UPS MONITORING AND CONTROLLING SOFTWARE FOR DSP ONLINE UPS
The present invention relates to a UPS monitoring and controlling software in relation to a
Digital Signal Processor technology (DSP) embedded in Online UPS Systems, which ensures
high consistency in the UPS Systems. It is known that DSP technology provides faster & precise
controls of UPS System to provide effective and safe mechanisms to protect end user's important
data & hardware.
The present invention relates to a unique and novel PC based software solution interface with
embedded DSP based Online USP systems to provide a highly improved DSP based Online USP
system.
Background
Uninterruptible Power Systems (UPS) are critical in saving and protecting valuable computer
data. A typical Online UPS equipment is expected to provide a high degree of power
conditioning, power regulation and in the case of power failure, provide the requisite power
back-up needed for a proper shut down of a computer processes and files. Since these Online
UPS are the source of power to the Servers & computers some mechanism to save files
automatically before UPS shuts down, schedule the shutdown times & also perform the power
audit of incoming power as well as power generated by the UPS, is very necessary. Also as these
Online UPS runs critical equipments some means to monitor the performance of these UPS
systems from remote location is also necessary, which will greatly minimize the MTTR (Mean
Time To Reconnect).
The Data centers are generally full from top to bottom with a variety of storage devices,
monitors, servers, communications devices and several other related equipment. There was an
urgent need to improve the UPS technologies with above said features & functionalities. The
invention ofthis Online UPS monitoring & controlling software is hence done.
Typically, a DSP controller manages several functions including:
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• Sensing and controlling input and output voltage and current levels,
• Setting and controlling the DC voltage in the inverter,
• Setting and controlling the inverter for output voltage and frequency regulation,
• Controlling the battery charger,
• Interfacing with power management software through communication port, and
• Switching to an electronic bypass.
DSP's were originally designed for mathematically intensive motor drive control processes.
However, DSP's have now new capabilities such as faster machine-cycle speeds and enhanced
programming instruction sets. They also offer peripheral functionality such as onboard counters
and timers, analog-to-digital converters, pulse-width-modulation outputs, flash memory, and
controller-area network communications. As there are similarities between motor drive controls
and UPS controls, combined with an enhanced functionality of DSP's, UPS become a "natural"
application for DSP's.
Low-cost, high-performance DSP controllers provide an improved and cost-effective solution for
UPS design. Digital Signal Processors allow UPS designers to replace bulky transformers, relays
and mechanical bypass switches with smaller, more intelligent functional equivalents. DSP
implementations also facilitate other design benefits, including increased power efficiency and
increased power density - smaller product footprint with less weight - a necessity in spaceconstrained
data centers.
In UPS applications, the DSP has integrated certain functions selected for sophisticated
embedded controls. These functions, previously available only through more expensive
microcontrollers and off-board peripheral circuitry, include protection circuitry, clocks and serial
communications, in addition to the peripheral DSP functionality mentioned above. Except for
signal conditioning and actuators that provide the interface between the DSP and the power
circuitry, all the control implementations become digital. Multiple control algorithms can
execute almost simultaneously and at high machine-cycle speeds for unprecedented dynamic
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performance. The DSP implementation also has fewer parts, increased reliability and greater
immunity to noise than the predecessor microcontroller . implementations. Since the DSP
feedback and control loops are implemented digitally, compensation for component tolerances
and temperature variations of feedback elements is no longer necessary. DSP technology
provides a cost-effective alternative for controlling multiple power converters, either individually
or in combination, to meet the demands of advanced power topologies
Some of the Online UPS do not have the monitoring & control software interface at all. The
biggest problem faced on using such Online UPS is that when the Battery goes low it shuts down
the systems connected to it abruptly. This results in loss of data & also results in System failure.
Some of the Online UPS available in the market claim to have software for monitoring Online
UPS system. However, there are some drawbacks ofthe claimed software's.
l. Some of UPS's, which claims to have the monitoring & control software interface, are
not in real time. They do not provide the instantaneous values of input
voltage/Frequency, Output voltage/Frequency, Load connected to the UPS system. They
cannot do the power audit nor can these systems be remotely monitored. Also it is not
possible to change the UPS output voltage/Frequency, Battery Low level from the
software. These cannot log the UPS data with date & time stamp. Also on defined
conditions or as per schedule it cannot send SMS/Email to the Users. A lot of user
interventions are required in using this software, as these do not do the analysis of data
themselves.
2. Remote monitoring & Control of the Online UPS is not available in most ofthe systems
available in the Market. In systems this feature is available, an additional card has to be
connected to the UPS system, which increases the hardware as well as the cost of the
system.
