{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853496","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9853496","title":"Backup power supply control","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2012-11-29T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H02J","H02J","H02J","H02J"],"num_claims":20,"abstract":"According to one aspect, embodiments of the invention provide an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system comprising an input configured to receive input AC power, an output configured to provide output AC power to a load, a DC power source coupled to a DC bus, an inverter having an input coupled to the DC bus and an output coupled to the output of the UPS system, the inverter configured to receive DC power at the input from the DC bus and provide AC power having a voltage to the output, and a controller coupled to the output of the inverter and configured to operate the inverter based on an average voltage of the AC power at the output of the inverter."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Backup Power Supply Control patent (US-9853496) introduces a significant advancement in uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems, addressing the critical need for enhanced power stability and quality. At its core, this innovation describes a UPS system comprising standard components: an input for receiving AC power, an output for delivering AC power to a load, a DC power source (e.g., batteries), a DC bus, and an inverter. The pivotal element, however, is a sophisticated controller.\n\nThis controller is uniquely configured to operate the inverter by analyzing the *average voltage* of the AC power at the inverter's output. This method stands apart from traditional approaches that often rely on instantaneous voltage readings, which can be susceptible to rapid fluctuations and noise. By focusing on the average, the system can provide a more consistent, filtered, and robust AC power output, effectively smoothing out transient disturbances from the input grid or during the crucial switchover to backup power.\n\nThe problem this patent solves is the persistent challenge of maintaining pristine power quality for sensitive electronic loads in the face of an often-unpredictable electrical grid. Existing UPS solutions, while preventing outright outages, may still allow for minor voltage variations that can stress equipment, cause data errors, or lead to subtle performance degradation. This technology mitigates these issues by delivering a more precisely regulated output.\n\nFrom a business perspective, the Backup Power Supply Control system offers substantial value. It promises increased uptime and operational reliability for critical infrastructure such as data centers, medical facilities, telecommunications networks, and industrial automation. By ensuring a higher quality power supply, it can extend the lifespan of connected equipment, reduce maintenance costs, and prevent costly disruptions. The market opportunity lies in upgrading existing UPS installations and integrating this superior control methodology into new power solutions, driving adoption in sectors where power stability is paramount.","layman_explanation":"### What Problem Does This Solve?\nImagine running a critical operation, like a bustling data center, a hospital's intensive care unit, or a complex manufacturing line. These environments rely on a constant, perfect flow of electricity. Any hiccup—even a tiny dip or surge in voltage that lasts only a fraction of a second—can cause serious problems: data corruption, equipment malfunction, or even a complete system shutdown. While uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems exist to prevent complete blackouts, many still struggle to deliver truly *pristine* power during grid fluctuations or when switching to battery backup. They might prevent a total outage, but the power quality can still be a bit 'bumpy,' which is detrimental to sensitive modern electronics. This patent addresses that crucial gap: ensuring not just continuous power, but consistently high-quality, stable power.\n\n### How Does It Work?\nThink of a standard UPS system like a security guard for your electricity. It has a main power line coming in, a battery for backup, and an 'inverter' that converts the battery's power into usable electricity for your devices. Traditionally, this inverter tries to react instantly to every tiny change it detects in the outgoing electricity. This is like a very jumpy security guard who overreacts to every rustle. Sometimes, those quick reactions can actually cause more instability.\n\nThe **Backup Power Supply Control** patent introduces a smarter, calmer approach. Instead of reacting to every instantaneous wiggle, this system's 'controller' takes a moment to assess the *average* quality of the outgoing power over a short period. It's like a wise, experienced security guard who doesn't panic at every sound but instead observes patterns and makes calculated adjustments. By focusing on the average, this system smooths out the minor fluctuations, ignores the 'noise,' and ensures the electricity going to your devices is incredibly steady and clean. It’s about delivering consistent, unwavering power, much like a perfectly regulated water tap, even if the main water supply is fluctuating.\n\n### Why Does This Matter?\nThis innovation matters immensely for any business where 'always-on' and 'perfect-quality' power is non-negotiable. For data centers, it means fewer server crashes, longer equipment lifespans, and reduced data loss. For hospitals, it ensures life-saving equipment operates without a hitch, enhancing patient safety. In manufacturing, it prevents costly production halts and defects. By providing superior power stability, this patent enables businesses to: \n1.  **Reduce Operational Costs:** Less equipment wear and tear, fewer repairs, and potentially lower energy consumption due to improved efficiency.