UPS Auxiliary Load Diverts Regenerative Power

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Solution Overview

Problem

In uninterruptible power supply devices, regenerative power generated in loads cannot be effectively recovered by the AC power supply, leading to overcharging of the DC circuit and potential shutdown of the converter and inverter due to overvoltage protection.

Innovation Solution

An uninterruptible power supply device is configured with an auxiliary load unit and a switch unit, controlled by a control unit to divert regenerative power to the auxiliary load when the AC power supply cannot recover it, preventing overcharging of the DC circuit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If regenerative power is returned to the AC power supply, then energy recovery is improved, but DC circuit overcharging occurs when the AC power supply cannot recover the power

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveregenerative power recoveryVSAvoidconverter and inverter continuous operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

An auxiliary load unit is introduced as an intermediary component to handle regenerative power when the AC power supply cannot recover it. The auxiliary load unit acts as a mediator between the DC circuit and the regenerative power, consuming the excess power to prevent DC circuit overcharging and ensure continuous operation of the converter and inverter.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes the parameter of power flow direction based on the AC power supply's recovery capability. When the AC power supply cannot recover regenerative power, the system switches to directing power to the auxiliary load unit, changing the power flow parameter from 'return to AC supply' to 'consume via auxiliary load' to maintain system reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the switch unit is turned on to divert regenerative power to the auxiliary load unit, then DC circuit overcharging is prevented, but regenerative power cannot be recovered by the AC power supply

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveDC circuit stable operationVSAvoidregenerative power recovery

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The switch unit serves as a control intermediary that directs regenerative power flow based on system conditions. When DC circuit stability is prioritized, the switch unit redirects power to the auxiliary load unit, acting as a mediator to prevent overcharging while accepting the trade-off of reduced energy recovery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies partial action by selectively directing only the excess regenerative power that cannot be recovered to the auxiliary load unit, rather than diverting all regenerative power. This partial diversion is sufficient to prevent DC circuit overcharging while minimizing energy loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If the auxiliary load unit is used to consume regenerative power, then overvoltage protection shutdown is prevented, but energy is wasted in the auxiliary load

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconverter and inverter continuous operationVSAvoidregenerative power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary load unit converts the harmful effect of excess regenerative power (which would cause overvoltage and shutdown) into a beneficial outcome (continuous operation). By consuming the excess power, the auxiliary load unit prevents system failure, transforming a potential harm into system reliability, even though energy is consumed in the process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The auxiliary load unit provides beforehand cushioning by being ready to consume regenerative power when the AC power supply cannot recover it. This pre-positioned energy absorption capability cushions against the potential harm of DC circuit overcharging and ensures continuous operation without requiring system shutdown.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

This configuration suppresses the return of regenerative power to the AC power supply, preventing overvoltage and ensuring continuous operation by consuming regenerative power through the auxiliary load, thus preventing converter and inverter shutdown.

Implementation Method 1

an auxiliary load unit configured to consume regenerative power generated in the load

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS10784713B2Uninterruptible power supply device

Publication Date: 2020.09.22 TMEIC CORP

AI summary

During power running operation of a load, a control unit turns off a switch unit to supply AC power from an uninterruptible power supply unit to the load. During regenerative operation of the load, in a case where an AC power supply can recover regenerative power, the control unit turns off the switch unit to supply the regenerative power to the AC power supply via the uninterruptible power supply unit. In contrast, in a case where the AC power supply cannot recover the regenerative power, the control unit turns on the switch unit to cause an auxiliary load unit to consume the regenerative power.