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The current invention provide a novel software for monitoring & controlling Online USP System
based on DSP technology which does not have any of the drawbacks existing in the current
technology.
In the instant invention, as the Same DSP that is used to control the Online UPS is
communicating with the PC based software, real-time values of parameters are transferred to the
PC. This is again through a dedicated communication protocol that is implemented both inside
the DSP chip & also in the monitoring software. As the DSP can process the information very
fast all the processing are done by the DSP & transferred to the monitoring software. Also
adequate provisions are done in DSP embedded chip inside the Online UPS system to receive the
values from the Monitoring system to change the Output voltage/Frequency, Battery Low level
& Battery high level.
Also, Any of our DSP based online UPS can be monitored & controlled remotely using web
based application, without adding any additional hardware. Various Monitoring & Control
Software's running on different servers connect to a dedicated Server from where the values are
send to a web page.
The current invention provides real time monitoring of the UPS Parameters in a digital as well as
graphical manner. (for example Input and Output Voltage, Input and Output Frequency, Battery
Voltage, Load, output Current, output Power and UPS Capacity.
The current invention also provides logging of various UPS Parameters at a specified intervals.
(10sec ... 60 sec.)
The current invention provides technology which is highly secured by providing a unique login
and password.
It also provides a facility to send an e-mail to Single I Multiple user on different conditions
including SMS to Single I Multiple user on different conditions such as "Battery Voltage Low,
Battery Voltage High, Output Over Voltage and Output Under Voltage.
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The current invention generates SMS UPS Parameters regularly at some specified interval (I hrs,
2 hrs and 3 hrs.)
The current invention provides "Auto and Manual" Saving of Graphs including Auto saving of
files in order to protect your running files.
The current invention has several other features as enumerated below
I. Provide the end users with the flexibility, to toggle ofT between 'Server and UPS
Shutdown'
2. UPS Scheduling as per user requirements.
3. AutoSave of UPS Parameters in File. User can view the status of UPS Parameters (1/P
and 0/P Voltage, 1/P and 0/P frequency and 0/P Power) by plotting from the file.
4. Printing of Graph, Logged Data.
5. Saving of Log Data in File.
6. Shutdown of Clients on network.
7. Broadcast of various notification messages (like Battery Voltage High, Battery Voltage
Low, Overload Messages)
8. Alert warnings through Sound.
9. Provision for the end user to change UPS settings (Change the settings of UPS Output
Voltage, Battery Voltage Low and Battery Voltage High
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I 0. Provision for the Administrator to change the Priority Settings.
11. Provision for the Administrator to change the Server and UPS Shutdown Settings.
Detailed description of the Invention with illustrations:
IntelliQ DSP ONLINE UPS monitoring and controlling software interacts with the DSP
ONLINE UPS via serial port & exchanges· the data between the PC & the UPS. A special
protocol to exchange the data between the server & the UPS has been developed.
The software displays the real-time status of UPS (e.g. input & output voltage, input & output
frequency, load on UPS, UPS capacity, output current, output power, battery capacity etc.) in
digital and graphical form, which helps the user to monitor the quality of power supply.
Simultaneously, the Users can remotely monitor UPS via network and manage the UPS more
effectively. On AC failure or UPS battery low, it will perform its monitoring & shutdown
functions, even without people around. The software can also send the warning messages via
SMS and E-mail.
Salient Features
• Real-time Software interacts with DSP to exchange data.
• Support multiple PC shut down.
• Sends warning message by e-mail automatically.
• Sends SMS for the warning message automatically.
• Detects AC fail and UPS battery low automatically.
• Runs Time Scheduler to turn on/off your PC's.
• Broadcasts warning message on all PC's connected.
• Sets the countdown timing and the interval of each warning.
• Before system shutdown, automatically saves files on PC.
• Records and analyzes the critical UPS parameters.
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Software Overview
The software is comprised of two components: server application software and Client application
software.
Server Application Software
• Performs communication with UPS.
• Performs shutdown of local server.
• Communicates with client PC's to initiate shutdowns ofthe machines.
• Provides SMS, email and broadcast notifications based on UPS events.
Client Application software
• Communicates with the serve.
• Receives UPS parameters from server software & displays to the User.
• Pops up messages in case of battery low or scheduled shutdown.
Supported Operating Systems
The operating systems supported by the Server application are:
• Windows 98
• Windows ME
• Windows NT
• Windows 2000
• Windows XP
• Linux
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Hardware Installation
The following steps are required to install the hardware:
• Connect male connector of cable to UPS communication port.
