Joseph A Wade

US Patent:

6396170, May 28, 2002

Filed:

Mar 29, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/537421

Inventors:

Derek Laufenberg - Wauwatosa WI
Peter Jungwirth - Wisconsin Rapids WI
Joseph R. Wade - Mindoro WI

Assignee:

Powerware Corporation - Raleigh NC

International Classification:

H02J 104

US Classification:

307 64, 307 43, 307 52, 307 82, 363 71, 363142, 363 65

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.