Parallel UPS Fault Isolation via Diagnostic Decoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing parallel UPS systems face delays and complexity in initial startup communications, which hinder immediate power provision to loads and require complex communication circuitry, and struggle to efficiently isolate faults in shared circuit portions between paralleled units.
Innovation Solution
A parallel UPS system operates using a master/controlled approach with discrete analog and digital I/O signals for timely master/controlled assignments, and includes a diagnostic mode for isolating faults through a connection module that decouples control lines and couples diagnostic modules to determine fault associations between UPS units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex communication circuitry is used for initial startup communications between parallel UPS units, then master/controlled assignments can be made, but startup delays occur and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring discrete I/O signal pathways and establishing default master/controlled states before full communication protocols are initiated. The connection module pre-arranges control signal routing to enable immediate operation without waiting for complex communication handshakes.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication system is segmented into discrete I/O signal pathways that operate independently rather than relying on a single complex communication bus. This segmentation allows individual signal paths to be activated quickly without coordinating entire communication protocols, reducing startup delays.
2Reliability
If complex communication circuitry is used for initial startup communications between parallel UPS units, then master/controlled assignments can be made, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential master/controlled assignment function from complex communication protocols and implements it through simple discrete I/O signals. By taking out only the necessary control functions and implementing them through basic digital inputs and outputs, the system achieves reliable assignments without complex communication circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection module serves as an intermediary that simplifies communication between parallel UPS units. It mediates the interaction by providing standardized discrete I/O signal interfaces that translate complex communication requirements into simple, reliable control signals, reducing overall system complexity.
3Productivity
If parallel UPS system operates without diagnostic mode, then immediate power provision is enabled, but fault isolation in shared circuit portions becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The diagnostic mode enables the parallel UPS system to self-diagnose faults in shared circuit portions without external intervention. By activating diagnostic signals through the connection module, the system automatically identifies and isolates faulty units, maintaining productivity while enabling self-testing capabilities.
Data Source
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AI summary
According to one aspect, embodiments of the invention provide a method of operating a UPS system having a first UPS and a second UPS, the method comprising coupling at least one control line between the first UPS and the second UPS to operate the first UPS and the second UPS in a parallel mode of operation, providing output power from each of the first UPS and the second UPS to a load, detecting a fault condition in the UPS system, decoupling the at least one control line, operating the first UPS in a diagnostic mode of operation, and determining if the fault condition is associated with the first UPS.