• Connect the female connector of cable to RS-232 communication port of system.
User Registration
A User has to register first before running the software for the first time. A User account is set
up, Logging in under this account allows the user to completely configure the software. Proper
Information should be filled and no Information should be left blank. See figure 1.10.
Select a Commport
The User should select the Commport of Server system to which RS-232 connector from UPS is
connected. The· software uses this port to communicate with the UPS. The User don't have to
select the commport every time. Once the User selects the commport; it would be automatically
selected, every time. If somehow, the User has connected RS-232 connector to some other port
then the User has to reselect that port and, then, that port would be automatically selected. See
figure 1.11.
Select Port
From the Select Port, select the communications port to which the UPS is attached.
Choose OK to save changes and close the Communications Port Setup dialog box.
Choose Cancel to close the Communications Port Setup dialog box without saving.
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Interpreting the Main Panel
The Main panel display provides information on the status of the grid power, UPS Power, battery
status, UPS On/Off, no of clients connected and Communications status.
The Main panel is a graphical representation of the operational status of the system. Input and
output voltage, input and output frequency is shown with the help of Analog meters. Battery
Voltage and Load connected to the UPS are indicated with the help of Bar Graphs. It also
displays output current, output power and UPS capacity.
The display automatically detects the configuration of the UPS and adjusts itself accordingly.
The Console is your interface with the UPS. It provides detailed information regarding your
present power situation and the controls for such features as orderly system shutdown and
configuring alerts.
Output Voltage
Output Frequency
Input Voltage
Input Frequency
Battery Voltage
Load
See figure 1.12.
This is the Voltage generated by the UPS.
This is the frequency generated by the UPS.
This is the Grid Voltage fed to the UPS.
This is the frequency of Grid voltage fed to the UPS.
This is the voltage of the Battery bank connected to the UPS.
This is the load connected to the UPS. Load bar graph in red zone
is a cause for concern. A node shutdown will occur. Save your
work and close your files immediately, then try to analyze and
resolve the problem. If Load bar graph in the green range, you are
operating safely within the range ofthe UPS.
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Security
Secure Access : The Software provides secure access for user to make changes in the software.
A User who has a valid account can, only, make changes in the Settings. The software provides
secure way to make changes. A User has to enter his valid user name and password in order to
access the settings. See figure 1.13.
Settings
The Setting menu allows the user to configure the software as per his requirements. The
following settings for the DSP Online UPS can be done:
I. E-mail & SMS Settings
2. Data Log file settings
3. UPS Settings
4. UPS Shutdown time setting
5. UPS Scheduler settings
6. Message settings
7. Network settings
8. User information update settings
Email Notification
The User can configure the software to send an email message to up to 4 people when an event
occurs. To set up email notification for an event, click on Settings under E-mail. A
configuration page will be displayed. Enter the desired configuration and select the Save button.
A message will flash confirming the settings have been saved.
The following is a description of the fields contained on this page:
• Enabled Select the checkbox to enable sending email notifications for this event.
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• Email Address (es) The SMTP email address of the recipient. Up to four (4) recipients
may be entered in separate fields. The address must be entered in the default notation
(i.e.recipient@somedomain.net). See figure 1.13(a)
SMS Notification
The User can configure the software to send an SMS message to up to 4 people when an event
occurs. To set up SMS notification for an event, click on Settings under SMS. A configuration
page will be displayed. Enter the desired configuration and select the Save button. A message
will flash confirming the settings have been saved.
The following is a description of the fields contained on this page:
• Enabled Select the checkbox to enable sending SMS notifications for this event.
• Mobile No. Mobile No. Of the recipients. Up to four (4) recipients may be entered in
separate fields. See figure 1.14.
A User can facilitate the use of SMS to get notified of status of UPS Parameters. User has to
enter the same configuration as mentioned above. The software provides the flexibility to user,
to select the parameters to be sent. See figure 1.15.
Data Log
Provides the Log of UPS Parameters like Input and Output Voltage, Input and Output Frequency,
Output Power, Output Current, Battery Capacity, Load and UPS status at specified time interval.
From the Log UPS data user can set interval of his choice, i.e I 0, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 sec. See
figure 1.13 (a).
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UPS Settings
The software provides the way to set some UPS parameters (like Battery Low level, Battery
High level & UPS output voltage). It provides flexibility in the sense that user can have control
on UPS.
The software provides three types of Settings
• Battery Low
• Battery High
• Output Voltage
Each one of setting has some common values:
Default : Default shows the default value of respective parameter inside the system.
