FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates to a power backup system. More particularly, the present invention discloses a power backup system for appliances such as but not limited to a cooling device.
BACKGROUND & PRIOR ART
A refrigerator typically uses a large amount of energy under normal conditions and this amount may be more than what may be provided from a battery. During a power outage, there is no need to maintain the food below the required normal operating temperature. Infact what is needed is an intermediate temperature that will not allow the food to get spoiled. Thus, the system can override the thermostat of the refrigerator to provide power to maintain this intermediate temperature. Further, there might not be a need for the refrigerator backup power system to provide continuous power since the temperature changes slowly over a period of time. Thus, the backup power system can be designed to provide short bursts of power that is necessary to maintain the intermediate temperature of the refrigerator.
Accordingly, most users desire to keep the temperature of the freezer compartment of a refrigerator just below freezing. This requires far less energy than what is required under normal operation. The refrigerator backup system can override the freezer thermostat to provide power, perhaps at small intervals of time so as to compensate for the conductive warming of the freezer compartment. The refrigerator backup system maintains food frozen for a longer period of time compared to allowing the refrigerator to operate normally during the outage.
There are also portable refrigerators operational on battery power to drive the compressor motor. The motors are driven by inverters having a fixed frequency and one or three phases. However, the problem with the known
inverters is that they may not perform well during the motor start-up and that they may not run at a high level of efficiency.
Reference may be made to the following publications:
Publication no 20080296975 relates to an uninterruptible power backup system to provide power to common household appliances .It comprises a rechargeable battery, a trickle-charging circuit to keep the battery fully charged from the receptacle power, a DC to AC inverter to supply standard AC line voltage from the battery to the lamp, a relay switch controlled by main power voltage so as to switch to the backup system when the main power fails and a timing circuit to optimize a voltage output of the system based on current battery voltage and a desired time period for the voltage output. The system can be set to operate only when the appliance is turned on. This optimizes the current and power required to provide backup power to the appliance for a maximum period of time. This patent does not talk about energy metering, artificial intelligent device and remote monitoring devices.
Publication no JP63207968 and JP63096465 are directed to inverter control refrigerator.
Publication no JP2007166782 discloses a refrigerator provided with an active converter, a smoothing capacitor connected to an output thereof and an inverter. The inverter device comprising of a power source current detecting circuit for detecting a power source current, a DC current detecting circuit for detecting a DC current to be applied to the inverter, a DC voltage detecting circuit for detecting a DC voltage generated in the active converter, and a microcomputer for outputting a switching command to the active converter and the inverter to control them. This is a simple back up inverter for a refrigerator. This backup system does not have remote monitoring and intelligent temperature control.
Publication no. 20090206668 discloses a cooling system and power control apparatus to provide an uninterruptible power supply. The uninterruptible power supply provides power to an air conditioning system for cooling telecommunications equipment in the case of an AC power failure. This invention is a back up system for AC. This invention doesn't include the artificial intelligence, door open sensing and remote monitoring. Publication no. 20090045680 provides a refrigerator that includes a refrigerator cabinet, a refrigerator compartment disposed within the refrigerator cabinet, a freezer compartment disposed within the refrigerator cabinet, and a battery. The battery powers the at least one fan during a power outage to circulate air from the freezer compartment to the refrigerator compartment. The at least one fan may be a direct current operated fan. The refrigerator may also include an inverter and the at least one fan may then be an alternating current operated fan electrically connected to the inverter. This invention is a back up system for refrigerator. This invention aoesn't include the artificial intelligence, door open sensing and remote monitoring.
Patent no. IN226268 relates to a power-cum-battery operated refrigerator characterized in that an inverter module is provided which is fitted on the backside of refrigerator at base plate. This is an inverter with no intelligent control and remote monitoring inventions.
Now, reference may be made to the product by "Genus Power Infrastructures Ltd., 2007-08". The inverter gives constant charging current to batteries irrespective of the A.C Voltage i.e. whether the AC Voltage is 150 or 270V, the battery gets nearly the same charging current. This protects the battery plates from getting damaged. Also the present inverter has an advanced trickle charging mechanism built in the system to prevent batteries from overcharging .This increases the battery life. In case of power failure, a good inverter would switch to the battery for backup so fast that the time of switching is not perceptible. As a result, some appliances that require a higher start current,
like the refrigerator can be driven using the inverter. This is a simple power back up solution without any intelligent temperature control, time delay and remote monitoring inventions.
In light of the above, there is a requirement for a power backup system which can be timed to operate at specified time intervals. Also there is a need for a power backup which is more efficient
In order to overcome above listed prior art, the present invention provides a power backup to cooling device with an intelligent control mechanism. Therefore, the system is tailored to a specific application and may optimize the power supplied for a longer period of time. The invention saves power and appliances and thus is cost effective.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a power backup system for cooling device, which overcomes disadvantages associated with the known art.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a cost effective and durable power system for backup for use with cooling systems which is readily adaptable to a wide variety of commercial and consumer applications.
