UPS Power Source Switching Using Backup Battery Energy Thresholds
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs) face inefficiencies in managing power transitions between primary, secondary, and backup power sources, leading to unnecessary fuel consumption by secondary power sources like generators when backup power sources still have significant energy reserves.
Innovation Solution
A UPS system that intelligently manages power transitions by continuing to draw from backup power sources even after secondary power sources become available, based on load utilization and energy levels, thereby conserving fuel in secondary power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the UPS system switches to secondary power source when it becomes available, then power supply continuity is maintained, but fuel consumption increases due to unnecessary generator operation when backup battery still has sufficient energy
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors the energy level of the backup power source and uses this feedback to dynamically determine whether to switch to the secondary power source. When the backup energy level exceeds a threshold, the controller maintains operation on backup power, avoiding unnecessary generator fuel consumption. This feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by enabling intelligent, condition-based power source selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its power source selection strategy based on real-time energy levels. Rather than following a fixed switching protocol, the controller adapts its behavior according to the backup power's remaining capacity, load conditions, and secondary power availability. This dynamic approach optimizes fuel consumption while maintaining power supply reliability.
2Loss of energy
If the UPS system continues using backup power source after secondary power is available, then fuel consumption is reduced, but power supply reliability may be compromised if backup energy depletes unexpectedly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of backup energy levels before making the decision to remain on backup power or switch to secondary power. By evaluating whether the backup energy exceeds a predetermined threshold, the controller ensures that staying on backup power does not compromise reliability. This preliminary check prevents unexpected depletion while avoiding unnecessary generator activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller continuously monitors backup energy levels and compares them against reliability thresholds. This ongoing feedback ensures that the system maintains power supply reliability by automatically switching to secondary power when backup energy falls below acceptable levels, while conserving fuel when backup energy is sufficient.
3Loss of energy
If the UPS system monitors and makes intelligent decisions about power source selection, then energy efficiency is improved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller autonomously manages power source selection without requiring external intervention or complex decision-making frameworks. It self-monitors backup energy levels, self-determines optimal power source selection based on predefined criteria, and self-executes switching decisions. This self-service approach improves energy efficiency while keeping the control system relatively simple by avoiding unnecessary complexity.
4Speed
If the UPS system switches to secondary power source immediately when available, then transition speed is maximized, but energy efficiency decreases due to premature generator operation
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of immediately switching to secondary power when available, the controller performs a preliminary evaluation of the backup power's energy level first. Only after confirming that backup energy is insufficient does the controller execute the transition to secondary power. This preliminary assessment delays the transition just long enough to avoid premature generator operation, optimizing the balance between transition speed and energy efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
According to aspects of the disclosure, an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system is presented, the UPS System comprising at least one first input configured to be coupled to a primary power source and to a secondary power source, a second input configured to be coupled to a backup power source, an output configured to be coupled to at least one load, and at least one controller configured to receive a signal indicating that the secondary power source is prepared to provide secondary power to the UPS system, determine, responsive to receiving the signal, whether an energy level of the backup power source is above a threshold energy level, and control, responsive to determining that the energy level of the backup power source is above the threshold energy level, the UPS system to provide output power derived from the backup power source to the output.