Methods and apparatus for providing and distributing standby power

• US 20050278075A1
• Filed: 05/28/2004
• Published: 12/15/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 05/28/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: American Power Conversion Corporation (Schneider Electric SE)
• Original Assignee: American Power Conversion Corporation (Schneider Electric SE)
• Inventors: Rasmussen, Neil, Colucci, David A., Ziegler, William
• Granted Patent: US 7,142,950 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 700/286
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2300/018 Application transfer; between utility and emergency power supply circuits in H02J9/04
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 9/06 with automatic change-over , e.g. UPS systems
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 70/30 Systems integrating technologies related to power network operation and communication or information technologies for improving the carbon footprint of the management of residential or tertiary loads, i.e. smart grids as climate change mitigation technology in the buildings sector, including also the last stages of power distribution and the control, monitoring or operating management systems at local level
• CPC Class Codes: Y04S 20/20 End-user application control systems

Abstract

Aspects of the invention are directed to power distribution systems and methods for distributing power from a primary power source and a backup power source to a load. In one particular aspect, a power distribution system includes a first input to receive input power from the primary power source, a second input to receive input power from the backup power source, an output that provides output power from at least one of the primary power source and the backup power source, a first switch operatively coupled to the first input and the output and operative to selectively couple the first input to the output, a second switch operatively coupled to the second input and the output and operative to selectively couple the second input to the output, and a controller operatively coupled to the first switch and to the second switch and configured to control the first switch and the second switch to provide an electrical interlock.

Claims

1. A power distribution system for distributing power from a primary power source and a backup power source to a load, the power distribution system comprising:

a first input to receive input power from the primary power source;

a second input to receive input power from the backup power source;

an output that provides output power from at least one of the primary power source and the backup power source;

a first switch operatively coupled to the first input and the output and operative to selectively couple the first input to the output;

a second switch operatively coupled to the second input and the output and operative to selectively couple the second input to the output; and

a controller operatively coupled to the first switch and to the second switch and configured to control the first switch and the second switch to provide an electrical interlock.

2. The power distribution system of claim 1, wherein each of the first switch and the second switch has an open position and a closed position, and wherein the controller is configured to control the first switch to switch from the closed position to the open position, if the second switch is switched from the open position to the closed position.

3. The power distribution system of claim 1, wherein each of the first switch and the second switch has an open position and a closed position, and wherein the controller is configured to control the first switch to switch from the closed position to the open position a predetermined period of time after the second switch is switched from the open position to the closed position.

4. The power distribution system of claim 1, wherein the primary power source provides voltage having a voltage waveform with a first voltage level and a first frequency, and the backup power source provides voltage having a voltage waveform with a second voltage level and a second frequency, wherein the second frequency is different from the first frequency, and wherein the controller is configured to change a source of output power for the power distribution system when the first voltage level is approximately equal to the second voltage level.

5. The power distribution system of claim 4, wherein the controller is configured to change the source of output power for the system when both the first voltage level and the second voltage level are approximately zero.

6. The power distribution system of claim 1, further comprising an input to receive an emergency power off signal, and wherein the controller is configured to switch both the first switch and the second switch to an open position upon receipt of the emergency power off signal.

7. The power distribution system of claim 1, wherein the backup power source is a generator, wherein the power distribution system is configured to receive a DC voltage from a battery of the generator, and wherein power for the controller is derived from the DC voltage from the battery.

8. The power distribution system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to receive data related to operational status of the generator and to control the first switch and the second switch based on the data.

9. The power distribution system of claim 8, wherein the data related to operational status of the generator includes a fuel level of the generator, and wherein the controller is configured to determine a run time of the generator based on the fuel level.

10. The power distribution system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to receive UPS data related to operational status of at least one uninterruptible power supply and to control the first switch and the second switch based on the UPS data.

11. The power distribution system of claim 1, wherein the backup power source is a generator, and wherein the output includes a plurality of outputs, at least one of which is configured to provide power to the generator.

