View source for Universal Power Supply

{{OrigLang}}

{{GVCS Header}}

[[Image:UPS.png|400px|thumb|Universal Power Supply]]
{{Category=Power quality}}

=Overview=
A Universal Power Supply forms the backbone of an [[off-grid]] electrical system.

{{Video}}

=Definition/Concept=
This is a combination inverter, converter, pulse-width modulation current controller, and high frequency power supply for applications from off-grid power, charge controllers, to power supplies for [[welders]], [[induction furnaces]], and [[plasma cutters]].

A large range of power electronic devices is desirable within the infrastructure of communities. Having an individual power supply for each is redundant and expensive.  A modular UPS construction kit is desirable as an analogue to the 'industrial-strength Lego' that we have already demonstrated for heavy mechanical hardware infrastructures.

===Rectifiers===
[[Image:FET_Diode_Comparison_Chart.JPG|400px|thumb|Rectifyer power dissipation as a function of current]]
Rectification is the conversion of AC to DC. A universal power supply would require one or two rectifying stages: one at the AC input to provide DC for the voltage converter, and another if the voltage converter is a proper Active PFC converter, which produces PWM shaped output. 

Rectifiers can be either passive schottky diode bridges, or active (IC-controlled) MOSFET H-bridges. Passive ones are cheaper, and ultimately more efficient for very high currents, while active ones are superior for low-medium-and-maybe-high currents yet more expensive. This design choice affects price, producability and simplicity. 

In either case a rectifier stage requires power packaged components and a heat sink. The size of the heat sink is a function of the current, which is higher at low voltages for a given output power. Questions for the specification is how much power the device should be able to deliver from a 12V source (first rectifier in the case of voltage up-conversion) and to a load at 12V DC output (second rectifier if present).

===Voltage Converters===


===Inverters===
An [[inverter]] is an electrical device that converts DC voltage from batteries to AC voltage for off-shelf electrical tools and appliances.

Off-the-shelf inverters have about a 2 year lifetime, and 5-10 year lifetime for higher quality models. Lifetime design inverters with plug-in replacement components are required for sustainable communities which use battery storage as a component of their electricity infrastructure. One of the few other feasible, non-battery, non-fuel energy storage may be via heat storage coupled to thermoelectric generators, or possibly thermal storage via phase-change salts and heat engines.


=Product Ecology=
[[Image:Electricalpowereco.png|thumb|600px|[[Product Ecology]]]]

{{Product Ecology

|Product={{UPS}}

|From=
*{{Circuit Mill}}
*{{3D Printer}}
*{{Wire Mill}}

|Uses=
*{{Battery}}
*{{Power Cube}}

|Creates=
*[[Electricity]]

|Enables=
*{{Electric Motor}}
*{{Welders}}
*{{Induction Furnace}}
*{{Plasma Cutter}}
*{{Industrial Robot}}

|Components=
*[[Wires]]
*[[Casing]]
*[[Circuits]]

}}

=Status=
OSE is recruiting [[subject matter experts]] with experience in [[inverter]] design. Those with relevant experience are encouraged to [[Contact Us]]

=See Also=
*[[Uninterrupted Power Supply Concept|Concept]]
*[[Inverter]]
*[[Electricity]]
*[[Charge Controller]]
*[[Problem Statement for a Universal Power Supply|Problem Statement]]
*[[Power Electronics Construction Set]]
*http://preciodelorohoy.wordpress.com/ - Information about power supply



[[Category: Electronics]]

{{GVCS Footer}}