Modular UPS Interconnect Assembly for Flexible Power Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power distribution systems in modular electronic systems, such as internet server farms and telecommunications systems, face challenges in maintaining high availability and reliability during disruptive events like power failures, and existing modular UPS systems lack efficient electrical interconnection methods.
Innovation Solution
A modular uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system with a power interconnect assembly that includes a housing with bus bars and connectors, allowing flexible and pluggable connections among UPS system component modules, such as UPS, battery, transformer, and power distribution unit modules, to provide electrical interconnection and redundancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hardwired connections (lugs or screw terminals) are used for power interconnections in modular UPS systems, then electrical connection reliability is improved, but system adaptability and ease of reconfiguration deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution system is segmented into modular components with standardized interfaces. Each UPS module can be independently connected or disconnected from the power distribution rack through pluggable connectors, allowing flexible reconfiguration while maintaining reliable electrical connections during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static hardwired connections to dynamic pluggable connections. The power distribution rack incorporates receptacles that accept plug connectors, enabling real-time reconfiguration of modular UPS modules without requiring physical rewiring, thus balancing connection reliability with system adaptability.
2Ease of operation
If pluggable connector systems are used for modular UPS interconnections, then system adaptability and ease of installation are improved, but electrical connection reliability and contact stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A standardized power interconnection interface acts as an intermediary between modular UPS modules and the power distribution rack. This interface includes mating connectors with multiple contact points that distribute power across parallel pathways, reducing the impact of any single connection point failure while maintaining overall connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple electrical contacts are merged into a single pluggable connector assembly. The connector distributes power through multiple parallel contact points, so that the failure or degradation of one contact does not compromise the entire electrical connection, thereby maintaining reliability while preserving ease of installation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular component architecture is implemented in UPS systems, then system adaptability and scalability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A universal power interconnection interface is implemented across all modular UPS components. The standardized receptacles and plug connectors can accommodate different types of UPS modules (power supply modules, battery modules, etc.), reducing interconnection complexity while maintaining system scalability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
Homogeneous connection interfaces are used throughout the modular UPS system. All power interconnections utilize the same receptacle and plug connector design, creating a consistent interconnection pattern that simplifies installation and maintenance while enabling easy system expansion through additional modular components.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system includes a plurality of UPS system component modules, each configured to be arranged in at least one equipment rack, each of the UPS system component modules having at least one flexible power cable extending therefrom and having a pluggable first connector at an end thereof. The system also includes a modular power interconnect assembly configured to be attached to at least one equipment rack, the modular power interconnect assembly including a housing, a plurality of bus bars positioned within the housing, and a plurality of second connectors positioned at a face of the housing, electrically connected to the plurality of bus bars and configured to pluggably mate with the first connectors to provide electrical interconnection among the plurality of UPS system component modules.