12. A power distribution system for distributing power from a primary power source and a backup power source to a load, the power distribution system comprising:

an enclosure having at least one input to receive input power from a primary source and to receive input power from a backup source, and at least one output to provide output power;

a first controlled switch mounted in the enclosure and configured to receive power from the primary source;

a second controlled switch mounted in the enclosure and configured to receive power from the secondary source; and

a controller mounted in the enclosure and coupled to the first controlled switch and the second controlled switch to provide power to the output from at least one of the first controlled switch and the second controlled switch.

13. The power distribution system of claim 12, further comprising a plurality of circuit breakers mounted in the enclosure and operatively coupled between the first controlled switch and the second controlled switch and the at least one output.

14. The power distribution system of claim 12, further comprising a plurality of bus bars bolted to each of the first controlled switch and the second controlled switch.

15. The power distribution system of claim 12, further comprising a user interface device coupled to the controller.

16. The power distribution system of claim 15, wherein the enclosure includes a front door and wherein the user interface device is mounted in the enclosure and accessible through an opening in the front door of the enclosure.

17. The power distribution system of claim 16, wherein the enclosure includes an inner panel, accessible with the front door in an open position, having at least one opening to allow access to the first controlled switch and the second controlled switch.

18. The power distribution system of claim 17, wherein the user interface device is mounted to the inner panel.

19. The power distribution system of claim 13, wherein the controller is configured to control the first switch and the second switch to provide an electrical interlock.

20. The power distribution system of claim 12, wherein the enclosure has an input to receive a DC voltage from a generator, and wherein the controller is configured to be powered from the DC voltage.

21. The power distribution system of claim 12, further comprising a removable panel coupled to the enclosure;

wherein the first controlled switch and the second controlled switch are mounted to the panel.

22. The power distribution system of claim 21, wherein the removable panel has a handle mounted to a top section of the removable panel, and a pair of wheels mounted to a bottom section of the removable panel.

23. A system for providing control of power to a plurality of devices in a facility, the system comprising:

a facility controller;

a power distribution device having a first input to receive power from a utility power source, a second input to receive power from a backup power source and an output that provides power from at least one of the utility power source and the backup power source; and

an uninterruptible power supply coupled to the output of the power distribution device and configured to provide output power derived from one of the utility power source, the backup power source, and a battery power source;

wherein the facility controller is configured to receive operational data related to status of the utility power source, the backup power source, and the uninterruptible power supply, and to control distribution of power to the plurality of devices based on the operational data received.

24. The system of claim 23, further comprising a controllable power switch operatively coupled to the facility controller and to the output of the power distribution device, wherein the controllable power switch includes a plurality of power outlets that are controlled based on signals from the facility controller to implement power shedding based on a detection of a loss of utility power.

25. The system of claim 23, wherein at least one of the plurality of devices is an air conditioning unit, and wherein the facility controller is configured to detect a temperature in the facility and control the air conditioning unit based on the temperature detected and an operational state of the utility power and the backup power source.

26. The system of claim 23, wherein the backup power source is a generator, and wherein the power distribution device includes a controller configured to communicate status of the generator and the utility power to the facility controller.

27. The system of claim 26, wherein the controller of the power distribution device is configured to determine remaining run time of the generator and communicate data regarding the remaining run time to the facility controller.

28. The system of claim 26, wherein the power distribution device further includes:

a first switch operatively coupled to the first input and the output and operative to selectively couple the first input to the output; and

a second switch operatively coupled to the second input and the output and operative to selectively couple the second input to the output;

wherein the controller of the power distribution device is operatively coupled to the first switch and to the second switch and configured to control the first switch and the second switch to provide an electrical interlock.

29. The system of claim 28, wherein each of the first switch and the second switch has an open position and a closed position, and wherein the controller of the power distribution device is configured to control the first switch to switch from the closed position to the open position, if the second switch is switched from the open position to the closed position.

