UPS Power Distribution Circuit Without a Power Frequency Transformer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power distribution circuits in uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) face challenges in configuring the rated voltage for electrical devices when the input voltage from the mains system is less than the rated voltage, leading to inefficient power supply and increased size and cost due to the need for a power frequency transformer.

Innovation Solution

A power distribution circuit for UPS that includes a compensation circuit and a converting circuit, eliminating the need for a transformer by converting direct current to alternating current and vice versa, allowing the UPS to supply power effectively to loads even at lower input voltages, and providing additional functionality such as power conversion for battery modules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a power frequency transformer is used to step up voltage when input voltage is low, then the rated voltage can be configured for the load, but the size and weight of the power distribution circuit increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoidsize of power distribution circuit
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the working parameters of power electronic components (switching frequency, voltage levels) to achieve voltage transformation without a transformer. The converting circuit adjusts switching parameters to step up low input voltage to rated voltage, while the compensation circuit dynamically adjusts parameters to maintain stable output despite input variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/power frequency transformer with an electronic converting circuit and compensation circuit. The transformer's magnetic field-based voltage transformation is substituted with electronic switching and pulse width modulation techniques, eliminating the need for large magnetic cores and windings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a power frequency transformer is used to handle low input voltage, then voltage compatibility is achieved, but the cost of the power distribution circuit increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage compatibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The converting circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: voltage step-up, rectification, and compensation. It can handle both low voltage and normal voltage inputs, charge battery modules, and provide rated voltage output, replacing multiple dedicated components with a single multi-functional circuit.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The circuit dynamically changes operating parameters (switching frequency, duty cycle, voltage levels) based on input conditions to maintain adaptability across different voltage scenarios, eliminating the need for transformer-based voltage matching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Weight of stationary object

If the power distribution circuit is simplified by removing the transformer, then size and cost are reduced, but the ability to handle low input voltage may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesize of power distribution circuitVSAvoidlow voltage handling capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The compensation circuit acts as an intermediary between the converting circuit and the load. It receives the output from the converting circuit and compensates for any voltage fluctuations or deficiencies, ensuring stable rated voltage delivery to the load even when input voltage is low.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The circuit incorporates protective elements and control mechanisms that anticipate and cushion against low voltage conditions. The converting circuit is designed with built-in protection that activates beforehand to prevent damage or failure when low voltage is detected, ensuring continuous reliable operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

The solution reduces the size and cost of the UPS by eliminating the transformer, enhances power supply reliability by ensuring voltage compatibility, and expands application scenarios by adding functionality to the power distribution circuit.

Implementation Method 1

The compensation circuit converts a direct current into an alternating current, so that the alternating current output by the compensation circuit and the input voltage of the first port jointly supply power to the load of the second port

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDirect current to alternating current conversion:

Implementation Method 2

An alternating current of the first port may be output as a direct current by using the converting circuit, to provide the direct current for a battery module of the third port

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAlternating current to direct current conversion:

Data Source

PatentEP4358360A1Power distribution circuit of uninterruptible power supply and power supply system
Publication Date: 2024.04.24 HUAWEI DIGITAL POWER TECH CO LTD
  • EP4358360A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4358360A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4358360A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A power distribution circuit of an uninterruptible power supply is provided, where a first port of the power distribution circuit of the uninterruptible power supply is electrically connected to a second port. A third port is electrically connected to the second port by using a compensation circuit. When an input voltage of the first port is less than a rated voltage of a load of the second port, an input voltage of the third port is input to the compensation circuit. The compensation circuit converts a direct current into an alternating current, so that the alternating current output by the compensation circuit and the input voltage of the first port jointly supply power to the load of the second port. Compared with an existing power distribution circuit of the uninterruptible power supply, no power frequency transformer needs to be configured, so that a size of the power distribution circuit of the uninterruptible power supply can be reduced.