Method and apparatus for coordinating uninterruptible power supply modules to provide scalable, redundant power
US6396170B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 29, 2000 |
| Grant date | May 28, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 29, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02J3/38
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Presented is a modular uninterruptible power supply system utilizing common power modules, and providing redundant coordinated control thereof. The system and method of the instant invention provides identical control logic within each of the individual power modules, thus dispensing with the requirement for a separate control module to control and coordinate the operating modes and parameters of the UPS system. A system is presented whereby a virtual master is established through an arbitration scheme at initialization of the UPS system. The master then assigns a virtual vice master to provide the redundant back up control should the virtual master no longer be able to perform its functions. Nearly simultaneous control of operational mode and state change functions is accomplished through a coordinated communications system including a high-speed communications bus and digital control logic lines. Also provided is a mechanism for removal of the virtual master from its duties upon the detection of a problem that is not detected by the virtual master itself.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.