30. The system of claim 28, wherein each of the first switch and the second switch has an open position and a closed position, and wherein the controller of the power distribution device is configured to control the first switch to switch from the closed position to the open position a predetermined period of time after the second switch is switched from the open position to the closed position.

31. The system of claim 28, wherein the utility source provides voltage having a voltage waveform with a first voltage level and a first frequency, and the generator provides voltage having a voltage waveform with a second voltage level and a second frequency, wherein the second frequency is different from the first frequency, and wherein the controller is configured to change a source of output power for the power distribution device when the first voltage level is approximately equal to the second voltage level.

32. The system of claim 31, wherein the controller of the power distribution device is configured to change the source of output power for the power distribution device when both the first voltage level and the second voltage level are approximately zero.

33. A method for distributing power from a utility power source and a generator to a load, the method including:

receiving input power at a first switch from the utility power source;

providing power to the load from the first switch;

receiving input power at a second switch from the generator;

controlling the first switch and the second switch to implement an interlock scheme to limit the application of power at the load from both the utility power source and the generator.

34. The method of claim 33, further comprising controlling the first switch to switch from a closed position to an open position, if the second switch is switched from an open position to a closed position.

35. The method of claim 33, further comprising controlling the first switch to switch from a closed position to an open position a predetermined period of time after the second switch is switched from an open position to a closed position.

36. The method of claim 33, wherein the utility power source provides voltage having a voltage waveform with a first voltage level and a first frequency, and the generator provides voltage having a voltage waveform with a second voltage level and a second frequency, wherein the second frequency is different from the first frequency, and wherein the method further comprises changing a source of output power for the load when the first voltage level is approximately equal to the second voltage level.

37. The method of claim 36, further comprising changing the source of output power for the load when both the first voltage level and the second voltage level are approximately zero.

38. The method of claim 33, further comprising receiving an emergency power off signal, and switching both the first switch and the second switch to an open position upon receipt of the emergency power off signal.

39. The method of claim 33, further comprising receiving a DC voltage from a battery of the generator, and powering a controller for the first switch and the second switch from the DC voltage from the battery.

40. The method of claim 33, further comprising receiving data related to operational status of the generator and controlling the first switch and the second switch based on the data.

41. The method of claim 40, wherein the data related to operational status of the generator includes a fuel level of the generator, and wherein the method further includes determining a run time of the generator based on the fuel level.

42. The method of claim 33, further comprising receiving UPS data related to operational status of at least one uninterruptible power supply and controlling the first switch and the second switch based on the UPS data.

43. The method of claim 33, further comprising providing power to charge a battery of the generator from an output of one of the first switch and the second switch.

44. A system for distributing power from a utility power source and a generator to a load, the system including:

a first switch to receive power from the utility power source and selectively provide the received power to the load;

a second switch to receive power from the generator and selectively provide the received power to the load;

means for controlling the first switch and the second switch to implement an interlock scheme to limit the application of power at the load from both the utility power source and the generator.

45. The system of claim 44, further comprising means for controlling the first switch to switch from a closed position to an open position, if the second switch is switched from an open position to a closed position.

46. The system of claim 44, further comprising means for controlling the first switch to switch from a closed position to an open position a predetermined period of time after the second switch is switched from an open position to a closed position.

47. The system of claim 44, wherein the utility power source provides voltage having a voltage waveform with a first voltage level and a first frequency, and the generator provides voltage having a voltage waveform with a second voltage level and a second frequency, wherein the second frequency is different from the first frequency, and wherein the system further comprises means for changing a source of output power for the load when the first voltage level is approximately equal to the second voltage level.

48. The system of claim 47, further comprising means for changing the source of output power for the load when both the first voltage level and the second voltage level are approximately zero.

49. The system of claim 44, further comprising means for receiving an emergency power off signal and for switching both the first switch and the second switch to an open position upon receipt of the emergency power off signal.

50. The system of claim 44, further comprising means for receiving a DC voltage from a battery of the generator and for powering a controller for the first switch and the second switch from the DC voltage from the battery.

