UPS Module Switching with Electronic Mediator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional uninterruptible power supply modules experience temporary interruptions and mechanical switch failures due to long switch times and current stress when switching between AC and DC power sources, leading to inadequate energy supply and potential arcing.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a switch element that enables the power source selection switch to turn on in zero voltage or zero current conditions, coupled with a control arm-bridge module and inductive element, to optimize switching and maintain constant voltage across the capacitor, thus preventing current bounce and ensuring continuous power supply.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a mechanical power source selection switch is used to switch between AC and DC power sources, then the uninterruptible power supply module can achieve power source switching, but the switch time is long (millisecond level) and temporary interruption occurs in the output voltage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous power supplyVSAvoidswitch time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a parallel switch element (electronic switch) as an intermediary that operates in parallel with the mechanical power source selection switch. This electronic switch element can switch instantaneously without mechanical contact, thereby eliminating the millisecond-level delay and voltage interruption caused by the mechanical switch while the mechanical switch handles the main power routing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a mechanical power source selection switch is used, then power source switching can be achieved, but large current may cause failure of the switch process or arcing between contacts leading to burnout

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitch operation safetyVSAvoidarcing and current stress

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic switch element serves as a mediator that handles the high-current switching operation without mechanical contact. It transfers the switching burden from the mechanical switch to the electronic component, protecting the mechanical switch from arcing and current stress while maintaining the power source switching functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical switching mechanism with an electronic switching element for the actual power transfer operation. This substitution eliminates mechanical contact, arcing, and wear associated with mechanical switches, thereby improving reliability and eliminating harmful arcing effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If a small capacitor replaces the electrolytic capacitor, then volume and weight are significantly reduced, but the capacitor is unable to supply adequate energy to the load during the switch process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy supply adequacyVSAvoidcapacitor weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic switch element is activated in advance to bridge the power source connection before the mechanical switch completes its operation. This preliminary action ensures that the load receives continuous power without interruption, compensating for the reduced energy storage capacity of the small capacitor during the transition period.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This solution prolongs the service life of the power source selection switch, enhances reliability, and eliminates temporary interruptions and arcing issues, ensuring high-quality power delivery to the load.

Implementation Method 1

The inductive element, which is coupled to the AC voltage source and the DC voltage source, is configured to receive one of the DC voltage or the input AC voltage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The control arm-bridge module, which is coupled to the inductive element and the load, is configured to modulate one of the DC voltage or the input AC voltage as the output AC voltage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical modulation:

Data Source

PatentUS7944089B2Uninterruptible power supply module

Publication Date: 2011.05.17 DELTA ELECTRONICS INC(CN)

AI summary

An uninterruptible power supply module is provided. The uninterruptible power supply module comprises an input terminal, a direct-current voltage source, a control module, a control arm-bridge module, an inductive element, a power source selection switch, and a switch element. The switch element is turned on before the power source selection switch is connected to the inductive element so that the direct-current voltage supplied by the direct-current voltage source is modulated by the control arm-bridge module to generate an output alternating current voltage to the load. And the switch element is turned off, i.e. not conducting electricity, after the power source selection switch is connected to the inductive element and the direct-current voltage source. Thereby, the use life of the power source selection switch element and the reliability of the uninterruptible power supply module are both increased.