UPS Power Limit Control via Ambient Temperature Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Uninterruptible power supply systems (UPS) face challenges in managing output power limits and component stress due to varying temperatures, leading to potential overheating and reduced lifespan of components like power semiconductor switching devices, magnetic components, and capacitors.
Innovation Solution
The maximum available output power limit of a UPS is dynamically adjusted based on ambient temperature, with a controller periodically sensing temperature and adjusting the power limit to optimize component life, and additional parameters like overload time limits and battery autonomy are determined to prevent excessive stress and ensure reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the maximum output power limit of the UPS is maintained at high levels, then the productivity and power supply capability are improved, but the component stress and temperature increase leading to reduced component lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the maximum output power limit based on real-time temperature monitoring. The controller continuously monitors temperatures of critical components (power semiconductor switching devices, magnetic components, capacitors) and adjusts the power limit accordingly - allowing higher power output when temperatures are within safe ranges, and reducing power limits when temperatures approach critical thresholds. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by making the power limit adaptive rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters (maximum output power limit) based on temperature conditions. By establishing temperature-dependent power limit thresholds and adjusting operational parameters in real-time, the system optimizes both productivity and component lifespan. This parameter change approach allows the UPS to operate at maximum efficiency when conditions permit while protecting components when temperatures rise.
2Productivity
If the UPS operates at maximum power output continuously, then the productivity is improved, but the component stress and heat generation increase causing overheating and reliability issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where temperature sensors continuously monitor component temperatures and feed this information to the controller. The controller then adjusts the maximum output power limit based on the temperature feedback, creating a closed-loop control system. This feedback approach ensures that the UPS maintains high productivity when temperatures are safe while automatically reducing power output to prevent overheating and maintain reliability when temperatures rise.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes predetermined temperature thresholds and corresponding power limit reductions before critical overheating occurs. By proactively reducing power limits when temperatures approach unsafe levels, the system cushions against potential thermal runaway and component failure, maintaining reliability while still allowing high productivity during normal operating conditions.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If temperature monitoring and dynamic power limit adjustment are implemented, then component lifespan and reliability are improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control logic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements temperature-based parameter adjustment where the maximum output power limit is modified based on measured temperature values. This approach extends component lifespan through intelligent control without requiring fundamentally new system architectures, balancing reliability improvement with acceptable complexity increases.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of controlling an uninterruptible power supply system to increase component life includes decreasing a maximum output power limit of the uninterruptible power supply system when a temperature that the uninterruptible power supply system is experiencing has increased and increasing the maximum output power limit when this temperature has decreased. In an aspect, this temperature is ambient temperature of an equipment enclosure of the uninterruptible power supply system in which at least a rectifier and inverter of the uninterruptible power supply system are located. In an aspect, the method further includes upon the system going into an overload condition, determining an overload time limit based upon the temperature, the overload condition and an initial load condition. In an aspect, the method further includes upon the system going into a back-up power mode, determining a battery autonomy based upon the temperature.