51. The system of claim 44, further comprising means for receiving data related to operational status of the generator and for controlling the first switch and the second switch based on the data.

52. The system of claim 51, wherein the data related to operational status of the generator includes a fuel level of the generator, and wherein the system further includes means for determining a run time of the generator based on the fuel level.

53. The system of claim 44, further comprising means for receiving UPS data related to operational status of at least one uninterruptible power supply and for controlling the first switch and the second switch based on the UPS data.

54. The system of claim 44, further comprising means for providing power to charge a battery of the generator from an output of one of the first switch and the second switch.

55. A method for providing control of power to a plurality of devices in a facility from at least one of a utility power source and a generator, wherein at least one of the plurality of devices is coupled to an uninterruptible power supply, the method comprising:

receiving operational data related to status of the utility power source, the backup power source, and the uninterruptible power supply; and

controlling distribution of power to the plurality of devices based on the operational data received.

56. The method of claim 55, further comprising controlling a controllable power switch to implement power shedding based on a detection of a loss of utility power.

57. The method of claim 55, wherein at least one of the plurality of devices is an air conditioning unit, and wherein the method further includes detecting a temperature in the facility and controlling the air conditioning unit based on the temperature detected and an operational state of the utility power and the generator.

58. The method of claim 55, further comprising determining remaining run time of the generator.

59. The method of claim 55, further comprising implementing an interlock scheme to limit the application of power at the plurality of devices from both the utility power source and the generator.

60. The method of claim 59, wherein implementing an interlock scheme includes allowing application of power at the plurality of devices from both the utility power source and the generator for a predetermined period of time.

61. The method of claim 59, wherein the utility power source provides voltage having a voltage waveform with a first voltage level and a first frequency, and the generator provides voltage having a voltage waveform with a second voltage level and a second frequency, wherein the second frequency is different from the first frequency, and wherein the method further comprises changing a source of output power for the plurality of devices when the first voltage level is approximately equal to the second voltage level.

62. The method of claim 61, further comprising changing the source of output power for the load when both the first voltage level and the second voltage level are approximately zero.

63. The method of claim 55, further comprising receiving an emergency power off signal, and switching off power from both the generator and the utility power source.

64. A power distribution system for distributing power from at least one power source to at least one load, the power distribution system comprising:

an enclosure having at least one input to receive input power and at least one output to provide output power, the enclosure having an interior section having an interior wall;

a removable panel mounted on the back wall of the enclosure, the removable panel having a top section and a bottom section with a handle coupled to the top section and a pair of wheels coupled to the bottom section; and

a plurality of electrical power distribution components mounted to the panel and coupled to the at least one input and the at least one output.

65. The power distribution system of claim 64, wherein the plurality of electrical power distribution components includes a first controlled switch configured to receive power from a first power source, a second controlled switch configured to receive power from a secondary source, and a controller coupled to the first controlled switch and the second controlled switch to provide output power from at least one of the first controlled switch and the second controlled switch.

66. The power distribution system of claim 64, wherein the handle is removably coupled to the panel and the pair of wheels is removably coupled to the panel.

67. A method of installing a power distribution system in a facility, the method comprising:

mounting an electronic enclosure to a wall in the facility;

installing power distribution cables in the enclosure, at least one of the power distribution cables being coupled to a primary source of power, and at least one of the power distribution cables being coupled to a secondary source of power; and

installing a panel having electronic components in the electronic enclosure by rolling the panel into the enclosure, wherein the panel includes a plurality of electronic components and at least one wheel.

68. The method of claim 67, wherein installing a panel includes aligning the panel with mounting hardware in the enclosure and mounting the panel, including the at least one wheel, to a back wall of the enclosure.

69. The method of claim 67, further comprising electrically coupling the power distribution cables to the panel.

70. The method of claim 67, further comprising selecting one of the primary source of power and the secondary source of power as an output power source for the power distribution system.