UPS DC Bus Voltage Regulation for Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) maintain a fixed DC bus voltage level regardless of the load, leading to inefficient operation and reduced efficiency due to increased switching losses, especially when power provided to the load is reduced.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that monitors input voltage and load to regulate the DC bus voltage level, reducing it when input voltage and load are below predetermined thresholds, thereby increasing efficiency while ensuring the required power is provided to the load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the DC bus voltage is maintained at a fixed high level, then the UPS can provide sufficient power to the load under all conditions, but switching losses increase and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic DC bus voltage regulation by continuously monitoring load conditions and adjusting the DC bus voltage level accordingly. The system transitions from a fixed voltage approach to a variable voltage approach, where the DC bus voltage is dynamically adapted to match actual load requirements, thereby reducing switching losses during light load operation while maintaining sufficient power delivery capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameter of DC bus voltage from a fixed value to a variable value that adapts to load conditions. By modifying the voltage level parameter based on real-time load monitoring, the system optimizes the trade-off between power delivery capability and switching losses, achieving higher efficiency without sacrificing the ability to provide sufficient power when required.
2Loss of energy
If the DC bus voltage is reduced to decrease switching losses, then efficiency increases, but the ability to provide sufficient power to the load may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism that continuously monitors load conditions and uses this information to regulate the DC bus voltage level. The feedback loop ensures that the DC bus voltage is reduced only when load conditions permit, maintaining sufficient power delivery capability while minimizing switching losses. The system adjusts voltage based on actual demand, preventing power deficiency while optimizing efficiency.
3Loss of energy
If the DC bus voltage is dynamically adjusted, then efficiency increases by reducing switching losses, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-regulating control system that automatically monitors load conditions and adjusts the DC bus voltage without requiring complex external control circuits. The system uses built-in monitoring and control mechanisms that leverage existing components, allowing the UPS to self-optimize its efficiency based on operating conditions while minimizing the addition of complex control circuitry.
Data Source
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AI summary
An Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) system is provided. The UPS system comprises: an input (102) configured to receive input power having an input voltage level, an output (110) configured to provide output AC power to a load, a converter (104) coupled to the input (102) and configured to convert the input power into DC power having a DC voltage level, a DC bus (106) coupled to the converter (104) and configured to receive the DC power, an inverter (108) coupled to the DC bus (106) and configured to convert the DC power from the DC bus (106) into the output AC power and provide the output AC Power to the output (110), and a controller (114) configured to monitor the input voltage level, monitor a level of the output AC power, and operate the converter (104) to regulate the DC voltage level based on the input voltage level and the output AC power level.