UPS Load Arbitration Using Priority-Based Shutdown Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building electrical systems require costly infrastructure to separate electrical networks for loads with different priorities during power failures, making it challenging to efficiently manage power distribution to critical and non-critical loads using traditional UPS systems.
Innovation Solution
A critical load arbitration device for UPS systems that includes an arbitration unit to decide which loads to shut down and a communication interface to generate shutdown commands based on priority values, allowing for differentiated power management without the need for separate electrical networks, using wireless communication standards like Bluetooth Low Energy, ZigBee, Wi-Fi, or Matter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate electrical networks are used to provide differentiated power to loads with different priorities, then power management for critical and non-critical loads is improved, but infrastructure cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling a single electrical network to serve multiple functions: it can dynamically allocate power to both critical and non-critical loads based on priority levels during power failures, eliminating the need for physically separate networks while maintaining differentiated power management capabilities through software-based arbitration
2Ease of operation
If separate electrical networks are implemented for critical and non-critical loads, then power distribution control is improved, but installation cost and wiring requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes a single electrical network multi-functional by implementing intelligent arbitration logic that dynamically controls power distribution to different load types, providing critical load protection without requiring duplicate wiring or separate physical networks, thereby reducing installation costs while maintaining control capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical separation of electrical networks with an electronic/software-based arbitration system that uses communication protocols and control logic to differentiate power allocation, substituting physical infrastructure complexity with intelligent control mechanisms
3Device complexity
If a single UPS powers all loads without arbitration, then device simplicity is maintained, but ability to prioritize critical loads during power failure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an arbitration unit as an intermediary component between the UPS power source and multiple loads, which acts as a intelligent mediator to allocate power based on load priority, ensuring critical loads receive power during failures while maintaining relatively simple UPS hardware architecture
4Reliability
If arbitration logic is added to distinguish critical and non-critical loads, then power supply reliability for critical loads is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The arbitration unit serves as a relatively simple intermediary component that introduces minimal complexity by implementing priority-based power allocation logic, ensuring critical load reliability while keeping the overall system architecture straightforward through dedicated arbitration functionality
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A critical load arbitration device (10) for a uninterruptible power supply - UPS - (12) comprising: an arbitration unit (14) configured to decide whether to shut down the power supply to one or more loads (16-16") powered by the UPS (12); and a communication interface (18) configured to generate one or more shutdown commands depending on the decision of the arbitration unit (14), each shutdown command being addressed to a receiver (20-20") associated with a load (16) to be shut down and transmitted to the receiver (20-20") by the communication interface (18).