UPS Circuit Sharing PFC and DC-DC Stages for Grid-Synced Backup

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems face challenges in reducing costs and increasing power density while maintaining voltage independence from the power grid while keeping frequency synchronized, as they typically require separate components for AC/AC and DC/AC conversions.

Innovation Solution

The proposed UPS circuit integrates a power factor corrector circuit with an inverter circuit and a DCDC converter circuit, sharing components and switching arms to achieve voltage independence while maintaining frequency synchronization, allowing for efficient AC/AC and DC/AC conversions, and seamlessly switching between alternating and direct voltage sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate components are used for AC/AC and DC/AC conversions, then voltage independence and frequency synchronization can be maintained, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage independenceVSAvoidcomponent separation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the AC/AC converter and DC/AC inverter into a single integrated circuit that can operate in two configurations. The same circuit components are used for both AC/AC conversion during normal operation and DC/AC conversion during battery operation, eliminating the need for separate components while maintaining voltage independence and frequency synchronization capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs a universal circuit that performs multiple functions: it acts as an AC/AC converter with power factor correction during grid operation, and as a DC/AC inverter during battery operation. The circuit includes switches and components that can be configured through switching arrangements to achieve different conversion modes, making the system adaptable to both voltage independence and frequency synchronization requirements

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

2Productivity

If separate components are used for AC/AC and DC/AC conversions, then conversion functions can be maintained, but cost and power density decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconversion functionVSAvoidcost and power density
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the AC/AC converter and DC/AC inverter into a single integrated circuit, reducing the total number of components required. This consolidation lowers manufacturing costs and increases power density by eliminating redundant components and reducing overall system size while maintaining both AC/AC and DC/AC conversion functions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a multi-functional circuit that can perform both AC/AC conversion and DC/AC conversion using the same physical components. Through switching arrangements, the circuit adapts to different operational modes, eliminating the need for separate dedicated components for each conversion type and thereby reducing cost and increasing power density

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

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 integration reduces component costs and increases power density, ensuring uninterrupted power supply with improved efficiency and reduced complexity, while maintaining grid frequency synchronization even during transitions from alternating to direct voltage sources.

Implementation Method 1

said power factor correction circuit comprising an inductor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical energy storage in inductor: Inductor

Implementation Method 2

an inverter circuit configured to be connected to a first alternating electrical network

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDC to AC voltage conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4383534A1Uninterruptible power supply circuit
Publication Date: 2024.06.12 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
  • EP4383534A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4383534A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4383534A1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to an uninterruptible power supply circuit comprising an inverter circuit configured to be connected to a first AC power grid, said power supply circuit being further configured to adopt a first configuration for supplying the first AC power grid from a second AC power grid, first configuration in which a power factor correction circuit is configured to be connected to the second AC power grid so as to deliver a DC voltage to the inverter circuit, said power factor correction circuit comprising an inductor, and a first arm of switches belonging to the power factor correction circuit and the inverter circuit;and a second configuration for supplying the first alternating current electrical network from a direct current voltage source, second configuration wherein a DCDC converter circuit is configured to be connected to the direct current voltage source so as to deliver a direct current voltage to the inverter circuit, said inductance further belonging to said DCDC converter circuit.