Intelligent Synchronization Module for UPS Group Phase Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current UPS systems lack a comprehensive control system that allows for multiple configurations and efficient synchronization of independent UPS groups, limiting their flexibility and reliability in critical power management applications.

Innovation Solution

The Intelligent Synchronization Module (ISM) assigns a master and slave role to UPS groups, enabling synchronization by passing phase information, thereby allowing for various configurations such as permanent synchronization, load sharing, and centralized bypass, and enhancing system reliability through redundant communication and power supplies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple independent UPS groups are used to service a load, then system reliability and flexibility are improved, but synchronization control between groups becomes complex and difficult to manage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidsynchronization control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a master UPS in each group that acts as an intermediary to manage synchronization. The master UPS receives phase information from other masters and distributes synchronization signals to slave UPSs within its group, simplifying the overall control architecture while maintaining reliability across multiple independent groups.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system divides multiple UPS groups into hierarchical segments with master and slave roles. Each master UPS manages a subset of slave UPSs, creating a segmented control structure that reduces the complexity of direct many-to-many synchronization while maintaining system-wide coordination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If phase information is passed between master UPSs to enable synchronization, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but communication requirements and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization accuracyVSAvoidcommunication system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where master UPSs continuously exchange phase information and adjust their operation accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures high synchronization accuracy by constantly monitoring and correcting phase differences between UPS groups.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The synchronization system dynamically adjusts operational parameters such as phase angle and frequency based on real-time phase information exchange between master UPSs. This parameter tuning enables precise synchronization while adapting to changing load conditions and system states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If master and slave roles are assigned to UPS groups, then synchronization control is simplified, but system adaptability to different configurations is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization control easeVSAvoidconfiguration flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The master-slave role assignment is implemented dynamically rather than statically. UPSs can transition between master and slave roles based on system conditions, load requirements, and operational needs. This dynamic role assignment maintains ease of synchronization control while preserving configuration flexibility and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP1788688B1Apparatus for synchronizing uninterruptible power supplies
Publication Date: 2014.03.12 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO
  • EP1788688B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP1788688B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1788688B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

An Intelligent Synchronization Module (ISM) (300) for an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) system for servicing a load (105) is disclosed. The UPS system has at least one of a first UPS group (310) and a second separate and independent UPS group (320), each of the first and second UPS groups (310, 320) having a master UPS. The ISM (300) has a processing circuit (302) and a storage medium (304), readable by the processing circuit (302), storing instructions for execution by the processing circuit (302) for: assigning the first UPS group (310) the role of master group and the second UPS group the role of slave group; and, passing phase information relating to the master group to the slave group, thereby enabling the master UPS of the slave group to effect synchronization with the master group.