UPS Dual Current Path Switching for Overcurrent Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional UPS systems interrupt the energy supply to electrical consumers when current exceeds a certain limit, leading to undesirable power disruptions.
Innovation Solution
A UPS design with a voltage converter and dual current paths, where a controller switches the current flow from a primary path to a secondary path with a voltage converter when the current limit is reached, allowing continuous energy supply by adjusting current intensity through the secondary path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the UPS interrupts the power supply when current exceeds the limit, then the UPS and device are protected from damage, but the power supply to the device is interrupted which is undesirable
Solution Approach 1:
The current path is divided into two parallel paths: a first current path with a switch for normal operation, and a second current path with a voltage converter for current limiting. When overcurrent is detected, the control system opens the first switch and redirects current through the second path, maintaining power supply while limiting current to protect the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage converter acts as an intermediary component in the second current path. It mediates between the power source and the electrical device by converting voltage and limiting current intensity, allowing continuous power supply while preventing damaging overcurrent conditions.
2Productivity
If the UPS allows current to exceed the limit, then continuous power supply is maintained, but the UPS and device may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors the current in the first current path and provides feedback. When the current exceeds the predetermined limit, the control system responds by opening the first switch and activating the second current path with the voltage converter, thereby dynamically adjusting the system to maintain both continuous power supply and current protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The second current path with the voltage converter is prepared in advance as a protective measure. When overcurrent is detected, this pre-configured path immediately becomes active, cushioning the system against potential damage while maintaining power supply continuity.
3Reliability
If a voltage converter is added to limit current, then continuous power supply with current limiting is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage converter in the second current path serves multiple functions: it converts voltage to appropriate levels and simultaneously limits current intensity. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve continuous protected power supply without requiring separate components for voltage conversion and current limiting, thereby reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the voltage conversion and current limiting functions into a single integrated path (the second current path). By merging these functions and using parallel path architecture, the system achieves complex functionality while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure compared to sequential arrangements.
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
Ensures uninterrupted power supply to electrical consumers by limiting current intensity, reducing energy losses, and maintaining energy delivery even when the current limit is exceeded.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage converter (107) configured to change the electrical voltage supplied to the electrical load (130) and/or to limit the electrical current flowing through the electrical load (130)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The disclosure comprises an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) (100) for an electrical load, having a first current path (101) and a second current path (103) which are designed to supply the electrical load with electrical energy, a first switch (105) which is designed to interrupt the first current path (101), a voltage transformer (107) for limiting a current intensity of an electrical current, wherein the voltage transformer (107) is arranged in the second current path (103), and a controller (109) which is designed to open the first switch (105) when a current intensity limit value of the electrical current in the first current path (103) is reached in order to electrically interrupt the first current path (101) and to conduct the electrical current for limitation via the voltage transformer (107).