Current sensing based renewable energy systems for data centers

Abstract

A current detection-based renewable energy system for a data center. The power supply system includes an inter-system bus, one or more renewable energy systems, and one or more second switches, wherein each second switch is coupled to a renewable energy system and is used to connect the corresponding renewable energy system to the inter-system bus. The power supply system further includes one or more current detection circuits, each current detection circuit is coupled to a renewable energy system to detect the output current of the corresponding renewable energy system. The power supply system further includes a central controller, which is coupled to the inter-system bus and is configured to activate the corresponding second switch to connect the corresponding renewable energy system to the inter-system bus in response to the output current of the corresponding renewable energy system being higher than a predetermined threshold current, so as to provide renewable power to at least one of the one or more server clusters or storage systems.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to architectures for powering data centers, and more particularly to renewable energy systems for data centers designed with current sensing. Background Art

[0002] Large computer server clusters may be kept in dedicated facilities (e.g., data centers), typically in rack enclosures. These dedicated facilities require large amounts of power from public utilities, such as alternating current (AC) power sources. In addition to requiring power to run the computer server clusters, these facilities also need to draw power to maintain a well-regulated environment (e.g., through the use of computer room air conditioning (CRAC) units). Drawing such large amounts of power from AC power sources increases the overall cost of operating the facility and increases the facility's carbon footprint.

[0003] In order to reduce dependence on AC power and reduce carbon footprint, some facilities are turning to renewable energy / power systems, such as photovoltaic (PV) systems. In order to improve cost efficiency and operational efficiency, and to reduce carbon emissions and maintain power supply, it is very important to effectively implement renewable energy systems such as PV systems into data centers. Currently, a battery system or storage system needs to be attached to the PV system (or PV panel) to store and collect the output solar energy. The storage system or battery system significantly increases the complexity of the power supply system for the data center. The cost also increases. The storage system or battery system also reduces efficiency because the renewable energy must be stored before use. In addition, due to environmental regulations, PV systems are required, especially for large data centers that consume a lot of electricity. Summary of the invention

[0004] In a first aspect, a power supply system for a data center having one or more server clusters is provided, the system comprising:

[0005] an inter-system bus having one or more first switches, each first switch being configured to connect the inter-system bus to one of the one or more server clusters;

[0006] one or more renewable energy systems and one or more second switches, each second switch coupled to one renewable energy system, each second switch for connecting a corresponding renewable energy system to the inter-system bus;

[0007] one or more current detection circuits, each current detection circuit being coupled to a renewable energy system to detect an output current of a corresponding renewable energy system; and

[0008] A central controller is coupled to the inter-system bus and is configured to activate a corresponding second switch to connect the corresponding renewable energy system to the inter-system bus in response to an output current of the corresponding renewable energy system being higher than a predetermined threshold current to provide renewable power to at least one of the one or more server clusters.

[0009] In a second aspect, a data center is provided, including:

[0010] One or more server clusters;

[0011] an inter-system bus having one or more first switches, each first switch being configured to connect the inter-system bus to one of the one or more server clusters;

[0012] one or more renewable energy systems and one or more second switches, each second switch coupled to one renewable energy system, each second switch for connecting a corresponding renewable energy system to the inter-system bus;

[0013] one or more current detection circuits, each current detection circuit being coupled to a renewable energy system to detect an output current of a corresponding renewable energy system; and

[0014] A central controller is coupled to the inter-system bus and is configured to activate the corresponding second switch to connect the corresponding renewable energy system to the inter-system bus to provide renewable power to at least one of the one or more server clusters in response to the output current of the corresponding renewable energy system being higher than a predetermined threshold current.

[0015] In a third aspect, a method for managing a power supply system of a data center having one or more server clusters is provided, the method comprising:

[0016] detecting an output current of a corresponding renewable energy system by a corresponding current detection circuit, wherein the power supply system comprises an inter-system bus having one or more first switches, one or more renewable energy systems, one or more second switches and one or more current detection circuits, wherein each first switch is used to connect the inter-system bus to one of the one or more server clusters, wherein each second switch is coupled to a renewable energy system and is used to connect the corresponding renewable energy system to the inter-system bus, wherein each current detection circuit is coupled to a renewable energy system to detect an output current of the corresponding renewable energy system;

[0017] determining whether an output current of a corresponding renewable energy system is higher than a predetermined threshold current; and

[0018] In response to an output current of the corresponding renewable energy system being above a predetermined threshold current, activating the corresponding second switch to connect the corresponding renewable energy system to the inter-system bus to provide renewable power to at least one of the one or more server clusters.

