Uninterruptible Power Supply with Intelligent DC Output Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional uninterruptible power supplies primarily provide alternating current (AC) power, requiring adapters to convert DC power for devices like webcams and Wi-Fi routers, and lack multiple DC power outlets, posing risks of data loss and network disruptions for DC appliance loads.
Innovation Solution
An uninterruptible power supply capable of intelligently controlling direct current (DC) output, featuring a utility power input, AC and DC output terminals, a power conversion integrated circuit, switches, DC-DC converters, and a battery pack, allowing for stable and continuous DC power supply to various DC appliances by switching between power paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional uninterruptible power supplies only provide AC power output, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to DC appliances is insufficient requiring additional adapters
Solution Approach 1:
The uninterruptible power supply is designed to provide both AC and DC power outputs through a single device. The power conversion integrated circuit can operate in multiple modes: converting utility power to AC for general appliances, and simultaneously or alternatively converting to DC through the DC-DC converter for DC-specific appliances. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate adapters while maintaining manageable device complexity through integrated circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines AC power conversion and DC power conversion functions into a single uninterruptible power supply unit. The power conversion integrated circuit and DC-DC converter are merged into one system with shared control logic, allowing the device to serve both AC and DC appliances without requiring separate adapter devices, thus improving adaptability while controlling complexity through integration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional uninterruptible power supplies lack multiple DC power outlets, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to power multiple DC appliances simultaneously is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The DC power output is segmented into multiple independent output terminals with different voltage specifications (such as 3.3V, 5V, 12V, 24V). Each output terminal is equipped with independent protection circuits and control logic, allowing multiple DC appliances with different power requirements to be powered simultaneously. The segmentation of output voltages and independent control for each terminal enables the system to handle multiple DC loads while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The uninterruptible power supply employs dynamic power management where the DC-DC converter can dynamically adjust output voltages and currents based on the connected load requirements. The controller intelligently detects the connected appliances and allocates power resources dynamically, enabling the system to adapt to different combinations of DC appliances without requiring fixed, complex hardwired configurations for each possible appliance combination.
3Ease of operation
If adapters are required to convert DC to AC for DC appliances, then the device complexity of the power supply is reduced, but the ease of operation is worsened requiring additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The uninterruptible power supply is designed to provide both AC and DC power outputs through a single device. The power conversion integrated circuit can operate in multiple modes: converting utility power to AC for general appliances, and simultaneously or alternatively converting to DC through the DC-DC converter for DC-specific appliances. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate adapters while maintaining manageable device complexity through integrated circuitry.
4Reliability
If switching between power paths is not intelligently controlled, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of continuous DC power supply is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the status of utility power, battery charge level, and load requirements. Based on this feedback, the controller intelligently switches between power paths: using utility power when available, transitioning to battery power when utility fails, and managing the charge/discharge cycles of the battery pack. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable continuous DC power supply while controlling complexity through systematic control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery pack is pre-charged during normal operation when utility power is available, preparing energy reserves in advance for potential power failures. The system performs preliminary actions by maintaining the battery in a charged state through continuous charging from utility power via the power conversion integrated circuit, ensuring that when utility power fails, the switch to battery power path can occur immediately without interruption, thus maintaining reliability while managing complexity through proactive energy management.
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
Prevents data loss and network disruptions by providing stable DC power to DC appliances, ensuring continuous operation and increased security for digital data processing.
Implementation Method 1
a battery pack (14)
Implementation Method 2
a DC to DC (DC-DC) converter (20)
Data Source
AI summary
An uninterruptible power supply capable of intelligently controlling direct current (DC) output is provided. The uninterruptible power supply includes a power conversion integrated circuit, a first switch, a first controller, a DC to DC (DC-DC) converter, and a second controller and a battery pack. The first controller generates a first control signal and a second control signal, the second control signal is connected to the power conversion integrated circuit, and the first control signal is connected to the second controller configured inside the DC-DC converter. The battery pack is connected to the DC-DC converter to form a first power path, the DC-DC converter is connected to the power conversion integrated circuit to form a second power path, and the battery pack is connected to the power conversion integrated circuit to form a third power path.