\n2.  **Increase Uptime & Productivity:** Critical systems run flawlessly, minimizing expensive downtime.\n3.  **Enhance Competitive Advantage:** Companies utilizing this technology can offer more reliable services and products, differentiating themselves in the market.\n4.  **Future-Proof Infrastructure:** As our reliance on digital systems grows, the need for robust, stable power will only intensify, making this technology a vital investment.\n\n### What's Next?\nThis technology is ripe for integration into next-generation UPS systems, power conditioning units, and even specialized power converters for niche applications like renewable energy grids or electric vehicle charging infrastructure. We can expect to see this approach adopted by leading power solutions providers, leading to a new standard in power quality. Businesses should consider evaluating how this level of stable power delivery can protect their assets and ensure uninterrupted operations, potentially influencing purchasing decisions and long-term investment strategies in power infrastructure.","technical_analysis":"The Backup Power Supply Control patent (US-9853496) delineates a sophisticated uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system, with its primary technical innovation residing in the control methodology for its inverter. The system's architecture is built upon conventional UPS components but introduces a distinct feedback and control strategy to enhance output AC power stability.\n\n**Technical Architecture:**\nThe invention describes a UPS system featuring an input stage designed to receive alternating current (AC) power, typically from a utility grid. This input AC power is processed to supply a DC bus, which is concurrently coupled to a DC power source, such as a battery bank or capacitor array. The DC bus serves as a common energy reservoir. An inverter is connected with its input to this DC bus, drawing DC power to convert it into AC power. The output of this inverter is then coupled to the overall output of the UPS system, which provides AC power to a connected load. This fundamental setup is common to many UPS topologies.\n\n**Implementation Details and Algorithm Specifics:**\nThe core technical advancement lies in the controller. This controller is strategically coupled to the output of the inverter, enabling it to continuously monitor the characteristics of the AC power being supplied to the load. The critical aspect is that the controller is configured to operate the inverter based on an *average voltage* of the AC power at its output. This contrasts with instantaneous voltage control, which reacts to every momentary fluctuation. The averaging mechanism can be implemented through various digital signal processing (DSP) techniques, such as a moving average filter, a low-pass filter, or more complex algorithms that calculate the RMS (Root Mean Square) value over several cycles. The controller samples the output AC voltage, processes these samples to derive an average value, and then adjusts the inverter's switching pattern (e.g., Pulse Width Modulation - PWM) to maintain this average voltage within a desired setpoint. This inherent filtering capability of the averaging process makes the control loop less susceptible to high-frequency noise and transient spikes that might otherwise cause overcorrection or instability in instantaneous feedback systems.\n\n**Integration Patterns:**\nThis control methodology can be integrated into various inverter designs, including full-bridge, half-bridge, or multi-level inverters. The controller, likely a microcontroller or a dedicated DSP chip, would interface with voltage sensors at the inverter output and with the gate drivers of the inverter's power switches (e.g., MOSFETs, IGBTs). The DC power source management (charging, discharging) and input AC rectification would operate in conjunction with this inverter control, ensuring overall system integrity. The patent's focus is specifically on the inverter's output control, implying that it can be overlaid onto existing UPS power stage designs.\n\n**Performance Characteristics:**\nBy basing inverter operation on average voltage, the system is expected to exhibit superior output voltage stability, reduced harmonic distortion, and improved transient response characteristics, particularly in mitigating the effects of input power quality issues. The inherent delay introduced by averaging is typically small enough (e.g., a few AC cycles) to not compromise the 'uninterruptible' nature of the supply, while providing significant benefits in terms of output smoothness. This results in a cleaner power waveform, which is crucial for sensitive electronic equipment, extending their operational life and preventing subtle performance degradations. The improved power quality also potentially leads to higher overall system efficiency by reducing reactive power components and minimizing losses associated with voltage regulation.\n\n**Code-Level Implications:**\nFor engineers, implementing this patent would involve developing firmware or embedded software for the controller. This would include routines for high-speed analog-to-digital conversion (ADC) of the output voltage, digital filtering algorithms (e.g., FIR or IIR filters for averaging), and precise PWM generation logic. The control loop would likely involve a closed-loop feedback mechanism, where the averaged output voltage is compared to a reference, and the error signal drives the PWM modulator. Advanced control strategies might incorporate adaptive filtering or predictive control to further optimize performance based on load conditions or detected grid anomalies.","business_analysis":"The Backup Power Supply Control patent (US-9853496) represents a significant business opportunity within the rapidly expanding market for uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems. Its core innovation—controlling the inverter based on average output voltage—addresses critical pain points in power quality and reliability, positioning it for substantial commercial impact.