Parallel UPS Master Control via Jumper Configuration
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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 within 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 connection module for independent determination of each UPS's configuration, enabling efficient power provision and fault isolation without complex initial communications, and employs diagnostic modes for self-testing and fault identification.
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 patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring each UPS unit with independent jumpers that determine master or controlled status before the system starts up. This eliminates the need for complex runtime communication negotiations, allowing immediate assignment of roles upon power-up and reducing startup delays while maintaining reliable master/controlled assignments.
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 patent extracts the master/controlled assignment logic from complex communication circuits and implements it through simple physical jumper configurations on each UPS unit. This removes the need for elaborate communication protocols and circuitry, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable role assignment through the connection module that detects jumper states.
3Reliability
If parallel UPS systems operate with shared circuit portions, then power capacity and redundancy are increased, but fault isolation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the parallel UPS system into independently configurable units, each with its own jumper settings that determine master or controlled status. This segmentation allows fault isolation by enabling individual units to be tested and configured independently, making it easier to identify which unit has a fault while maintaining system redundancy through the modular architecture.
4Device complexity
If simple jumper-based configuration is used for master/controlled assignment, then startup time is reduced and complexity is lowered, but immediate power delivery capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling each UPS unit to automatically determine its own master or controlled status through internal jumper detection by the connection module, without requiring external configuration or complex communication negotiations. This self-configuration capability allows immediate power delivery upon startup while maintaining simplicity through the jumper-based approach.
Data Source
Figure 1~1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
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 coupled in parallel to provide output power to a load from a power source, each of the first UPS and the second UPS having an inverter and having a bypass switch, with each UPS configured to operate in one of an inverter mode in which output power is derived from the power source through the inverter, and a bypass mode in which output power is derived from the power source bypassing the inverter, the method comprising powering on the first UPS and the second UPS in the inverter mode of operation, designating one of the first UPS and the second UPS as a master UPS, and controlling the bypass switch of the first UPS and the bypass switch of the second UPS using the master UPS.