[0019] According to the present disclosure, the cost (e.g., component cost, operating cost, service / maintenance cost, etc.) and complexity of implementing renewable energy systems in data centers are reduced. The embodiments disclosed herein eliminate energy storage systems (or batteries) while solving the problem of determining the availability of renewable electricity. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements.

[0021] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a system architecture including one or more renewable energy systems for a data center according to one embodiment.

[0022] Figure 2 is a flow chart illustrating an example of controlling a power supply system of a data center according to one embodiment.

[0023] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a current detection circuit for a renewable energy system according to one embodiment.

[0024] Figure 4A-4B is a block diagram illustrating an example of a current detection circuit operating in a closed loop mode according to one embodiment.

[0025] Figure 5A-5B is a block diagram illustrating an example of a current sensing circuit operating in an open mode according to one embodiment.

[0026] Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a power supply system for integrating two different modes of controlling a data center according to one embodiment.

[0027] Figure 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example of multiple renewable energy systems for a data center according to one embodiment.

[0028] Figure 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example of multi-level power control for a renewable energy system for a data center according to one embodiment.

[0029] Fig. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a method of managing a power supply system of a data center according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Various embodiments and aspects of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the details discussed below, and the accompanying drawings will illustrate various embodiments. The following description and the accompanying drawings are illustrative of the present disclosure and should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure. Many specific details are described to provide a comprehensive understanding of various embodiments of the present disclosure. However, in some cases, in order to provide a brief discussion of embodiments of the present disclosure, known or conventional details are not described.

[0031] References in the specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The phrase "in one embodiment" appearing in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

[0032] The present disclosure solves the following problems, reducing the cost (e.g., component cost, operating cost, service / maintenance cost, etc.) and reducing the complexity of implementing renewable energy systems, such as photovoltaic (PV) systems, in data centers, for example, by eliminating (or removing) the need for batteries. The embodiments disclosed herein eliminate energy storage systems (or batteries) while solving the problem of determining the availability of renewable electricity. A detection / sensing method for effectively utilizing renewable energy systems without an energy storage system is also disclosed. Real-time detection of the availability of renewable energy systems, such as PV systems. In addition, since there may be different levels of availability of PV system power, a control method including hardware and software for effectively managing and regulating power under different conditions is disclosed. In this way, renewable energy can be used efficiently. Renewable energy systems, such as PV systems, can be integrated into existing data center power infrastructure, including greenfield and brownfield, including hyperscale with multiple data center buildings and container data centers. Multi-level control logic is disclosed to use renewable power when it is considered that sufficient power is available.

[0033] This article describes a current detection-based renewable energy system, such as a PV system, for a data center. For example, a current detection circuit is used to integrate a PV system into a power supply system and to control the PV system to provide power to a data center. The current detection circuit has a resistor and a current sensor for real-time detection of output solar energy, and then uses the measured current to control the switch operation state for different operating scenarios. Several switches are used to control the current. In addition, the current detection circuit enables the elimination of energy storage systems for PV systems and the efficient integration of PV systems into data center power facilities. This solution is extended to multiple PV systems for multiple IT clusters using a secondary control method. The PV system and the corresponding power output can be connected to a backup power supply system, or can be directly used as a power input for an IT cluster or other equipment (such as equipment in a cooling system). Different operating modes are configured for the detection circuit, which may be advantageous in different scenarios.

[0034] According to some embodiments, disclosed herein is a power supply system for a data center having one or more server clusters. The power supply system includes an inter-system bus having one or more first switches, wherein each first switch is used to connect the inter-system bus to one of the one or more server clusters. The power supply system includes one or more renewable energy systems and one or more second switches, wherein each second switch is coupled to a renewable energy system and is used to connect the corresponding renewable energy system to the inter-system bus. The power supply system further includes one or more current detection circuits, wherein each current detection circuit is coupled to a renewable energy system to detect the output current of the corresponding renewable energy system. The power supply system further includes a central controller, which is coupled to the inter-system bus and is configured to activate the corresponding second switch to connect the corresponding renewable energy system to the inter-system bus in response to the output current of the corresponding renewable energy system being higher than a predetermined threshold current to provide renewable power to at least one of the one or more server clusters.