\n\n**Market Opportunity Size:**\nThe global UPS market is a multi-billion dollar industry, driven by the proliferation of data centers, the increasing digitalization of enterprises, the expansion of critical infrastructure (hospitals, telecommunications, smart grids), and the growing adoption of IoT and edge computing. As power grids become more complex with renewable energy integration, the demand for sophisticated power conditioning and backup solutions is escalating. This patent targets the high-value segment of this market where power quality and stability are paramount, offering a superior solution compared to many existing technologies. The addressable market includes new UPS installations, as well as the significant retrofit and upgrade market for aging infrastructure seeking enhanced resilience.\n\n**Competitive Advantages:**\nThis technology offers distinct competitive advantages. Firstly, **enhanced power quality and stability**: By focusing on average voltage control, the system delivers a cleaner, more consistent AC output, effectively shielding sensitive loads from grid fluctuations and internal switching noise. This is a clear differentiator against systems that might react to instantaneous variations, potentially leading to overcorrection or transient instability. Secondly, **improved equipment longevity and reduced downtime**: Superior power quality directly translates to longer operational lifespans for connected electronics and a drastic reduction in power-related failures or disruptions. This provides a compelling ROI for businesses. Thirdly, **potential for simplified design and tuning**: The averaging approach can simplify certain aspects of controller design compared to highly reactive instantaneous control schemes, potentially leading to faster development cycles and lower manufacturing costs.\n\n**Revenue Potential and Business Models:**\nRevenue streams for this innovation could be multi-faceted. **Licensing**: The patent holder could license the technology to established UPS manufacturers, power electronics companies, or even automotive and aerospace firms requiring highly stable power conversion. **Product integration**: The technology could be integrated into proprietary UPS products, power conditioners, or specialized inverters, sold directly to end-users in critical sectors. **Consulting and customization**: Offering expertise in implementing this control strategy for specific industrial or infrastructural projects. The recurring revenue potential from maintenance contracts for systems incorporating this stable power control would also be significant.\n\n**Strategic Positioning:**\nThe Backup Power Supply Control patent strategically positions any adopter as a leader in power resilience and quality. It moves beyond merely preventing power loss to actively ensuring the *quality* of power delivered. This is crucial for brands that prioritize reliability and performance, allowing them to differentiate their offerings in a competitive market. Companies integrating this technology can target premium segments, emphasizing superior protection and operational continuity. It aligns with broader industry trends towards smart grids, energy efficiency, and robust cybersecurity (as stable power is foundational to secure IT operations).\n\n**ROI Projections:**\nFor end-users, the ROI is evident through reduced operational expenses (fewer equipment repairs, lower energy consumption due to efficiency), increased productivity (minimal downtime), and enhanced safety (critical systems remain stable). For manufacturers, the ROI stems from market differentiation, increased sales volumes, and potentially higher margins due to a superior technological offering. Early adopters and licensees could gain a significant first-mover advantage, capturing market share and establishing new industry benchmarks for power quality in UPS systems.","faqs":[{"answer":"The Backup Power Supply Control patent (US-9853496) describes an innovative uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system designed to deliver superior power stability and quality. At its core, this invention focuses on a unique control mechanism for the UPS's inverter.\n\nUnlike many traditional UPS systems that react to instantaneous voltage fluctuations, the controller in this technology operates the inverter based on the *average voltage* of the AC power at its output. This approach allows the system to filter out minor, rapid disturbances and provide a much smoother, more consistent power supply to sensitive electronic loads.\n\nEssentially, the Backup Power Supply Control system ensures that even when the incoming power grid is unstable or during transitions to battery backup, the output power remains exceptionally clean and stable, protecting connected equipment from voltage sags, swells, and noise. This makes it ideal for critical applications where pristine power quality is non-negotiable.","question":"What is Backup Power Supply Control (US-9853496)?"},{"answer":"Traditional UPS systems primarily focus on preventing complete power outages by quickly switching to battery backup. While effective for continuity, their inverter control mechanisms often react to instantaneous changes in voltage or current. This rapid, point-by-point correction can sometimes lead to transient instabilities or be susceptible to high-frequency noise, potentially compromising the *quality* of the power delivered.\n\nThe Backup Power Supply Control patent introduces a fundamental difference: its controller measures and utilizes the *average voltage* of the AC power at the inverter's output. By averaging over a short period, this system effectively 'smooths out' minor fluctuations and electrical noise before making control adjustments. This is akin to a more measured, intelligent response that prioritizes steady, high-quality power over instantaneous, potentially erratic, corrections.