UPS Controller Adaptive Voltage Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) face inefficiencies due to power consumption in their operation, which reduces their overall efficiency, especially when providing backup power during primary power failures.

Innovation Solution

A UPS system with a controller that adjusts output voltage levels based on load profiles, using both primary and secondary power sources, and includes adaptive inverter regulation to extend battery runtime by reducing output voltage within acceptable thresholds, thereby optimizing power usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If the UPS operates in battery mode with standard voltage output, then the load receives adequate power, but the battery runtime is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery runtimeVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the voltage parameter of the output power by introducing a reduced voltage mode (second voltage level lower than first voltage level). The controller dynamically adjusts the output voltage based on load profile, allowing operation at lower voltage when appropriate, thereby extending battery runtime while maintaining adequate power delivery to the load

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of energy

If the UPS provides full power output, then the load receives sufficient power, but energy efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidpower output
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by providing reduced voltage output (second voltage level) instead of always providing full voltage (first voltage level). The controller determines when reduced voltage is sufficient based on load profile, delivering only the necessary power level required by the load, thus reducing energy loss while maintaining adequate power output

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Loss of energy

If the UPS uses adaptive voltage adjustment, then energy efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback through the controller that monitors load characteristics and dynamically adjusts the output voltage between two levels. The controller receives information about the load profile and automatically selects the appropriate voltage level, providing intelligent adaptive control that improves energy efficiency while managing system complexity through automated decision-making

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3069431B1Uninterruptible power supply control
Publication Date: 2019.07.17 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IT CORP
  • EP3069431B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3069431B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3069431B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

Systems and methods of controlling an uninterruptible power supply are provided. In one aspect, an uninterruptible power supply includes a first input configured to receive input power from a first power source, a second input configured to receive input power from a second power source, an output configured to provide output power to a load derived from power from at least one of the first power source and the second power source, a power conversion circuit coupled with the first input, the second input and the output, and a controller coupled with the power conversion circuit. The controller is configured to control the power conversion circuit to provide an output voltage of the output power at a first voltage level, and to control the power conversion circuit to provide an output voltage of the output power at substantially a second voltage level.