UPS Controller SOC Switching for Grid-Connected Energy Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Datacenter customers require uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) that provide power quality and critical backup while also offering advanced energy ancillary services like demand response and frequency regulation, but existing systems lack the flexibility to optimize battery capacity utilization and comply with grid security requirements.
Innovation Solution
A grid-connected UPS system with a controller that manages bidirectional and unidirectional energy transfers based on state of charge (SOC) and communicates with grid operators, allowing dynamic adjustment of energy transfer parameters to support critical loads and grid services, while ensuring compliance with grid security protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the UPS system allows continuous bidirectional energy transfers between grid and energy storage device, then energy utilization efficiency is improved, but battery capacity optimization and grid security compliance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts energy transfer direction and SOC thresholds based on real-time grid conditions and operational requirements. The controller can switch between charging and discharging modes, and adjust minimum/max SOC levels dynamically to comply with grid security protocols while maintaining optimal energy utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters including SOC thresholds, energy transfer rates, and transfer directions based on grid conditions. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system achieves both high energy utilization and compliance with grid security requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the UPS system provides advanced energy ancillary services like demand response and frequency regulation, then return on investment is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UPS system is designed to perform multiple functions including critical load backup, demand response, frequency regulation, and energy arbitrage. By integrating these diverse functions into a single system with a unified controller, the patent achieves multi-functionality without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes an automated controller that independently manages energy transfers, SOC thresholds, and service prioritization based on pre-configured parameters and real-time conditions, reducing the need for complex external control systems and manual intervention.
3Productivity
If the controller allows unidirectional energy transfers after maximum SOC is reached, then battery capacity utilization is improved, but risk of overcharging increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the maximum SOC threshold based on grid conditions and operational requirements. When grid conditions permit, the system can operate at higher SOC levels to maximize utilization, while automatically reducing the threshold when overcharging risks are detected, thus balancing utilization and protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller continuously monitors battery SOC, voltage, current, and temperature parameters, and uses this feedback to adjust energy transfer operations. When approaching maximum SOC, the system reduces charging rates or reverses to discharging mode, preventing overcharging while maximizing battery utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is operated to selectively provide energy to a critical load from a grid and an energy storage device and to transfer energy between the energy storage device and the grid. A controller causes the UPS to selectively support bidirectional and unidirectional transfers of energy between the grid and the energy storage device based on a state of charge (SOC) of the energy storage device.