UPS Isolation Means Testing Circuit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) lack proactive testing of isolation means during normal operation, leading to potential catastrophic failures when switching from normal to emergency operation, as the isolation capability is only tested during actual disruptions.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating selective isolation means in the UPS that are tested by establishing reverse polarity during normal operation, monitoring voltage, and outputting an error signal if the isolation means is faulty, ensuring effective isolation during emergencies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the isolation capability is only tested during actual disruptions, then the testing procedure is simple, but the reliability of isolation means during emergency operation cannot be ensured

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of isolation meansVSAvoidtesting procedure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by testing the isolation means during normal operation before emergency conditions occur. The testing circuit actively verifies the isolation capability of the switch and diode while the system is still in normal operating mode, allowing faults to be detected and addressed before they cause catastrophic failures during actual emergencies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a testing circuit as an intermediary component that facilitates the verification of isolation means. This testing circuit includes voltage sources, resistors, and detection circuits that temporarily connect to the isolation means during normal operation to verify its functionality without disrupting the main power supply to the load.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a mechanical isolation backup switch is added to ensure isolation during emergencies, then the reliability of isolation is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveisolation reliabilityVSAvoidswitching mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The testing circuit is designed to be automatically activated during normal operation without requiring external intervention or additional mechanical backup switches. The system self-verifies the isolation means functionality through electronic testing sequences, eliminating the need for complex mechanical backup switching mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 proactive testing ensures the UPS can reliably isolate the energy storage unit from the input during emergencies, preventing energy discharge back into the mains network and maintaining power supply to the electrical load.

Implementation Method 1

testing means for testing the isolation means during normal operation by attempting to cause reverse current flow through the isolation means

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReverse polarity testing:

Implementation Method 2

monitoring means for monitoring a voltage representative of an input voltage to the isolation means during the test period

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVoltage monitoring:

Data Source

PatentUS7453169B2Integrity testing of isolation means in an uninterruptible power supply

Publication Date: 2008.11.18 INVENTIO AG

AI summary

An uninterruptible power supply wherein an isolation device is automatically tested during normal operation to ensure that it is capable of effectively isolating the input from an auxiliary power supply during emergency operation. The uninterruptible power supply includes an input for coupling to a main power supply, an output for connection to an electrical load, an auxiliary power supply and a selective isolation device configured to isolate the auxiliary power supply from the input during emergency operation. First components establish a reverse polarity across the isolation device for a test period during normal operation, and second components monitor a voltage proportional to the input voltage to the isolation device and output an error signal if the monitored voltage remains or rises above a first reference value during the test period.