Determining the configuration of a power distribution sytem

Abstract

A method provides digital communication over an electrical power supply cable between a management processor in a circuit breaker panel (CBP) and a management processor in a power distribution unit (PDU), wherein the CBP has a CBP identification code (ID) and the PDU has a PDU ID. The digital communication provides the CBP management processor with the PDU ID for the PDU that is connected through the electrical power supply cable to the CBP, or the digital communication provides the PDU management processor with the CBP ID for the CBP that is connected through the electrical power supply cable to the PDU. The method further comprises identifying the electrical power supply cable connection by communicating first and second endpoints of the electrical power cable connection to a cluster management entity, wherein the first endpoint is identified by the CBP ID and the second endpoint is identified by the PDU ID.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 723,252, filed on Dec. 21, 2012.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to power distribution systems for a computing cluster and methods of managing the distribution of electrical power to the devices in a computing cluster.[0004]2. Background of the Related Art[0005]A large computing cluster may consume a large amount of electrical power. The various components responsible for supplying the power to each entity in the computing cluster are referred to collectively as a power distribution system. The power distribution system may be specifically designed for the demands of a particular computing cluster. However, even the best design specification cannot anticipate the actual load conditions for the computing cluster once it has been put into service and the demands have shifted away from the original design criteria....

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent is about a way to use three-phase power to power up multiple electronic devices in a cluster. The power is distributed through a network of power distribution units and circuit breaker panels which are connected to each other with electrical cables. The patent also describes how to create a digital communication network over these electrical connections. By assigning unique identification codes to each component and collecting the codes at each connection point, the system can better manage the distribution of power across the whole network. The technical effect of this invention is more efficient and reliable power distribution in a cluster of electronic devices.

Problems solved by technology

A large computing cluster may consume a large amount of electrical power.

However, even the best design specification cannot anticipate the actual load conditions for the computing cluster once it has been put into service and the demands have shifted away from the original design criteria.

Furthermore, the three phases of input voltage for the primary power distribution system may be imbalanced by such shifts in the load as well as by any mistakes in the electrical connections within the power distribution system.

Images