UPS Smart Energy Storage Cost Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) rely heavily on utility power due to limited battery capacity, leading to inefficient energy use and increased costs from peak demand periods, as they primarily function as backup power sources without effectively managing variable energy costs.

Innovation Solution

A UPS system that communicates with the smart grid to switch between utility power and battery power based on real-time energy costs, charging the battery during low rates and powering loads from the battery during high rates, thereby optimizing energy usage and reducing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If a UPS uses utility power as the primary power source with battery as backup, then the system maintains simple operation and reliable backup capability, but energy costs increase during peak demand periods and energy efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidpower management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The UPS system dynamically switches between utility power and battery power based on real-time energy cost conditions. The controller monitors utility power costs and automatically adjusts the power source selection, transitioning from a static backup mode to a dynamic energy optimization mode that adapts to changing utility rates and demand conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring utility power cost signals and using this information to adjust power source selection. The controller receives cost information from the utility provider and feeds this back into the power management decision-making process, enabling the UPS to respond to changing energy market conditions and optimize costs accordingly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If a UPS relies on battery backup during utility outages, then uninterrupted power supply is ensured, but energy costs increase due to limited battery capacity requiring larger batteries

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuninterrupted power supplyVSAvoidbattery capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary charging of the battery during off-peak utility power periods when energy costs are low. By proactively storing energy in the battery during low-cost periods, the UPS prepares backup power capacity in advance, reducing the need for oversized batteries while ensuring sufficient backup capacity is available when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Power

If utility power is used continuously, then the system operates with high power availability, but energy expenses increase during peak demand periods

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower availabilityVSAvoidenergy expense

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the operational parameters of power source selection based on utility cost conditions. The controller adjusts which power source (utility or battery) is active depending on the cost parameter of utility power, enabling the UPS to operate at high power availability when utility rates are low while reducing energy expenses by switching to battery power when utility rates are high.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach reduces energy expenses by shifting loads to battery power during peak rates and charges the battery during off-peak hours, enhancing energy efficiency and grid balance, while maintaining backup power capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBattery (electricity): Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentUS10331153B2System and method of smart energy storage in a UPS

Publication Date: 2019.06.25 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IT CORP

AI summary

A method for controlling an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) having a battery includes powering a load coupled to the UPS using utility power, determining whether an energy cost associated with the utility power exceeds a threshold cost, determining whether a charge level of the battery exceeds a threshold charge level, and powering the load from the battery in response to determining that the energy cost exceeds the threshold cost and that the charge level of the battery exceeds the threshold charge level.