UPS Energy Storage Branch Control for Fast Power Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Large data centers face power failures due to the switching time required when transitioning from charging to discharging in existing power supply systems, leading to interruptions in power supply during electric energy faults.

Innovation Solution

A power supply system incorporating a bypass branch, multiple energy storage branches, and a controller, where energy storage branches can switch from charging to discharging modes to quickly supply power to the load when the output voltage drops below a preset value, with transformer units for voltage adjustment and a polling charging method to ensure continuous power delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single energy storage branch is used in existing power supply systems, then the system structure is simple, but switching time is required when transitioning from charging to discharging state causing power supply interruption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous power supplyVSAvoidpower supply system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply system is segmented into multiple independent energy storage branches (first energy storage branch, second energy storage branch, etc.), each capable of operating independently. This segmentation allows one branch to supply power while another charges, eliminating the need for switching and ensuring continuous power supply to the load.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The energy storage branches perform preliminary charging actions during normal operation, storing energy in advance. When power supply is needed, the pre-charged branches can immediately discharge without switching delays, ensuring continuous power delivery to the load.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If multiple energy storage branches are used to eliminate switching time, then continuous power supply is achieved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply continuityVSAvoidnumber of energy storage branches
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple energy storage branches are merged into a coordinated system where branches work in complementary pairs (one charging, one discharging). This merging allows the system to achieve continuous power supply while managing complexity through systematic coordination rather than random multiplication of components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Each energy storage branch is designed with multi-functionality, capable of both charging and discharging operations. This universality allows any branch to serve as backup for others, reducing the total number of branches needed compared to a system where each branch has a single dedicated function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of energy

If energy storage branches operate in charging mode, then energy is stored for future use, but power supply to load is interrupted during mode switching

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy storage efficiencyVSAvoidpower supply stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains continuity of useful action by ensuring that while one energy storage branch is charging (storing energy), another branch is simultaneously discharging (supplying power). This continuous operation eliminates interruptions and ensures uninterrupted power delivery to the load while maintaining energy storage efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

This configuration reduces the risk of power failures by ensuring that energy storage branches can rapidly supply power to the load during voltage drops, maintaining stable power supply during switching times and preventing load failures.

Implementation Method 1

the bidirectional inverter unit is configured to: when the energy storage branch operates in a charging mode, convert an alternating current provided by the bypass branch into a direct current and output the direct current to the energy storage unit; and when the energy storage branch operates in a discharging mode, convert a direct current provided by the energy storage unit into an alternating current

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

each transformer unit is configured to: boost a voltage output by the bidirectional inverter unit and output the voltage to the load, or decrease the voltage output by the bypass branch and output the voltage to the bidirectional inverter unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic transformation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4492612A1Uninterruptible power supply with fast response
Publication Date: 2025.01.15 HUAWEI DIGITAL POWER TECH CO LTD
  • EP4492612A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4492612A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4492612A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This application provides a power supply system. The power supply system includes a bypass branch, at least two energy storage branches, and a controller. An input of the bypass branch is configured to connect to a power supply, and an output of the bypass branch is configured to supply power to a load. An output of each energy storage branch is configured to connect the load to the output of the bypass branch. Each energy storage branch includes an energy storage unit and a bidirectional inverter unit, and the bidirectional inverter unit is configured to: when the energy storage branch operates in a charging mode, convert an alternating current provided by the bypass branch into a direct current and output the direct current to the energy storage unit; and when the energy storage branch operates in a discharging mode, convert a direct current provided by the energy storage unit into an alternating current. The controller is configured to: control one part of energy storage branches to operate in the charging mode, and control the other part of energy storage branches to operate in the discharging mode. When electric energy provided by the power supply is interrupted, because an output voltage of the bypass branch is lower than a preset voltage value, the energy storage branch operating in the discharging mode can quickly supply power to the load. This helps reduce a risk of a power failure of the load.