UPS Power Distribution Panel Symmetric Breaker
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard circuit breaker panels fail to quickly and accurately differentiate between normal inrush currents and short circuits, leading to unnecessary power outages and equipment re-boots, as they typically drop to zero voltage during short circuits, affecting all connected loads and exceeding the limited ride-through capabilities of typical power supplies.
Innovation Solution
A UPS power distribution panel with a magnetic/hydraulic symmetric breaker system that differentiates between symmetrical and non-symmetrical current waveforms, tripping and clearing the circuit within one cycle to prevent power loss to other loads, and includes a micro switch for safer power isolation of individual branches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard breaker panels are used to distribute UPS power, then power distribution is achieved, but during short circuits the voltage drops to zero causing all loads to experience power loss and re-boots
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power distribution system into isolated branch circuits, each protected by its own breaker. When a short circuit occurs on one branch, only that specific branch is disconnected while other branches remain powered, preventing system-wide power loss and re-boots.
2Loss of time
If breakers trip quickly to clear short circuits, then power loss duration is reduced, but normal inrush currents may be mistaken for short circuits causing false tripping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetrical protection characteristics where the breaker responds differently to symmetrical short circuit currents versus asymmetrical inrush currents. The trip mechanism is designed to recognize the symmetrical nature of short circuits and trip rapidly, while tolerating the asymmetrical waveform of normal inrush currents, thus preventing false tripping.
3Reliability
If the breaker trips within one cycle to meet ride-through specifications, then power supply reliability is maintained, but the breaker must accurately differentiate between short circuits and inrush currents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms in the breaker's trip mechanism that continuously monitor current waveform characteristics. The system uses feedback from the current sensor to adjust the trip decision, comparing the measured waveform against predetermined thresholds and patterns to accurately distinguish between short circuits and inrush currents within one cycle.
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
The solution effectively prevents power loss to other loads by quickly identifying and clearing short circuits within one cycle, meeting IEC and ITIC standards, and avoiding false tripping due to normal inrush conditions, thus ensuring reliable operation of critical loads.
Implementation Method 1
The panel incorporates a magnetic/hydraulic symmetric breaker system that differentiates between symmetrical and non-symmetrical current waveforms
Implementation Method 2
The panel incorporates a magnetic/hydraulic symmetric breaker system that differentiates between symmetrical and non-symmetrical current waveforms
Data Source
AI summary
A UPS power distribution panel which includes means for detecting and differentiating between a symmetrical current waveform and a non-symmetrical current waveform and means for tripping and clearing a circuit breaker in the former but not the latter condition within one current waveform cycle.