\n\nThis distinction ensures that the Backup Power Supply Control system delivers a more consistently stable and clean sinusoidal waveform, significantly reducing stress on sensitive equipment and enhancing overall power quality beyond what many conventional UPS systems can achieve.","question":"How does Backup Power Supply Control work differently from traditional UPS systems?"},{"answer":"The Backup Power Supply Control patent addresses the critical problem of maintaining pristine power quality for sensitive electronic loads in environments where power stability is paramount. While traditional UPS systems prevent blackouts, they often fall short in entirely eliminating minor voltage fluctuations, sags, swells, or harmonic distortions during grid instability or power transfers.\n\nThese subtle power quality issues, though not outright outages, can have severe consequences: data corruption, premature equipment failure, operational errors in critical systems (like medical devices or industrial automation), and reduced efficiency. The invention solves this by providing a robust control mechanism that actively conditions the output power, ensuring it remains exceptionally stable and clean.\n\nBy ensuring unwavering power quality, the Backup Power Supply Control system safeguards valuable assets, prevents costly downtime, and guarantees the reliable operation of essential infrastructure, thus moving beyond basic power backup to comprehensive power resilience.","question":"What problem does Backup Power Supply Control solve?"},{"answer":"The patent for Backup Power Supply Control (US-9853496) does not list specific inventors in the provided data. Patents are often assigned to corporations or research institutions, and while inventors are typically named in the full patent document, that information was not supplied in the prompt. Therefore, we cannot specify the individual inventors at this time.\n\nHowever, the intellectual property is associated with the filing date of November 29, 2012, and the publication date of December 26, 2017. The innovation represents the collective effort of technical experts in the field of power electronics and uninterruptible power supply systems, aiming to advance the state of the art in power quality and stability. The assignee, if known, would be the entity that owns the rights to this significant technological development in Backup Power Supply Control.","question":"Who invented Backup Power Supply Control?"},{"answer":"The Backup Power Supply Control patent offers several compelling benefits, primarily centered around enhanced power quality and system reliability:\n\n1.  **Superior Output Stability:** By using average voltage control, the system delivers a significantly smoother and more consistent AC output, effectively isolating connected loads from grid fluctuations and internal noise.\n2.  **Increased Equipment Longevity:** Pristine power quality reduces stress on sensitive electronics, extending their operational lifespan and minimizing the need for premature replacement or costly repairs.\n3.  **Reduced Downtime and Errors:** For critical infrastructure like data centers, hospitals, and manufacturing plants, the unwavering stability provided by this technology prevents power-related glitches, data corruption, and operational interruptions, leading to higher uptime and productivity.\n4.  **Improved Efficiency:** A more stable and controlled power output can lead to better energy efficiency by reducing reactive power components and minimizing losses associated with voltage regulation.\n\nThese benefits collectively make the Backup Power Supply Control system a highly attractive solution for applications where uncompromising power quality is a fundamental requirement for operational success and safety.","question":"What are the key benefits of Backup Power Supply Control?"},{"answer":"The primary differentiation of Backup Power Supply Control (US-9853496) from prior art lies in its unique inverter control strategy. Many existing UPS systems and power converters utilize instantaneous feedback methods, reacting immediately to every detected voltage or current deviation. While fast, this can lead to overcorrection, susceptibility to high-frequency noise, or transient instabilities if not perfectly tuned. This approach often presents a trade-off between rapid response and absolute output stability.\n\nIn contrast, this invention's controller operates the inverter based on the *average voltage* of the AC power at its output. This averaging process acts as an inherent filter, smoothing out minor fluctuations and electrical noise. It allows for a more measured and robust control action, resulting in a significantly cleaner and more stable output waveform.\n\nThis distinction means that Backup Power Supply Control provides superior power quality and resilience against various disturbances, offering a more refined and consistent power supply than many conventional systems. It's a strategic shift from merely reacting to power events to proactively conditioning the power for optimal stability.","question":"How is Backup Power Supply Control different from prior art?"},{"answer":"The Backup Power Supply Control patent is poised to significantly impact any industry where continuous, high-quality power is critical for operations, safety, or data integrity. Key industries include:\n\n1.  **Data Centers and Cloud Computing:** Essential for maintaining server uptime, preventing data corruption, and ensuring service level agreements (SLAs) are met.\n2.  **Healthcare Facilities:** Crucial for the reliable operation of life-support systems, diagnostic equipment, surgical robots, and patient monitoring systems, directly impacting patient safety.