Line-interactive Uninterruptible Power Supply System Eliminating the Inrush Current Phenomenon

Abstract

Numerous critical load applications rely upon a line-interactive uninterruptible power supply system to maintain power during outages as well as during under- and over-voltage utility conditions. When any disturbance occurs at the utility side, the line-interactive uninterruptible power supply system takes over the load within a few milliseconds to avoid interruption. However, during this transition of load, a significant inrush current occurs due to the magnetic saturation of the load transformer. The inrush current phenomenon causes reduced line voltages and sometimes activates the over-current protection of the uninterruptible power supply system. This article proposes a new line-interactive uninterruptible power supply system that eliminates the inrush current phenomenon by connecting a standard current-regulated voltage source inverter to the secondary of the load transformer. During any transient condition at the utility side, the load current is monitored and regulated to achieve a seamless compensation or transition of load. Experimental results are obtained for a prototype during a number of possible irregular utility power conditions to endorse the performance of the proposed uninterruptible power supply system.