UPS Cooling Fan Load-Adaptive Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional uninterruptible power supply apparatuses face inefficiencies in cooling capacity and increased operation noise due to excessive cooling fan activity when operating under low loads, leading to higher operational costs and noise levels.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a fan control circuit that adjusts the operation of cooling fans based on the total load of multiple uninterruptible power modules, detects malfunctioning fans, and switches to a bypass circuit when necessary, ensuring optimal cooling capacity and reducing unnecessary fan operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If all cooling fans are actuated at rated load, then cooling capacity is sufficient, but operation cost and operation noise increase under low load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the cooling fan operation adjustable based on load conditions. The control unit dynamically changes the number of operating cooling fans according to the detected load, transitioning from static full-operation to dynamic adaptive operation, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining sufficient cooling capacity and reducing energy loss under varying load conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the cooling system by adjusting the number of active cooling fans based on load detection. When load is low, fewer fans operate; when load is high, more fans operate. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by matching cooling capacity to actual thermal requirements, reducing energy waste while maintaining adequate cooling
2Temperature
If all cooling fans are actuated at rated load, then cooling capacity is sufficient, but operation noise increases under low load
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of operating cooling fans based on detected load conditions. Under low load, fewer fans operate reducing noise; under high load, more fans operate to maintain cooling capacity. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between sufficient cooling and noise reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The operational parameter of fan quantity is changed based on load detection. The control unit adjusts the number of active fans to match thermal requirements, thereby reducing noise generation from unnecessary fan operation while maintaining adequate cooling capacity when needed
3Loss of energy
If cooling fans are suspended to reduce cost and noise, then operation cost and noise decrease, but cooling reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having the control unit continuously detect load conditions and adjust cooling fan operation accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that cooling reliability is maintained by activating sufficient fans when load (and thus heat generation) is high, while reducing fan operation when load is low, resolving the contradiction between cost reduction and reliability maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The system takes preliminary action by detecting load conditions before thermal issues arise and proactively adjusting fan operation. The control unit anticipates cooling requirements based on load detection and adjusts fan quantity in advance, ensuring reliability is maintained while avoiding unnecessary operation that increases cost
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 optimizes cooling fan usage, reducing operational costs and noise while maintaining reliable power supply by adjusting fan activity according to load requirements and ensuring continued operation even with malfunctioning fans.
Implementation Method 1
A cooling fan is provided to generate a cooling air current inside the housing, and the electrical components are cooled down by radiating heat to the cooling air
Implementation Method 2
Each uninterruptible power module further includes a cooling fan for cooling the interior of the housing
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an uninterruptible power supply apparatus that can properly adjust the capacity of cooling a heat radiation source. A housing for housing an uninterruptible power module is provided with a cooling fan for cooling the internal space of the housing. The housing is further formed with an opening. The opening formed in one housing and the opening formed in an adjacent housing for housing another uninterruptible power module are configured to face each other. Furthermore, each uninterruptible power module includes a fan control circuit for controlling the cooling fan. The fan control circuit controls the actuation and suspension of the cooling fan on the basis of a total load of the plurality of uninterruptible power modules.