[0035] According to some embodiments, a data center includes one or more server clusters and an inter-system bus having one or more first switches, wherein each first switch is used to connect the inter-system bus to one of the one or more server clusters. The data center includes one or more renewable energy systems and one or more second switches, wherein each second switch is coupled to a renewable energy system and is used to connect the corresponding renewable energy system to the inter-system bus. The data center further includes one or more current detection circuits, wherein each current detection circuit is coupled to a renewable energy system to detect an output current of the corresponding renewable energy system. The data center also includes a central controller, which is coupled to the inter-system bus and is configured to activate the corresponding second switch to connect the corresponding renewable energy system to the inter-system bus in response to the output current of the corresponding renewable energy system being higher than a predetermined threshold current to provide renewable power to at least one of the one or more server clusters.

[0036] According to some embodiments, a method for managing a power supply system of a data center having one or more server clusters is disclosed herein. An output current of a corresponding renewable energy system is detected, wherein the power supply system includes an inter-system bus having one or more first switches, one or more renewable energy systems, one or more second switches, and one or more current detection circuits, wherein each first switch is used to connect the inter-system bus to one of the one or more server clusters, wherein each second switch is coupled to a renewable energy system and connects the corresponding renewable energy system to the inter-system bus, wherein each current detection circuit is coupled to a renewable energy system to detect the output current of the corresponding renewable energy system. Determine whether the output current of the corresponding renewable energy system is higher than a predetermined / re-characterized threshold current. In response to the output current of the corresponding renewable energy system being greater than the predetermined threshold current, the corresponding second switch is activated to connect the corresponding renewable energy system to the inter-system bus to provide renewable power to at least one of the one or more server clusters.

[0037] In one embodiment, the one or more renewable energy systems include one or more photovoltaic (PV) systems.

[0038] In one embodiment, the central controller is further configured to activate one of the one or more first switches to connect the corresponding server cluster to the inter-system bus.

[0039] In one embodiment, the power supply system further comprises one or more third switches and one or more first converters, wherein each third switch is coupled between a renewable energy system and a first converter.

[0040] In one embodiment, the power supply system further comprises one or more fourth switches, wherein each fourth switch is coupled to a renewable energy system to form a closed loop in a corresponding current detection circuit.

[0041] In one embodiment, the power supply system further comprises one or more PV controllers, wherein each PV controller corresponds to a renewable energy system to receive the output current from a corresponding current detection circuit of the corresponding renewable energy system and control the corresponding renewable energy system.

[0042] In one embodiment, one of the one or more current detection circuits operates in a closed-loop mode to detect an output current of a corresponding renewable energy system, wherein the other current detection circuits operate in an open-loop mode.

[0043] In one embodiment, one of the one or more current sensing circuits operates in a closed-loop mode, wherein the other current sensing circuits are periodically switched from an open-loop mode to a closed-loop mode.

[0044] Figure 1 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a system architecture of one or more renewable energy systems including a power supply system of a data center 100 according to one embodiment. The data center 100 includes one or more server clusters (e.g., 101, 111, 121) and an inter-system bus 150. The inter-system bus 150 may have one or more first switches, such as switches S5, S10, S15, wherein each switchable connection is used to connect the inter-system bus 150 to one of the one or more server clusters (e.g., 101, 111, 121). The data center includes one or more renewable energy systems (e.g., 106, 116, 126) and one or more second switches (e.g., S4, S9, S14), wherein each second switch (e.g., S4, S9 or S14) is coupled to one renewable energy system (e.g., 106, 116 or 126), and wherein each second switch (e.g., S4, S9 or S14) is used to connect the corresponding renewable energy system (e.g., 106, 116 or 126) to the inter-system bus 150. One or more renewable energy systems (e.g., 106, 116, 126) can be one or more PV systems, such as Figure 1 In an embodiment, one or more PV systems may be connected to the DC bus between a first DC-DC converter (eg, 107) and a second DC-DC converter (eg, 108).

