UPS Phase Angle Synchronization Controller

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Solution Overview

Problem

In power systems with multiple uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs), lack of synchronization can lead to interference and oscillations, causing undesirable effects on power delivery to loads.

Innovation Solution

A controller calculates a phase angle for each UPS relative to a common reference angle and controls their operation to prevent interference, using load sharing algorithms for power distribution and hot swapping capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs) are used to provide redundant power sources, then reliability is improved, but interference and oscillations occur due to lack of synchronization

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoidinterference and oscillations

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The controller continuously monitors the phase angles of multiple UPS outputs and dynamically adjusts their operation to maintain synchronization. This feedback mechanism ensures that UPSs work together harmoniously, preventing interference and oscillations while maintaining reliable power supply.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters (phase angles) of each UPS based on real-time conditions. By calculating and adjusting phase angles relative to a common reference, the system optimizes the performance of multiple UPSs to eliminate harmful interference while preserving redundancy benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If multiple UPSs operate independently without coordination, then ease of operation is improved, but harmful interference and oscillations are generated

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveUPS operation simplicityVSAvoidinterference and oscillations

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The controller serves as an intermediary that coordinates between multiple independent UPSs. It calculates phase angles and provides control signals to each UPS, enabling them to operate in a coordinated manner without requiring complex inter-UPS communication, thus maintaining ease of operation while eliminating interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If phase angle control is implemented for each UPS, then synchronization and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesynchronized power deliveryVSAvoidcontroller complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller is designed as a universal device that performs multiple functions: monitoring phase angles, calculating synchronization parameters, and controlling multiple UPSs. This multi-functionality consolidates complexity into a single dedicated controller rather than requiring complex coordination circuits in each UPS, making the overall system more manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9882424B2Redundant uninterruptible power supply systems

Publication Date: 2018.01.30 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG

AI summary

A system is provided. The system includes a plurality of uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs), a ring bus, at least one load electrically coupled to the plurality of UPSs and the ring bus, and a controller communicatively coupled to the plurality of UPSs. The controller is configured to calculate a phase angle for each UPS of the plurality of UPSs, wherein the phase angle is calculated relative to a common reference angle, and control operation of each UPS based on the respective calculated phase angles.