Patents Assigned to Powerware Corporation
  • Patent number: 7132833
    Abstract: An electrical cabinet for an uninterruptibe power supply (UPS) system includes universal slots that can receive power modules, battery packs, or chargers. The back plane of the slot has connector terminals for battery packs and power modules. The cabinet can be easily reconfigured as desired by changing the number of power modules chargers or battery packs installed. Circuitry is provided that indicates the capacity and operational readiness of the cabinet. This circuitry monitors the battery packs in each slot, and isolates any detected fault to a particular pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Powerware Corporation
    Inventors: David Layden, Craig Edevold, Cary Winch, Donald Zahrte, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7129822
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) configured to be connected to a power distribution network. A communications circuit is also provided. The communications circuit is operatively associated with the UPS and operative to generate a power line carrier status signal on the power distribution network. The power line carrier status signal is indicative of a status of power delivered to the power distribution network by the UPS. Related methods of operating such apparatus are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Powerware Corporation
    Inventors: Darrick Finan, Jim Thompson, Greg Mears
  • Patent number: 6906933
    Abstract: A power supply apparatus, such as an uninterruptible power supply, includes an AC input configured to be coupled to an AC power source and an AC output. The apparatus also includes an AC/DC converter circuit, e.g., a boost rectifier circuit, with an input coupled to the AC input. The apparatus further includes a DC/AC converter circuit, e.g., an inverter circuit, configured to be coupled between an output of the AC/DC converter circuit and the AC output. A bypass circuit is operative to establish a coupling between the AC input to the AC output in a first (e.g., bypassed) state and to interrupt the coupling in a second (e.g., “on line”) state. The AC/DC converter circuit is operative to control current at the AC input when the bypass circuit is in the first state. For example, the AC/DC converter circuit may be operative to control current at the AC input to correct a power factor at the AC input port when bypassed, such that the AC/DC converter circuit may act as a line conditioner in the bypassed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Powerware Corporation
    Inventor: Pasi S. Taimela
  • Patent number: 6856524
    Abstract: An uninterrupted power supply (UPS) device with uninterrupted neutral from input to output utilizes the same converter for converting rectified AC power and battery power to positive and negative high voltage (HV) rails. A simple circuit is utilized for connecting the battery to the conversion components of the PFC circuit without adverse affect on the performance of the PFC circuit, and while holding the battery substantially connected to neutral. In a first embodiment, the circuit comprises a simple combination of four diodes and a pair of high pass capacitors arranged so that in both power line and battery supply modes the battery is balanced around neutral. In a second, preferred embodiment, one terminal of the battery is connected directly to neutral.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Powerware Corporation
    Inventors: William J. Raddi, Joseph C. Paulakonis, Robert W. Johnson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6819576
    Abstract: A power conversion apparatus, such as an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), includes an input port, an output port, and first and second busses. An output circuit, for example, a half-leg inverter, is coupled to the first and second busses and to the output port and operative to transfer power therebetween. An auxiliary DC voltage generator circuit, for example, a battery converter circuit, is operative to generate DC voltages on the first and second busses. A multifunction rectifier circuit is coupled to the input port and to the first and second busses, the multifunction rectifier circuit operative to generate DC voltages on the first and second busses from an AC power source at the input port when the apparatus is operating in a first mode (e.g., an AC powered operational mode). The multifunction rectifier circuit is operative to control relative magnitudes of the DC voltages generated by the auxiliary DC voltage generator circuit when the apparatus is operating in a second mode (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Powerware Corporation
    Inventor: Robert W. Johnson, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20040168818
    Abstract: An electrical cabinet for an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system includes universal slots that can receive power modules, battery packs, or chargers. The back plane of the slot has connector terminals for battery packs and power modules. The cabinet can be easily reconfigured as desired by changing the number of power modules chargers or battery packs installed. Circuitry is provided that indicates the capacity and operational readiness of the cabinet. This circuitry monitors the battery packs in each slot, and isolates any detected fault to a particular battery pack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2004
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Applicant: Powerware Corporation
    Inventors: David Layden, Craig Edevold, Cary Winch, Donald Zahrte
  • Patent number: 6753622
    Abstract: An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system includes an AC input port, a DC input port, and an output port configured to be connected to an AC load. A rectifier circuit is coupled to the AC input port, and a power transfer control circuit is coupled to the rectifier circuit output, the DC input port and the output port. The power transfer control circuit produces a DC voltage at the AC load from a rectified voltage produced by the rectifier circuit in a first mode of operation and from a DC voltage at the DC input port in a second mode of operation. A current control circuit, e.g., a boost regulator, may control a current from at least one of the rectifier circuit and the DC input port responsive to a control input. A DC/DC converter circuit may be coupled between the DC input port and the output port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Powerware Corporation