Another object is to provide a power backup system for cooling device, which efficiently uses the energy of the power source to which it is connected.
Yet another object is to provide a power system for backup for cooling device which can be alternatively connected to any other equipment or to a normal household power and which may be easily and quickly switched from one such mode of operation to the other.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a power system for backup for cooling device in which the backup system draws power from the battery only when cooling is required in the cooled enclosure.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a power source for backup with remote monitoring and controlling.
Yet another object of the present inventions is to provide the information regarding the electricity consumed by the connected cooling device.
Still another object of the present inventions is to provide time delay during the interruption of the power.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a power backup system which checks the opening of the door of the cooling device.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a power backup system which gives warning if the door of the cooling device is opened beyond a predefined or user settable time.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a power backup system which turns the lighting lamp on/ off when the door of the cooling device is opened.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a power backup system in which, the user sets the time and duration of the lamp to get on.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a power source for backup with temperature sensors
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly the present invention relates to a power backup system tailored for refrigeration or cooling appliances etc. When a main power failure occurs, the power switch activates to switch power automatically to a connected appliance from the main power source to the backup power system. The power backup system supplies power during failure depending upon outage time and temperature. A temperature sensor checks the temperature of the cooling device. The system remains off till the temperature is in the specified range and when again temperature rises from that range, backup system gets on. The system gives a warning alarm/signal if door is opened beyond a predefined or user settable time.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the backup system switches the power to the main power supply with least switchover time and synchronized phase when main power is restored. The current limiting circuitry terminates the operation of the compressor if there is any malfunctioning.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the system has cut-off circuitry which does not allow the battery to completely discharge.
In still another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the system includes a protection circuitry for detection of a locked rotor condition.
In another embodiment according to the present invention, the cooling appliances are such as but not limited to the refrigerator or air conditioning unit.
STATEMENT OF INVENTION
According to this invention, there is provided a Power backup system for cooling device comprises of power section, which includes an AC-DC converter for battery charging, AC-AC automatic voltage regulator to provide
regulated supply to the cooling device in presence of mains and DC-AC converter to supply power from storage device in case of grid/ generator set absence, controller providing time delay at the time of applying power in the absence of grid/ generator set power, remote monitoring and setting remotely configurable features using communication port, a storage medium, whose power is harnessed during the power outage to power the cooling device, a transfer device which is used to transfer the power in the absence of grid/ generator set from storage medium, ambient temperature sensing device controlling the power of the cooling device, door position sensing device, voltage and current measuring devices, whose output is fed to the controller and remote monitoring device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS:
Further objects and advantages of this invention will be more apparent from the ensuing description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and wherein:
Figure 1: shows block diagram of the power backup system of the present invention.
Figure 2: shows interface between cooling device and power backup system.
Figure 3: shows flowchart illustrating power backup system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION WITH REFERENCE TO THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS:
Reference may be made to figure 1 and 2 which shows the block diagram of power backup system tailored for specific application such as but not limited to refrigeration, cooling appliances etc. When main power failure occurs, the power switch automatically switches power to a connected appliance from the

main power source to the backup power system. The power backup system supplies power during failure depending upon outage time and temperature. The present invention comprises a power section 1 including an AC-DC converter for battery charging, AC-AC automatic voltage regulator to provide regulated supply to the cooling device in presence of mains and DC-AC converter to supply power from storage device in case of grid/generator set absence and a controller 2. This is provided for control of the section 1, providing time delay at the time of applying power in the absence of grid/ generator set power, remote monitoring and setting remotely configurable features using communication port. This section monitors and measures the energy used by the cooling device with the help of voltage and current profiles. The present invention comprises of a controller (2), which senses the battery status and protects the battery so that it doesn't go to deep discharge, cooling device 3 whose internal temperature is controlled by sensing the ambient temperature and outage time of power, secondary storage medium 4, whose power is harnessed during the power outage time to power the cooling device 3, a transfer device 5 which is used to transfer the power in the absence of grid/ generator set from storage medium 4, an ambient temperature sensing device 6 which controls the power to the cooling device 3, a door position sensing device 7 comprises of a IR sensor fixed near to the door of the cooling device 3 or by studying the current profile of the cooling device 3, a voltage and current measuring devices 8, whose output is fed to the controller 1 which will feature the energy metering function, and a remote monitoring device 9 interfaced with controller 2 through a wire communication port or wirelessly through the ethernet devices.
