UPS Power Source Switching Based on Backup Energy Thresholds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) face challenges in efficiently managing power transitions during outages, leading to unnecessary fuel consumption by secondary power sources like generators, as they often switch to backup power sources even when secondary power is available but not fully utilized.
Innovation Solution
A UPS system that continues to draw power from a backup source even after secondary power is available, if the load utilization is low and the backup power source's energy level is sufficient, thereby reducing the operational time of fuel-consuming secondary power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the UPS switches to secondary power source (generator) when it becomes available, then power supply reliability is improved, but fuel consumption increases due to unnecessary generator operation
Solution Approach 1:
The UPS control system dynamically adjusts power source selection based on real-time conditions. Instead of statically switching to the generator when available, the system continuously monitors backup power energy levels and load requirements, making adaptive decisions about whether to use the generator or continue with backup power, thereby optimizing both reliability and fuel consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of power source selection by introducing thresholds for backup power energy levels and load utilization. The UPS compares current backup power energy levels against threshold values to determine whether to switch to generator power, transforming a simple availability-based decision into a parameter-driven optimization strategy
2Loss of energy
If the UPS continues using backup power when secondary power is available, then fuel consumption is reduced, but power transition flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system maintains dynamic adaptability by continuously monitoring multiple parameters (backup power energy level, load utilization, generator availability) and adjusting power source selection in real-time. This dynamic approach allows the UPS to flexibly respond to changing conditions while optimizing fuel consumption, rather than following a fixed power transition protocol
3Speed
If the UPS switches to secondary power source immediately when available, then response time is improved, but operational costs increase due to extended generator usage
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of power source conditions before making switching decisions. By evaluating backup power energy levels and load requirements in advance, the UPS can determine whether immediate generator switching is necessary or if continuing with backup power is sufficient, avoiding unnecessary generator activation and associated operational costs
Data Source
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AI summary
According to aspects of the disclosure, an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system is presented, the UPS System comprising at least one first input configured to be coupled to a primary power source and to a secondary power source, a second input configured to be coupled to a backup power source, an output configured to be coupled to at least one load, and at least one controller configured to receive a signal indicating that the secondary power source is prepared to provide secondary power to the UPS system, determine, responsive to receiving the signal, whether an energy level of the backup power source is above a threshold energy level, and control, responsive to determining that the energy level of the backup power source is above the threshold energy level, the UPS system to provide output power derived from the backup power source to the output.