    Inventor: George W. Oughton, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6724596
    Abstract: Presented is a control system and method for minimizing the adverse affects resulting from conventional hysteretic current control of power inverters, and an uninterruptible power supply using same. The system of the present invention uses control circuitry for monitoring and classifying the PWM switching events commanded by conventional hysteretic current control and adjusting the dead time delay injected based on these PWM events. Preferably, the control circuitry uses a minimum delay dead time component to preclude the possibility of a shoot through condition from occurring, and also includes a frequency control component of the total dead time delay. In one embodiment this frequency control component may vary in proportion to the switching frequency commanded by the hysteretic current control loop. In an alternate embodiment, the PWM switching events are classified into differing modes of operation, during which a particular fixed frequency control dead time delay is selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Powerware Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph R. Wade
  • Patent number: 6661678
    Abstract: An uninterrupted power supply (UPS) device with uninterrupted neutral from input to output utilizes the same converter for converting rectified AC power and battery power to positive and negative high voltage (HV) rails. A simple circuit is utilized for connecting the battery to the conversion components of the PFC circuit without adverse affect on the performance of the PFC circuit, and while holding the battery substantially connected to neutral. In a first embodiment, the circuit comprises a simple combination of four diodes and a pair of high pass capacitors arranged so that in both power line and battery supply modes the battery is balanced around neutral. In a second, preferred embodiment, one terminal of the battery is connected directly to neutral.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Powerware Corporation
    Inventors: William J. Raddi, Joseph C. Paulakonis, Robert W. Johnson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6629247
    Abstract: Modules included in a UPS system can communicate over a Controller Area Network using messages having separate fields within an arbitration field. In particular, the separate fields can be separate priority fields, separate module identifier fields, and separate source and destination routing fields. The separate priority field can allow identical message types having different priority to be transmitted within the UPS system. For example, in a UPS system according to the invention, a rectifier off command can have greater priority than a rectifier reset command. The separate module identifier fields can uniquely identify the location of a module in the UPS system which transmitted the message. For example, the module identifier can be provided by customized wiring in a wiring harness connected to a respective communications interface circuit. The separate destination routing fields can be used to transmit messages to and from bridges in the UPS system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Powerware Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Hall, Frederick E. Tassitino, Jr., Miguel E. Chavez
  • Patent number: 6605879
    Abstract: A charging control circuit for severe battery conditions and an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system including same are presented. The charging control circuit utilizes both hardware and microprocessor control to allow the UPS to start with depleted or no batteries installed. Initially, the hardware control loops regulate DC bus voltage generation to charge the batteries to a safe level to allow the UPS housekeeping circuitry to wake up and assume control of the UPS operation. Once the microprocessor has awoken, it assumes control of the DC bus and charging of the batteries. If no batteries are installed, the hardware control loop utilizes a fast responding voltage mode control to regulate the DC bus, while a microprocessor-based current mode control is used when batteries are installed. Hardware over voltage control and microprocessor shut off control is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Powerware Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph R. Wade, Glenn A. Koosmann, Donald K. Zahrte, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6599657
    Abstract: A battery pack includes a housing having first and second shell portions. The first shell portion includes a first base wall and a plurality of upstanding first side walls extending from the first base wall. The first base wall and the first side walls define a first cavity. The second shell portion is foldably connected to the first shell portion. The second shell portion includes a second base wall and a plurality of upstanding second side walls extending from the second base wall. The second base wall and the second side walls define a second cavity. The first shell portion and the second shell portion are formed of a polymeric material. At least one battery is disposed in the first and second cavities. At least one wire is operatively connected to the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Powerware Corporation
    Inventors: Woodrow Pollett, Paul Bruce, William Bajis
  • Patent number: 6549440
    Abstract: An AC power supply, e.g., an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), includes an output, a reference signal generator circuit operative to generate a reference signal representative of a desired voltage waveform at a node connected to the output, a power determiner circuit operative to generate an estimate of instantaneous reactive power transferred between the output and the node, and a reference signal compensator circuit responsive to the reference signal generator circuit and to the power determiner circuit and operative to generated a compensated reference signal from the reference signal responsive to the estimate of instantaneous reactive power. An AC voltage generator circuit is responsive to the reference signal compensator and operative to transfer current between the output and the node responsive to the compensated reference signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Powerware Corporation
