Parallel UPS Master-Controlled Startup and Fault Isolation
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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 to determine individual master or controlled configurations independently, and includes a diagnostic mode to isolate faults within shared circuits by decoupling control lines and using diagnostic modules to determine fault association with specific UPS units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex communication circuitry is used for initial startup communications between parallel UPS units, then reliable fault isolation is achieved, but system complexity and startup time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fault isolation process into distinct phases: initial independent startup without communication, followed by sequential fault detection phases. Each UPS unit first initializes independently, then faults are isolated by systematically disconnecting and testing individual units, separating the complex communication task into manageable steps that reduce overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by having UPS units perform self-initialization and establish independent operation before attempting any communication or fault isolation protocols. This preliminary independent setup ensures basic functionality is established first, reducing the complexity of subsequent communication-circuitry requirements while maintaining reliability
2Reliability
If complex communication circuitry is implemented for parallel UPS coordination, then system reliability is improved, but immediate power provision is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
UPS units perform preliminary independent initialization and power provision capability establishment before engaging in any communication or coordination protocols. This allows the system to provide power immediately through independent operation, with communication-based reliability improvements occurring subsequently without delaying initial power provision
Solution Approach 2:
The startup process is segmented into time-phased stages: Stage 1 involves immediate independent power provision without communication, Stage 2 implements communication-based fault isolation. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex communication circuitry during the critical initial power provision phase, reducing startup time while maintaining reliability through sequential implementation
3Productivity
If control lines remain coupled during fault detection, then parallel operation is maintained, but fault isolation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fault detection function from the normal parallel operation by temporarily disconnecting control lines between UPS units during diagnostic phases. This extraction allows individual unit testing without interference from parallel communication signals, simplifying fault detection while maintaining the ability to return to coupled operation for normal productivity
Data Source
AI summary
According to one aspect, embodiments of the invention provide a method of operating a UPS system having a first UPS, the method comprising powering on the first UPS, detecting a first signal at a first I/O of the first UPS using a first detection circuit of the first UPS, detecting a second signal at a second I/O of the first UPS using a second detection circuit of the first UPS, based on a status of the first signal and a status of the second signal, configuring the first UPS to operate in one of a master mode of operation and a controlled mode of operation.