The basic InContinuum® DC Modular Continuous Power System brings together into an integrated, proprietary combination the following system components:

The Power Module, which is a highly efficient, switch-mode, DC power supply that operates from the commercial AC power grid with auto-volt selection for the range of 84 to 320 volts AC. The Power Module provides DC power to the battery sub-system sufficient for simultaneously powering DC loads and providing charging current for the system Battery Modules, as needed.

A range of long-life Battery Modules, which serve to maintain load power continuously for a wide range of prescribed long periods of time when the power grid is unable to supply power.

Switch Logic Modules, which provide a wide range of switching options for the loads, including interfacing to computer-based energy control systems.

Load Control Modules, which work in conjunction with the Switch Logic Modules to provide a suitable interface for various lighting and/or DC motor driven equipment. This will include, in the future, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment. A range of lighting modules is available for popular fluorescent wattages. A range of lighting modules is also available for the Venture Lighting line of DC metal halide lamps.

Another feature of the system that is different is the ability to directly power a line of DC metal halide lamps, using proprietary DC control modules. These products eliminate the annoying power outage “re-strike” problem, which characterizes conventional metal halide lamps. Finally, another important difference of this system is that it sets the stage for additional DC-powered Load Modules, which are being designed for directly controlling a line of highly efficient DC motors.

The first thing that is different about this system is the concept of using DC power directly for powering the various system loads. Many tasks for which electricity is used can be performed more effectively and efficiently with DC than with AC. For example, electronic products (televisions, computers, etc) first convert AC power to DC power before using. By centralizing the AC-to-DC conversion process, significant overall efficiency gains can be realized. Also, by employing DC power, various electronic control interfaces become simpler.

Another thing that is different about this system is that these system components have all been designed to work together in a seamless way to provide DC power continuously, even when the power grid fails, without any switchover delays or transients occurring. This is accomplished by driving all loads directly from the Battery Module, which is constantly being charged, as needed by the Power Module.

. Therefore, when the primary power source fails, the loads are unaware of the failure, so long as the Battery Module capacity is not exceeded. For example, lighting that is powered by this system can operate continuously, at full brightness, even through power outages. This feature is an automatic byproduct of the system concept, thereby eliminating the need for special “emergency lighting”.

Another aspect of the system that is different is the ability to control various loads, such as lighting, with a wide range of selectable “switching logic” options, to allow selected loads to behave in various ways in response to the normal user switches. For example, certain lighting modules can be selected to provide continuous, uninterruptible light, others can be selected to function as “emergency lights”, coming

Products being planned using these motors include air conditioning and refrigeration applications, all of which will benefit from the system’s efficiency, control and continuous power features.

W. J. Watson
Registered Professional Engineer
Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Oklahoma Christian University

Another feature of the system that is different is the ability to directly power a proprietary line of DC electronic ballasts for popular fluorescent lamps. By using DC, one stage of power conversion is eliminated for every lamp ballast; that is, the usual conversion from the primary AC power to DC for operating the electronic high-frequency power source for exciting the lamps. A significant overall efficiency gain is thereby realized because of this.