UPS Digital Controller Dynamic Current Limiting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UPS systems face challenges in providing adaptable current limit settings to handle varying voltage and current demands across different loads, which can lead to unsafe operating conditions and reduced reliability.
Innovation Solution
A digital controller is used to control power switches, incorporating a current limiter circuit that adjusts current limits based on sensed values and load conditions, allowing for dynamic adjustment of rectifier and inverter hardware current limits, ensuring safe operation across multiple platforms and conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed current limit settings are used in UPS systems, then device simplicity is maintained, but the system cannot adapt to varying voltage and current demands across different loads, leading to unsafe operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic current limiting by replacing fixed current limit settings with circuits that automatically adjust current limits based on real-time voltage detection. The system continuously monitors DC rail voltages and dynamically modifies current limit thresholds to match actual operating conditions, enabling the UPS to adapt to varying load demands without requiring complex programmable controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The current limiting circuit performs self-adjustment by automatically detecting voltage levels and setting appropriate current limits without external intervention. The circuit uses the DC rail voltage itself as the reference for determining current limits, eliminating the need for complex external control systems while achieving adaptive protection.
2Power
If higher DC Rail voltages are used to increase power capacity, then power delivery capability improves, but stresses on power semiconductor devices increase, reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters of power semiconductor devices by dynamically adjusting current limits based on DC rail voltage levels. When voltage increases to boost power capacity, the system automatically reduces current limit thresholds to maintain safe power dissipation levels, thereby preserving device reliability while enabling higher power operation.
3Reliability
If lower DC Rail voltages are used to reduce stresses on devices, then device safety improves, but power delivery capability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts current limits in response to voltage changes, allowing the UPS to operate at higher DC rail voltages when needed for increased power delivery. By continuously adapting current thresholds to match voltage levels, the system maintains device safety across the full voltage range while maximizing power capacity when required.
Data Source
AI summary
Power control systems are provided including a digital controller configured to control gating mechanism for power switches responsive to an input from a power conversion circuit. The digital controller includes a conversion circuit, a modulation circuit and a gating control circuit. The system further includes an analog circuit comprising a filter, a current limiter and a compare circuit. The current limiter is configured to control a magnitude of a current pulled through a power convertor during a device switching operation.