The system has an inbuilt battery charger. An LED indicator is provided to indicate the present status of the inverter module and also for trouble-shooting. The controller 2 is electrically connected to the power failure detection circuit so that the controller senses a change in state of the low DC voltage power and thus a power failure or return of power. The controller 2 is programmed to record and indicate the length of the power outage, the estimated;time before a
setpoint is reached or other information associated with a power outage. A temperature sensor is used to check the temperature of the cooling device during the power outage. The sensor IR sensor also checks the opening of the door of the cooling device. If power outage is less than predefined time, the system remains off. As the ambient temperature goes higher than predefined range, the backup system supplies power till it comes to the defined temperature and the system gets off. The system remains off till the temperature is in the specified range and when again temperature rises from that specified range, the backup system gets on. The back up system also provides time delay during the interruption of the power. IR sensor also checks the opening of the door of the cooling device. The present invention provides intelligent control of power depending on the outage time and ambient temperature.
The power is provided by a backup power system designed to work with such as but not limited to the refrigerator. At predetermined time intervals, the backup system may switch on the compressor to cool the cooling device down to a normal operating temperature depending on the ambient temperature. The system gives an audio/visual warning if the door is opened beyond a predefined or user settable time. The IR sensor senses the door open time and takes the necessary action i.e. it gives an alarm or any buzzer.
When the cooling device is operating under normal power conditions, the battery recharge circuit recharges the battery to full capacity. Upon the occurrence of a power failure, the power failure detection circuit determines that the main power supply is not supplying power and automatically switches to the backup power source. While the cooling device is being powered by the backup power source, the system returns to check if the main power source is within the operating conditions, which would signal a restoration of the main power source. If the main power source has not been restored, then power by the backup system continues.
When main power is restored, the backup system switches the power to the main power supply with least switchover time and synchronized phase and the cooling device returns to the normal operating temperature.
The DC-AC converter of the present invention also includes current limiting circuitry which terminates the operation of the compressor if there is any malfunctioning. Further, the inverter has cut-off circuitry which does not allow the battery to completely discharge because the cut-off circuit senses battery voltage and disconnects the inverter from the battery and the power backup system remains switched off for a predetermined delay, for example, five minutes. The present invention also includes a protection circuitry for detection of a locked rotor condition. This is done by measuring the current through the cooling device.
Figure 3 shows the flow chart according to the present invention. The controller checks the signal from temperature sensor and senses the outage time. If the temp is in specified range, backup system remains OFF. If the temperature is not in the specified range, the controller switches ON the DC-AC converter along with providing the delay to the cooling device. Now when the grid or generator appears during backup mode, the power is provided to the cooling device received from the automatic voltage regulator of the power back up system. When the grid or generator appears during backup mode, the controller again checks the signal from temperature sensor and senses the outage time.
The power backup system has connectivity through a communication media. It provides connectivity of the power backup system to the internet with or without a computer. Using this, the user can monitor & control the product from a remote location using a hand held device. The invention uses wired as well as wireless protocol for communication. The backup system calculates the electricity consumption by the cooling device. The power backup system
turns on the lighting lamp when the door of the cooling device is opened. Further, user sets the time and duration of the lamp to get on.
It is to be understood that the above-described embodiments are illustrative of only a few of the many possible specific embodiments, which can represent applications of the principles of the invention. However, numerous and varied other arrangements can be readily devised in accordance with these principles by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

WE CLAIM
1. A Power backup system for cooling device comprises of power section, which includes an AC-DC converter for battery charging, AC-AC automatic voltage regulator to provide regulated supply to the cooling device in presence of mains and DC-AC converter to supply power from storage device in case of grid/ generator set absence, controller providing time delay at the time of applying power in the absence of grid/ generator set power, remote monitoring and setting remotely configurable features using communication port, a storage medium, whose power is harnessed during the power outage to power the cooling device, a transfer device which is used to transfer the power in the absence of grid/ generator set from storage medium, ambient temperature sensing device controlling the power of the cooling device, door position sensing device, voltage and current measuring devices, whose output is fed to the controller and remote monitoring device.
2. A power backup system for cooling device as claimed in claim 1, wherein intelligent control of power is provided depending on the outage time and ambient temperature
3. A power backup system for cooling device, as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the internal temperature of cooling device is controlled by sensing the ambient temperature and outage time of power.
4. A power backup system for cooling device, as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the door position sensing device comprises of a sensor near the door of the cooling device or by studying the current profile of the said cooling device.
5. A power backup system for cooling device, as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein said sensor senses the door open time and gives an alarm.
6. A power backup system for cooling device, as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein said sensor is an infrared sensor
7. A power backup system for cooling device, as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the remote monitoring device is interfaced with controller through a wired or wireless media.
8. A power backup system for cooling device substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.