Present : Present shows value user has changed from the settings.
Last Saved : shows the previous value the user has saved.
Click on save button to save the changes. Sec figure 1.16.
Data Update Rate
The software provides the facility to user to update the data rate speed. Data Rate Speed
available in 2sec, 4sec, and lOsee. Sec figure 1.16.
Broadcasting Messages
The user can configure the software to broadcast a notification message when an event occurs.
To avoid sending broadcasts for events that last only a short time, enter a popup Interval time.
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To set up broadcasting for an event, click on Settings under Broadcasting Messages. A
configuration page will be displayed. Enter the desired configuration and select the Save button.
If user wants to save Default messages for the particular event, click on Default button to save
default settings. A message will flash confirming the settings have been saved. See figure 1.17.
Client Connection
The User should check the Client Connection option m order to enable Client-Server
communication. Client-Server communication is checked, by default. If, somehow, user
unchecked the Client Connection option. user need not restart the server.
Update User Information
The User can change his personal information by checking the update user info option. Click on
Settings box. The User can see his registered Information as shown in the Figure 1.19
• Update the Information
• Click on Update to save the changes, otherwise changes will not save.
• Click on Exit for not saving the changes made.
Priority based Settings
The Server has full rights to select the time (which is used as delay time for priority based
shutdown) for each client. Priority is divided into two categories; Low and High. Whatever the
time is selected, Low Priority will get selected time and High priority would be double of
selected time (if server has selected 30 sec .. Low priority would get 30 sec. and high priority
would get 60 sec.) to get shutdown. Server has full authority to select and update the priority
time. See figure 1.13 (a).
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UPS Scheduler Settings
The User can use the Weekly Shutdown Schedule to shut down all or segments of the UPS load
at a certain time each day (for example, from after the close of business to before the start of
business the next day. Figure 1.20 shows the Periods when the system is scheduled to be "on"
are shown in orange and Periods when the system is scheduled to be "off' are shown in white.
To Shut Down a UPS at the Same Time Each Day or Week
• Open the UPS Scheduler dialog box.
• Choose a day from the Weekday field.
• Select a shutdown time clicking on Setup button against Shutdown Time
• Click on Save Schedule to save the settings
If a user wants to remove schedule for a particular day, Click on Remove Schedule, select the
day. Press OK button to remove the schedule.
To view the schedule, press the Schedule Log button.
Server Shutdown Settings
Use the mouse to select values from 30, 45. 60 and 90 seconds. This sets the interval between the
time the software begins to shut down the Windows environment and when the power from the
UPS shuts off. See figure 1.13 (a).
View Data Logged File
User can view the Logged File by File-> View Data Log. (See figure 1.21).
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A User can view Data Logged at any time. Data logged are:
• Date
• Time
• Input and Output Voltage
• Input and Output Frequency
• Output Current
• Battery Voltage
• UPS Status
Refresh Button: Refreshes the Data each time you click on it. Records are refreshed according
to the logged time Interval set by the User.
Erase Button: Delete all the Records.
Print Button: Print the Logged Data.
Connected Users List
The Server lists the Client's status, whether they are online or offline, Clients Name, Priority and
their IP Addresses. Connected Users shows the no. Of Clients online.
View Graphs
Features
• Auto and Manual Saving of Graph.
• Maximum and Minimum value at any time.
• Plotting of Data from Files.
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User can view 3 Kind of Graphs
• Input & Output Voltage.
• Input & Output Frequency.
• Output Power.
Some of the Key terms are defined below:
• Present Value: Present Value is the plotting value, means, value that is plotting on the
graph.
• Max Value: It shows the maximum value in the graph.
• Min. Value: It shows the minimum value in the graph.
• Graph Value: Value which user can see at the bottom right corner by moving the mouse
over the graph.
• Mode: Graph can be saved in 2 Mode: Auto and Manual. Auto Mode saves graph
automatically, In Manual option. users are allowed to save graph by his own choice i.e
whenever he want.
• Start Time: Time when the user has started plotting the graph.
• End Time: Signifies the end of Plotting of Graph. It helps in identify the total time taken
to plot a graph.
• Start & Stop: Click on Start button to initiate the plotting of the Graph. Click on Stop
button to stop the Plotting of Graph.
• Print: Click on Print button to Print the Graph.
(See figures 1.22, 1.23, 1.24, 1.25 and 1.26)
Offline Status
The moment, the Application runs, UPS Parameters would start saving in file. Later on, if users
want to see at some point of time, the status of UPS Parameters (like Input & Output Voltage,
Frequency and Output Power) user can see and analyze the status. See figure 1.26 (a).