[0045] The data center may include one or more subsystems / modules, such as modules 100, 110, and 120. Each subsystem / module may include a corresponding power supply subsystem, a corresponding server cluster, and a corresponding control. Each of the one or more renewable energy systems (e.g., 106, 116, 126) may be included in one of the one or more subsystems / modules (e.g., 100, 110, 120). The entire power supply system may include multiple modules required to serve all servers. In addition, the system can be easily expanded by simply adding modules when needed. Each module may include three energy sources: public power, stored power, and renewable energy / power (PV system). For example, by closing switches S1, S6, and S11, each cluster (e.g., 101, 111, 121) can be powered directly from public power, which is a normal operating mode. Similarly, by closing switches S3, S8, and S13, each cluster (e.g., 101, 111, 121) can be powered from a battery storage. Finally, each cluster (e.g., 101, 111, 121) can be powered from a renewable energy source / power source by closing switches S4, S9, and S14. Each of these switches can be independently controlled by its respective local controller, represented as controller 1, controller 2, and controller 3, so that each cluster can be powered from a different source as needed. Each local controller communicates with a central controller 130.

[0046] One or more power supply subsystems / modules are also interconnected via an inter-system DC bus 150. That is, within each module, a server cluster can be connected to the inter-system DC bus 150 via switches S5, S10, and S15. The inter-system DC bus 150 can be powered by any or all of the storage systems 104, 114, and / or 124 and by any or all of the renewable energy systems 106, 116, and / or 126. The individual switches of the inter-system DC bus 150 are controlled by the central controller 130 so that any cluster can be powered by any available power source of any cluster. That is, using the inter-system DC bus 150, a server cluster of one module can be powered by the power source of another module. In this way, backup resources are shared between modules to reduce the number of required backup power supplies that need to be physically configured for each server cluster, while increasing the available backup resources during certain operations.

[0047] In one embodiment, each renewable system, such as a PV system, is connected to a first DC-DC converter (e.g., 107) and a second DC-DC converter (e.g., 108). The first DC-DC converter (e.g., 107) is used to control the voltage provided by each individual PV system and to control the interconnection of all individual PV panels. The second DC-DC converter (e.g., 108) is used to control the voltage applied to the inter-system DC bus 150 from each individual PV system. Multiple level converters can increase configuration flexibility for further system upgrades and adjustments.

[0048] For example, when switches S1, S6, and S11 are open, power can be supplied to the server cluster 101 by closing switch S5 to the inter-system DC bus 150. Power can then be supplied to the inter-system DC bus 150 from any storage or PV system of any module. For example, backup power can be provided by closing any or all of switches S3, S8, and / or S13, such that power to the inter-system DC bus 150 is provided by any or all of the storage systems 104, 114, and / or 124. Power can also be supplied to the inter-system DC bus from any or all of the PV systems by closing switches S4, S9, and / or S14. It should be noted that the different lines connected to the storage system can be understood to represent power flows.

[0049] like Figure 1 As shown in , the inter-system bus 150 is used to connect renewable power sources and storage systems from one or more power supply modules. Each IT cluster (101, 111, 121) has two power sources: dedicated public power and an inter-system DC bus. The system DC is used to connect public power and storage systems. The central controller 130 is used to control the switches of the storage systems and PV systems in all power supply modules. The central controller 130 can also interact with subsystem controllers (local controllers), such as controller 1, controller 2, and controller 3. Whenever a subsystem / module has a public power outage or requires maintenance, its own and other subsystems' renewable power resources and power storage systems with sufficient power can be used to provide services for the cluster of subsystems / modules.

[0050] There are three converters in the power supply system, converter 1 is used to convert the public power AC power to DC power; converter 2 (e.g., 107) is used to normalize the output of the PV system to a certain level for other uses (such as charging batteries or connecting to other workloads); converter 3 (e.g., 108) is used to adjust the voltage to the design requirements of the inter-system DC bus 150. The detailed configuration of the PV system including the rated power can be different. For the same PV system, the output may be slightly different, or if located in the same data center, it may be considered the same.

[0051] Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a flowchart 200 showing an example of controlling a power supply system of a data center according to one embodiment. Figure 1 and Figure 2 , in the initial state 201, switches S4 134 and S5 135 are both open. Switch S4 134 is used to connect the PV system 106 to the inter-system bus 150. Switch S5 135 is used to connect the server cluster 101 to the inter-system bus 150. In this scenario, in block 202, a signal for checking solar energy is detected. The availability of the current detection circuit of the PV system 106 is captured. In block 203, the output current of the current detection circuit of the PV system 106 is measured. If the detection current signal is enabled, the real-time current output of the PV system 106 is obtained. Taking module 100 as an example, similar control methods can be applied to other modules, such as modules 110, 120, etc.

