Utility Disconnect Switch for UPS Power Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UPS systems fail to quickly and efficiently transfer between primary and backup power supplies without influencing production quality and losses, particularly in industrial systems requiring transitions within 1 ms or less, due to limitations in thyristor-based or silicon controlled rectifier (SCR)-based systems.
Innovation Solution
A utility disconnect switch (UDS) system incorporating semiconductor switching devices, surge arresters, dynamic and static voltage balancing devices, and mechanical switching elements, which allows for instantaneous power transfer by selectively connecting and disconnecting input and output lines, and includes configurations such as anti-parallel and series connections of IGCT devices with varistor-type surge arresters and snubber circuits for voltage and current balancing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If thyristor-based or SCR-based systems are used for power transfer, then the system structure is established, but the transfer speed cannot achieve 1 ms or less
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical switching devices (thyristors, SCRs) with semiconductor switching devices that have no moving parts. This substitution enables significantly faster switching speeds (1 ms or less) by eliminating mechanical inertia and contact wear, directly resolving the contradiction between transfer speed and production efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of switching speed by transitioning from mechanical to semiconductor-based switching. The semiconductor devices operate on electrical control signals rather than mechanical actuation, achieving transfer speeds of 1 ms or less compared to the slower mechanical systems, thereby improving production efficiency without sacrificing reliability.
2Speed
If fast switching is implemented, then power transfer speed improves, but voltage surges and instability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates voltage balancing devices and surge arresters that are pre-configured to counteract voltage surges before they occur. These protective elements are integrated into the circuit topology, providing inherent protection against transient overvoltages and current spikes that accompany fast switching, thus maintaining power supply stability during rapid transfers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces voltage balancing devices as intermediary elements between the semiconductor switching devices and the power sources. These intermediaries actively regulate voltage levels and dampen surges, mediating the conflict between fast switching and system stability by absorbing and redistributing transient energy.
3Speed
If semiconductor switching devices are used, then switching speed increases, but voltage balancing and surge protection become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into integrated circuit modules that combine semiconductor switching devices, voltage balancing devices, and surge arresters into unified assemblies. This consolidation reduces the overall system complexity by eliminating separate control circuits and interconnections, making the sophisticated voltage balancing and surge protection mechanisms more manageable despite their advanced functionality.
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
Enables rapid and reliable power transfer within 1 ms or less, maintaining production quality and minimizing losses by using a combination of semiconductor and mechanical switching devices with energy absorption and voltage balancing mechanisms, enhancing scalability and redundancy.
Implementation Method 1
a surge arrester coupled in parallel with the semiconductor switching device
Implementation Method 2
a dynamic voltage balancing device and a static voltage balancing device which are coupled in parallel with the semiconductor switching device
Implementation Method 3
a static voltage balancing device which are coupled in parallel with the semiconductor switching device
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment is a uninterruptable power supply (UPS) system including a utility disconnect switch (UDS) coupled with an input line and an output line and structured to selectably connect and disconnect the input line and the output line. The UDS includes a semiconductor switching device connected between the input line and the output line, a surge arrester coupled in parallel with the semiconductor switching device, a dynamic voltage balancing device and a static voltage balancing device which are coupled in parallel with the semiconductor switching device.