    Inventors: Frederick Tassitino, Jr., Pasi Taimela
  • Patent number: 6535100
    Abstract: Winding assemblies for use in transformers include one or more foil strips and insulation covers arranged to provide electrically insulated winding and breakout portions. The winding assemblies may be constructed so as to meet creepage distance and other requirements in a margin free coil design transformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Powerware Corporation
    Inventor: Börje Anders Forss
  • Patent number: 6515883
    Abstract: Presented is a single-stage power converter topology allowing for power factor correction during operation. The topology utilizes an integration of Ćuk converter and single-ended primary inductance converter (SEPIC) topologies to provide AC-to-AC, AC-to-DC, DC-to-AC, and AC/DC-to-AC operation. Shared use of the Ćuk converter's output inductor by the SEPIC-type circuit elements provides continuous output current, typically unknown to a SEPIC converter. Application of the single-stage power converter topologies may be had in a line conditioner circuit, a battery charger circuit, and as an uninterruptible power supply (UPS).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Powerware Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph R. Wade
  • Publication number: 20020181262
    Abstract: Presented is a single-stage power converter topology allowing for power factor correction during operation. The topology utilizes an integration of Ćuk converter and single-ended primary inductance converter (SEPIC) topologies to provide AC-to-AC, AC-to-DC, DC-to-AC, and AC/DC-to-AC operation. Shared use of the Ćuk converter's output inductor by the SEPIC-type circuit elements provides continuous output current, typically unknown to a SEPIC converter. Application of the single-stage power converter topologies may be had in a line conditioner circuit, a battery charger circuit, and as an uninterruptible power supply (UPS).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Applicant: Powerware Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph R. Wade
  • Patent number: 6486399
    Abstract: A pole mount cabinet for housing and supporting an article on a pole includes a housing having a rear wall and defining a chamber. The housing defines a rear opening in the rear wall. A mounting and support framework is adapted to be secured to the pole and includes at least one support member extending horizontally. The support member extends through the rear opening and into the chamber. The article can be positioned in the chamber such that it is supported by the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Powerware Corporation
    Inventors: John Armstrong, Dan Cronin, Brian Lance
  • Patent number: 6483730
    Abstract: A power converter suitable for use in an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) includes first and second voltage busses, an input port having a first terminal coupled to one of the first and second voltage busses, a neutral bus and an output terminal. A first switching circuit selectively couples a second terminal of the input port to the first and second voltage busses. A second switching circuit selectively couples the first and second voltage busses to the output terminal. A third switching circuit selectively couples the first and second voltage busses to the neutral bus. Preferably, the first, second and third switching circuits are operative to produce an AC output voltage at the output terminal from a DC input voltage at the input port such that alternating ones of the first and second terminals of the first input port are referenced to the neutral bus for successive first and second half cycles of the AC output voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Powerware Corporation
    Inventor: Robert W. Johnson, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20020153779
    Abstract: A charging control circuit for severe battery conditions and an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system including same are presented. The charging control circuit utilizes both hardware and microprocessor control to allow the UPS to start with depleted or no batteries installed. Initially, the hardware control loops regulate DC bus voltage generation to charge the batteries to a safe level to allow the UPS housekeeping circuitry to wake up and assume control of the UPS operation. Once the microprocessor has awoken, it assumes control of the DC bus and charging of the batteries. If no batteries are installed, the hardware control loop utilizes a fast responding voltage mode control to regulate the DC bus, while a microprocessor-based current mode control is used when batteries are installed. Hardware over voltage control and microprocessor shut off control is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Applicant: Powerware Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph R. Wade, Glenn A. Koosmann, Donald K. Zahrte
  • Patent number: 6462961
    Abstract: Presented is a component housing assembly having universal mounting capability provided by a universal mounting bracket and a housing having a plurality of mounting holes to accommodate the attachment of the bracket in multiple configurations. Specifically, the component housing is sized to fit within a standard 19-inch rack-mount cabinet. The universal mounting bracket includes a first and a second portion in a perpendicular relationship, each having a length suitable for mounting the housing in multiple mounting configurations. In a 19-inch mounting configuration, the longer of the first and second portions of the mounting bracket is secured to the sides of the housing, allowing the shorter portion to meet with the mounting rails on the rack-mount cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Powerware Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew B. Johnson, George R. Davis, Glenn A. Priest