (130) configured to monitor a voltage that is indicative of the supply of power from the power source to the uninterruptible power supply; and a controller (140). The controller is configured to: generate a control signal for shutting down the load circuit in response to an interruption in the supply of power from the power source, based on the voltage monitored by the voltage monitor; monitor an operational status of the load circuit after having generated the control signal to determine whether the load circuit has shut down; cause the charging/discharging circuit to be disconnected from the load circuit on determining that the load circuit has shut down; and cause the charging/discharging circuit to be reconnected to the load circuit after the interruption in supply of power from the power source has ended.