[0052] At block 204, it is determined whether the output current in the dedicated current detection circuit is lower than a predetermined threshold current or meets a predetermined requirement. The predetermined threshold current can be characterized and adjusted based on the PV source and load. For example, the predetermined threshold current can be based on the actual PV system performance and specifications and the current detection circuit. The predetermined threshold current of the detection circuit is related to how much power the PV system can deliver to the corresponding load once the PV system is connected to the load. This characterization process can be completed or implemented before the system is operated, and the threshold current can be adjusted during operation. At block 205, if the output current is lower than the threshold current or does not meet the predetermined requirement, the central controller 130 can control the switch (e.g., S4 134) to cut off the connection between the PV system and the inter-system bus. At block 206, if the output current is not lower than the threshold current or meets the predetermined requirement, the central controller can close the switch (e.g., S4 134) to send the PV power to the inter-system bus 150. At block 207, the central controller can close the switch (e.g., S5 135) between the cluster and the inter-system bus.

[0053] In this way, an accurate measurement of solar power quality is provided. Management of the power supply system of a data center including an IT cluster is based on accurate measurement of solar power quality. The current sensing circuit is capable of detecting and providing an accurate measurement of power quality with minimal overhead to the power supply system.

[0054] Figure 33 is a block diagram 300 showing an example of a current detection circuit 301 for a renewable energy system 106 according to one embodiment. The renewable energy system (e.g., PV system) 106 may have a switch S4 134 to connect the renewable energy system 106 to the inter-system bus 150. There may be two other switches in the system. Switch S6 136 is used to isolate the PV system and the converter 1 (e.g., 107) to avoid any potential impact or damage caused by high voltage. Switch S7 137 is used to control the detection circuit loop, which is closed unless the PV system is connected to the inter-system bus. The combination of switches S6 136 and S7 137 enables the PV system to become a separate serviceable module because the PV system can be easily decoupled from the detection loop and the main loop. Switches S6 136 and S7 137 enable the PV module to be disconnected independently of the detection circuit. Similarly, switch S4 134 enables the entire PV system to become a power supply module and can be easily coupled to or decoupled from the main power supply system through the inter-system DC bus 150.

[0055] The isolated circuit loop is designed to measure the output current 308 of the PV system 106 in the current detection circuit 301. The current detection circuit 301 may include a current sensor 302 for detecting the current of the isolated loop using a test resistor 304. The current and resistance parameters are used to calculate the actual output of the PV system. There may be a PV controller 303 coupled to the PV system 106, and when the central controller 130 sends a signal to check the PV power availability, the PV controller 303 can obtain the output current 308 of the PV system in real time.

[0056] The current detection circuit 301 can operate in two operation modes: a closed circuit mode and an open circuit mode. In the open circuit mode, there is no measurement from the detection circuit, and thus, the open circuit mode can be understood as a standby mode.

[0057] In the closed loop mode, the current sensing circuit 301 can be maintained as a constant or continuous closed loop circuit, wherein the output current 308 of the PV system (e.g., 106) is continuously sensed / measured by the current sensing circuit 301 and provided to the PV controller (e.g., 303), even when the PV system (e.g., 106) is connected to the inter-system DC bus 150. In this way, the measurement of the PV power is real-time, which provides a robust and accurate detection of the power output of the PV system. However, some efficiency of the detection circuit may be lost, and in some cases, the threshold current may need to be carefully pre-determined.

[0058] In the open circuit mode, once the PV system 106 is connected to the inter-system bus 150 by opening the switch S7 137, the current detection circuit 301 becomes an open circuit. In this way, the efficiency loss on the current detection circuit 301 can be eliminated. However, the output current 308 of the PV system (e.g., 106) is not detected in real time. In one embodiment, the controller (e.g., PV controller 303) can periodically (e.g., by closing the switch S7 137) activate the current detection circuit 301, such as every 10 minutes, to provide a real-time measurement of the output current of the PV system (e.g., 106). The measured output current can be sent to the PV controller 303 and / or the central controller 130. In one embodiment, when the power supply system has multiple PV systems (e.g., 106, 116, 126) and multiple corresponding current detection circuits, one current detection circuit in the multiple corresponding current detection circuits can be operated in the closed circuit mode, and the other current detection circuits can be operated in the open circuit mode. A current detection circuit in closed-loop mode may be used to detect output current in real time after the PV systems (eg, 106 , 116 , 126 ) are connected to the inter-system bus 150 .

