UPS System DC/DC Converter Efficiency and Voltage Regulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing uninterruptible power supply systems face efficiency and reliability issues when supplying power to DC loads, particularly due to power losses in inverters and AC adapters, and difficulties in managing surplus solar battery power, which can damage DC and storage batteries.

Innovation Solution

An uninterruptible power supply system that includes a solar battery, a power storage apparatus, and an uninterruptible power supply apparatus with DC/DC converters and controllers to efficiently manage and regulate power flow, converting commercial AC power to DC power directly and controlling voltage to prevent damage to DC and storage batteries.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If AC power is converted to DC power through an inverter and AC adapter, then DC loads can be powered, but power loss increases due to multiple conversion stages

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply efficiencyVSAvoidpower loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the unnecessary inverter and AC adapter components from the power supply path. By directly connecting the solar battery to the DC load through a DC/DC converter, the system removes the harmful intermediate conversion stages that caused energy loss, achieving direct DC power transmission from the solar battery to the load.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the AC-based power conversion system (inverter + AC adapter) with a direct DC power transmission system. This substitution eliminates the mechanical/electrical conversion processes that generate heat loss, using only DC/DC conversion which maintains higher efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Quantity of substance

If surplus solar battery power is stored in the storage battery, then power can be stored for later use, but voltage increases excessively which may damage the storage battery

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestored power capacityVSAvoidvoltage damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a DC/DC converter as an intermediary device between the solar battery and storage battery. This converter acts as a mediator that transforms and regulates the voltage, allowing surplus power to be stored without subjecting the storage battery to excessive voltage that would cause damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the voltage parameter through active regulation using DC/DC conversion technology. By dynamically adjusting the conversion ratio, the system maintains the storage battery voltage within safe operating limits while still enabling efficient storage of surplus solar power.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of energy

If solar battery power directly supplies DC load, then conversion efficiency improves, but voltage fluctuation may damage the DC load

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconversion lossVSAvoidvoltage damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions the DC/DC converter as an intermediary protective device between the solar battery and DC load. This intermediary maintains direct DC power transmission for efficiency while simultaneously regulating voltage to protect the load from harmful fluctuations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements voltage feedback control through the DC/DC converter, which continuously monitors the output voltage and adjusts the conversion ratio to maintain stable voltage levels. This feedback mechanism eliminates harmful voltage fluctuations while preserving the high efficiency of direct DC power transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 system provides high-efficiency and reliable power supply to DC loads by eliminating the need for additional conversion stages, reducing power losses, and effectively managing surplus solar battery power to prevent voltage-related damage.

Implementation Method 1

a solar battery 2, configured to convert sunlight energy into DC power

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10811900B2Uninterruptible power supply system and uninterruptible power supply apparatus

Publication Date: 2020.10.20 TMEIC CORP

AI summary

A first controller for a first DC/DC converter is configured to generate a first current command value based on a smallest value of an output current when an output voltage of the solar battery is equal to an optimum operating voltage in maximum power point tracking control and an output current for outputting a consumption current between the solar battery and the DC load and a charging current of the power storage apparatus. A second controller for a second DC/DC converter is configured to generate a second current command value such that a voltage of the output terminal is equal to a reference voltage.