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Open: Click Open button to open the specified file.
Next: Click Next to view the next screen of plotted graph.
Previous: Click Previous to view the previous screen of plotted graph.
Print: Click Print to print the Graph.
Save Graph: Click Save Graph to save the graph as picture file.
Graph Options: move up and down through keys to see the graph of (Input & Output Voltage,
Frequency and Output Power)
Client Software
User Registration
A User has to register first before running the IntelliQ client software. User account is set up for
the software, Logging in under this account allows you to completely configure the software.
Proper Information should be filled and no Information should be left blank. Server IP Address is
IP Address of the machine where Server is installed. See figure 2.10.
Update Server IP
Client has been given the permission to update the Server IP address. Connection gets closed as
soon as user would change Server IP. Goto Update ->Server IP Address. Change your Server IP
Address and Click Update to re-establish your connection with new Server IP Address.
See figure 2.12.
Security
Secure Access : The Software provides secure access for user to make changes. A User who has
a valid account can, only, make changes in the Priority. IntelliQ Client provides secure way to
make changes. A User has to enter his valid user name and password in order to access the
settings. Click on OK to validate the user name and password and make access to Priority.
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•
Update Priority
Client has, by default, priority "Low". Priority can be changed from 'Low' to 'High' and vice
versa (See Figure 2. I 3). Go to Update ->Priority. Select priority from combo box. After
changing the priority, Clients have to restart the application in order to make the changes
permanent (See Figure 2. I 3)
Update User Name and Password
Client can change his user name and password. Type the valid user name, user old password, and
new password and then conform new password by retyping it once again. Click Change to
change User name and Password. See figure 2.14.

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Claims
1. A novel UPS Monitoring and controlling Software embedded into a DSP based Online UPS
equipment for monitoring and controlling the Online UPS.
2. A novel UPS Monitoring and controlling Software embedded into a DSP based Online UPS
equipment as specified in claim no. I displaying UPS parameters in digital as well as in
graphical form.
3. A novel UPS Monitoring and controlling Software embedded into a DSP based Online UPS
equipment as specified in claim no. I logging UPS parameters at specified intervals ranging
from I 0 seconds to 60 seconds to keep a track of its performance.
4. A novel UPS Monitoring and controlling Software embedded into a DSP based Online UPS
equipment as specified in claim no. I having the capabilities of providing a unique log in and
a password.
5. A novel UPS Monitoring and controlling Software embedded into a DSP based Online UPS
equipment as specified in claim no. I having the facility to send an email to Single I Multiple
users on different conditions including SMS to Single I Multiple users on different conditions
such as 'battery voltage low', 'battery voltage high', output over voltage', 'output under
voltage'.
6. A novel UPS Monitoring and controlling Software embedded into a DSP based Online UPS
equipment as specified in claim no. I which generates SMS of UPS parameters regularly at
specified intervals ranging from 30 minutes to 3 hours.
7. A novel UPS Monitoring and controlling Software embedded into a DSP based Online UPS
equipment as specified in claim no. I providing auto saving of files on computer, before
shutdown.
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8. A novel UPS Monitoring and controlling Software embedded into a DSP based Online UPS
equipment as specified in claim no. I providing the flexibility to the end user to toggle off
server and UPS shutdown.
9. A novel UPS Monitoring and controlling Software embedded into a DSP based Online UPS
equipment as specified in claim no. 1 providing auto save of UPS parameters in the files and
enabling the end user to view the status of the UPS parameters.
10. A novel UPS Monitoring and controlling Software embedded into a DSP based Online UPS
equipment as specified in claim no. I providing printing of graphs and logged data.
II. A novel UPS Monitoring and controlling Software embedded into a DSP based Online UPS
equipment as specified in claim no. I which can broadcast various notification messages like
'battery voltage low', 'battery voltage high' and overload messages to client PC's.
12. A novel UPS Monitoring and controlling Software embedded into a DSP based Online UPS
equipment as specified in claim no. I which provides audio alert warnings to users.
13. A novel UPS Monitoring and controlling Software embedded into a DSP based Online UPS
equipment as specified in claim no. I which enable the end user to change the UPS settings.
14. A novel UPS Monitoring and controlling Software embedded into a DSP based Online UPS
equipment as specified in claim no. I which enables administrator to change the priority
settings.
15. A novel UPS Monitoring and controlling Software embedded into a DSP based Online UPS
equipment as specified in claim no. I which enables the administrator to schedule the server,
clients and UPS shutdown.