[0059] Figure 4A-4B is a block diagram showing an example of a current detection circuit 301 operating in a closed loop mode according to one embodiment. Figure 4A , the current sensing circuit 301 can operate in a closed loop mode in the connection sub-mode. In this sub-mode, the central controller 130 can send a signal to the PV controller 303, and then the PV controller 303 can close the switch S6 136 and obtain the output current 308 from the current sensor 302. In one embodiment, it can be determined by the PV controller 303 whether there is available solar energy, and this information can be sent back to the central controller 130. In one embodiment, the output current from the current sensor 302 can be sent to the central controller 130 and the central controller 130 can determine whether there is available solar energy. The central controller 130 can activate or close the switch S4 134 to connect the PV system 106 to the inter-system bus 150. In this sub-mode, the switch S7 137 remains closed to collect the real output current in real time. The solid line represents the power flow from the renewable resource 106 to the inter-system bus 150, and the dotted line represents the control signal.

[0060] refer to Figure 4B, the current detection circuit 301 can operate in a closed-loop mode in the disconnect sub-mode. In this sub-mode, the central controller 130 can start the PV controller 303, and the PV controller 303 can set the switch S6 136 and the switch S7 137 to be closed to start the detection by measuring the output current of the PV system 106. However, there is no available solar energy or the availability does not meet the requirements. Therefore, the central controller 130 can deactivate or open the switch S4 134, and the PV controller 303 can close the switch S6 136 and the switch S7 137 to measure the output current in real time. The dotted line represents the control signal. When the output current output by the detection circuit does not meet the current threshold, the switch S4 134 is not connected.

[0061] Figure 5A-5B is a block diagram showing an example of a current detection circuit 301 operating in an open circuit mode according to one embodiment. Figure 5A , the current sensing circuit 301 can operate in an open circuit mode in the connection sub-mode. In this sub-mode, once the PV system 106 is connected to the inter-system bus 150, the PV controller 303 simultaneously deactivates or opens the switch S7 137. The switch S4 134 is activated or closed to connect the PV system 106 to the inter-system bus 150. The solid line represents the power flow from the renewable resource 106 to the inter-system bus 150 and the dashed line represents the control signal.

[0062] refer to Figure 5B , the current sensing circuit 301 can operate in an open circuit mode in the disconnect sub-mode. In this sub-mode, the PV system 106 is not connected to the inter-system bus 150. Until the central controller 130 issues an enable signal, then the switch S4134 can be closed and the current sensing circuit 301 can be operated in an open circuit mode in the disconnect sub-mode. Figure 5A When the detection circuit 301 is in the open mode, the detection circuit 301 is not triggered to switch to the closed mode. However, the detection circuit 301 can be directly or indirectly controlled by other detection circuits (e.g., Figure 7 This will further combine Figure 6 Block 611 in is described. Figure 5B The dotted line in represents the control signal.

[0063] Figure 6 is a flow chart 600 illustrating an example of controlling a power supply system of a data center in an integrated combination of two different operating modes, namely an open loop mode and a closed loop mode. Figure 6 A scenario where multiple systems are running in a mixed operation mode is shown. Figure 6 As shown in , by controlling the switch, the current detection circuit can be switched between open-circuit mode and closed-circuit mode.

[0064] refer to Figure 3-Figure 6 In the initial state 601 , switches S4 134 , S6 136 , and S7 137 are open. Switch S4 134 is used to connect the corresponding PV system (eg, 106 ) to the inter-system bus 150 .

[0065] At block 602, the central controller (eg, 130) may send a signal to the PV controller (eg, 303) to check solar energy availability. The availability of the current sensing circuit (eg, 301) of the PV system (eg, 106) is captured.

[0066] At block 603, the PV controller (e.g., 303) may send a signal to close switch S6 136 between the corresponding PV system (e.g., 106) and the corresponding converter (e.g., 107) and close switch S7 137 to form a closed circuit loop. The output current of the current sensing circuit (e.g., 301) of the PV system (e.g., 106) is measured. The PV controller (e.g., 303) may receive the output current of the current sensing circuit (e.g., 301).

