UPS Bypass Short Circuit Detection via Voltage Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voltage monitoring systems for uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) fail to efficiently detect short circuit and open circuit conditions in bypass inputs without requiring significant modifications or being cost-effective, and they do not meet safety standards for hazardous voltage clearance within the specified time.
Innovation Solution
A monitoring system comprising a voltage monitoring subsystem and a processor that compares voltage signals across components of the switching subsystem with predetermined thresholds, considering the state of a circuit breaker to determine short or open circuit conditions, allowing for real-time detection and tripping of the back feed breaker to prevent hazardous voltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing voltage monitoring systems are used in UPS bypass inputs, then the system structure remains simple, but the detection reliability for short circuit and open circuit conditions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is divided into separate functional modules: a voltage monitoring subsystem for detecting voltage conditions, a circuit breaker state detection subsystem for detecting breaker position, and a processor for integrating these signals. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specific function independently, improving detection reliability while keeping individual module complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines voltage monitoring and circuit breaker state detection into a unified monitoring system that processes both signals through a single processor. By merging these detection functions and comparing their states together, the system achieves more reliable short circuit and open circuit detection than separate monitoring systems could provide.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive monitoring of switching subsystem is implemented, then detection accuracy improves, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing circuit breaker's own state signal (its position in open/closed state) as part of the monitoring mechanism. The circuit breaker serves dual purposes: protecting the circuit and providing detection information. This self-service approach improves detection accuracy without requiring separate expensive sensing mechanisms for every component state.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor performs multiple functions: it processes voltage monitoring signals, detects circuit breaker state, compares these states against each other and against predetermined conditions, and determines both short circuit and open circuit conditions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated detection circuits for each condition, thereby controlling manufacturing costs while maintaining high detection accuracy.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If real-time detection of hazardous voltage is achieved, then safety compliance is improved, but response time requirements increase system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors voltage and circuit breaker state in real-time, maintaining readiness to detect hazardous conditions at any moment. By keeping the monitoring function active and comparing signals against predetermined thresholds continuously, the system can immediately identify when hazardous voltage conditions develop, meeting safety compliance requirements without requiring complex additional response time management systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A monitoring system for detecting a short circuit condition in a switching subsystem of a bypass input of a power supply. The system may comprise a voltage monitoring subsystem for monitoring a voltage across at least one component of the switching subsystem and generating a first output signal in accordance therewith. A processor, responsive to the first output signal from the voltage monitoring subsystem, may be used to compare the first output signal with a predetermined threshold signal and to generate a second output signal based on the comparison. The processor may also be used to consider a state of a circuit breaker in communication with the switching subsystem and to use the state of the circuit breaker and the second output signal to determine whether at least one of a short circuit condition and an open circuit condition exists with respect to the switching subsystem.