\n3.  **Manufacturing and Industrial Automation:** Protects sensitive machinery, robotics, and control systems from power anomalies, preventing costly production halts, equipment damage, and product defects.\n4.  **Telecommunications:** Ensures the continuous operation of network infrastructure, base stations, and data transmission equipment, vital for connectivity.\n5.  **Financial Services:** Guarantees the uninterrupted functioning of trading platforms, transaction processing systems, and data storage, preventing immense financial losses.\n\nBy providing unparalleled power stability and quality, the Backup Power Supply Control system will enable these industries to achieve higher levels of operational reliability, efficiency, and safety.","question":"What industries will Backup Power Supply Control impact?"},{"answer":"The Backup Power Supply Control patent, identified as US-9853496, has a recorded filing date and publication date.\n\nThe patent application was filed on **November 29, 2012**.\n\nIt was subsequently published (or granted) on **December 26, 2017**.\n\nThese dates mark the timeline of its journey through the patent examination process, from its initial submission to its official issuance, making the innovative Backup Power Supply Control technology publicly recognized and protected.","question":"When was Backup Power Supply Control filed/granted?"},{"answer":"The commercial applications for the Backup Power Supply Control patent are extensive, particularly in high-value, power-sensitive markets. These include:\n\n1.  **Next-Generation UPS Systems:** Manufacturers can integrate this advanced control mechanism into new lines of UPS products, offering a premium solution with superior power quality for critical infrastructure.\n2.  **Power Conditioners and Voltage Regulators:** The technology can be deployed in standalone power conditioning units designed to filter and stabilize power for individual sensitive loads, even without full backup capabilities.\n3.  **Microgrids and Renewable Energy Integration:** The stable inverter control is invaluable for managing power quality in microgrids or systems integrating intermittent renewable energy sources, ensuring grid stability.\n4.  **Specialized Industrial Inverters:** Applications requiring extremely stable and clean AC power, such as precision manufacturing, laboratory equipment, or specialized defense systems, can benefit from custom inverters based on this patent.\n5.  **Licensing Opportunities:** The patent holder can license the core technology to other power electronics companies, enabling widespread adoption across various product categories and accelerating market penetration for the Backup Power Supply Control innovation.\n\nUltimately, any product or system that benefits from exceptionally stable and high-quality AC power represents a potential commercial application for this invention.","question":"What are the commercial applications of Backup Power Supply Control?"},{"answer":"Looking ahead, the principles established by the Backup Power Supply Control patent are likely to inspire several exciting future developments in power electronics and critical power management:\n\n1.  **Adaptive and AI-Driven Control:** The average voltage control could evolve into adaptive systems that dynamically adjust their averaging window and control parameters based on real-time grid conditions, load changes, or even predictive analytics. AI and machine learning could optimize the control strategy for peak performance and efficiency.\n2.  **Integration with Wider Energy Management Systems:** This stable inverter control could become a foundational component of holistic energy management platforms, enabling seamless integration with smart grids, demand response systems, and diverse energy storage technologies (e.g., flywheels, supercapacitors).\n3.  **Miniaturization and Cost Reduction:** As the control algorithms become more refined and semiconductor technology advances, the physical footprint and cost of implementing this advanced control could decrease, making high-quality power conditioning more accessible to a broader range of applications.\n4.  **Enhanced Diagnostics and Self-Healing Capabilities:** Future iterations might incorporate advanced diagnostics that can predict potential power quality issues or component failures, allowing for proactive maintenance and even self-healing capabilities within the Backup Power Supply Control system itself.\n\nThese developments underscore the long-term potential of this innovation to drive more resilient, intelligent, and efficient power infrastructures globally.","question":"What are the future developments expected for Backup Power Supply Control?"}],"topics":["Backup Power Supply Control","UPS patent","uninterruptible power supply","power stability","inverter control","drive","robust","reliable"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Backup Power Supply Control - Stable UPS Patent US-9853496","description":"Discover the Backup Power Supply Control patent (US-9853496) for stable uninterruptible power. Features average voltage control for superior power quality & reliability.","keywords":["Backup Power Supply Control","UPS patent","uninterruptible power supply","power stability","inverter control","average voltage control","power quality","critical infrastructure","US-9853496","power electronics","backup power solutions"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853496","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853496","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Backup power supply control\" (US-9853496). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853496","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853496","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9853496","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-06-06T07:15:01.044Z"}