UPS Power State Management for Critical Load Prioritization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The finite runtime capacity of uninterruptible power supply (UPS) batteries can expire during critical windows, leading to suspended backup power for sensitive loads during blackout or brownout conditions, necessitating advanced power management strategies.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for smart power state management at a power node, such as a UPS, involving monitoring of power states, isolation of network devices, and adjustment of power using backup devices, with features like automatic power state management, power expenditure reduction, and network usage classification to prioritize critical loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all network devices are powered during a blackout, then network service availability is maintained, but battery runtime expires during the critical window
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments network devices into critical and non-critical categories based on their importance to network functionality. Critical devices (e.g., routers, switches) receive continuous power during blackouts, while non-critical devices are powered down to conserve battery runtime. This segmentation allows the UPS to maintain essential services while extending operational duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different power supply qualities to different devices: critical devices receive uninterrupted power supply during the critical window, while non-critical devices receive reduced or no power. This local differentiation of power quality enables the system to prioritize essential functions and extend overall battery runtime.
2Duration of action of moving object
If critical usage window is configured to extend runtime, then battery capacity is conserved, but network service may be suspended during important periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary classification of network devices into critical and non-critical groups before the blackout occurs. This pre-configured classification enables the UPS to automatically apply the appropriate power management strategy during the critical window, ensuring that critical services remain operational while non-critical services are suspended to extend runtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic power state adjustment based on the critical usage window configuration. The system can transition devices between powered and powered-off states depending on their criticality classification and the current time window, allowing flexible adaptation to different operational requirements and extending battery runtime while maintaining essential services.
3Ease of operation
If manual device disconnection is required during outage, then user control over power usage is achieved, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic power state management where the UPS system self-determines which devices to power or disconnect based on pre-configured criticality classifications and the current critical usage window. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual user intervention during blackouts, maintaining ease of operation while managing power complexity automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor battery charge levels, device criticality status, and time window configurations to automatically adjust power distribution. This feedback-driven automation reduces operational complexity by eliminating manual disconnection decisions while maintaining user control through configurable parameters.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and systems are described for power state management. A critical usage window may be configured at a gateway node. A change in a power state of the gateway node may be detected, at an interface, during the critical usage window. The power state of the gateway node may be adjusted via the interface for a set duration using a backup power node.