[0067] At block 604 , it is determined whether the output current in the current detection circuit (eg, 301 ) is above a threshold current.

[0068] At block 605 , if the output current in the current detection circuit (eg, 301 ) is above a threshold current, it is determined whether the current detection circuit (eg, 301 ) is operating in a closed-loop mode.

[0069] At block 606 , if the current sensing circuit (eg, 301 ) is operating in the closed loop mode, the PV controller (eg, 303 ) may notify the central controller that the corresponding PV system is available, while closing switches S6 and S7 .

[0070] At block 607 , the central controller may close a switch (eg, S4 134 ) to connect the corresponding PV system (eg, 106 ) to the inter-system bus 150 .

[0071] At block 608 , if the current sensing circuit (eg, 301 ) is not operating in closed loop mode but in open loop mode, the PV controller (eg, 303 ) may notify the central controller that the corresponding PV system is available while closing switches S6 and S7 .

[0072] At block 609, the central controller may activate or close a switch (e.g., S4 134) to connect the corresponding PV system (e.g., 106) to the inter-system bus 150. Switch S7 137 may be opened. For example, once the corresponding PV system (e.g., 106) is connected to the inter-system bus 150, the PV controller may open switch S7 137.

[0073] At block 610 , in one embodiment, if the output current in the current sensing circuit (eg, 301 ) is not above the threshold current, the PV controller may disable or open the switch between the PV system 106 and the converter 107 (eg, S6136 ).

[0074] At block 610, in one embodiment, if the output current in the current detection circuit (e.g., 301) is not higher than the threshold current, if necessary, the PV system operating in the open-loop mode can be activated to initiate switching to the closed-loop mode to detect the output current of the PV system in real time.

[0075] In this way, when the power supply system has multiple PV systems (e.g., 106, 116, 126) and multiple corresponding current detection circuits, one current detection circuit in the multiple corresponding current detection circuits can be operated in the closed-loop mode, and the other current detection circuits can be operated in the open-loop mode. One current detection circuit in the closed-loop mode can be used to detect the output current in real time after the PV systems (e.g., 106, 116, 126) are connected to the inter-system bus 150.

[0076] Figure 7700 is a block diagram illustrating an example of multiple renewable energy systems (PV systems) based on current sensing circuits for a data center according to one embodiment. The multiple renewable energy systems (PV systems) can be the same or different. The central controller 130 is used to send a request for PV power availability for each PV system (e.g., 106, 116) to the PV controller (e.g., 303). The central controller 130 also controls the state of switches (e.g., S1_4 134 and S2_4 234) between the PV systems (e.g., 106, 116) and the inter-system bus 150. The PV controller (e.g., 303) receives data from the current sensors (e.g., 302, 322) and controls the states of switches (e.g., S1_6 136 and S2_6 236) between the PV panels (e.g., 106, 116) and the sensors (e.g., 302, 322) and switches (e.g., S1_7 137 and S2_7 237) in the detection circuit loop (e.g., 301, 311). The data from the current sensors (e.g., 302, 322) may include a first output current 308 from the current sensor 302 in the first current detection circuit 301 for the first PV system 106, and / or a second output current 328 from the current sensor 322 in the second current detection circuit 311 for the second PV system 116.

[0077] Each of the multiple systems (e.g., 106, 116) has a corresponding current detection circuit (e.g., 301 or 302). The multiple systems can have different types of control modes for the multiple detection circuits. For example, the first PV system 106 and the second PV system 116 can have two different types of control modes on the two detection circuits (e.g., 301, 311). In one embodiment, the first PV system 106 can keep the corresponding detection circuit 301 in a closed-circuit mode; once the PV system 116 is connected to the inter-system bus 150, the second PV system 116 can switch the corresponding detection circuit 311 to an open-circuit mode. The two PV systems (106, 116) are controlled based on the output current 308 in the first current detection circuit 301 of the first PV system 106. For example, if the output current 308 of the first PV system 106 is higher than a predetermined threshold current, the central controller 130 can close switches 134 and 234 to connect both the first PV system 106 and the second PV system 116 to the inter-system bus 150. For example, if the PV systems (106, 116) no longer meet the connection requirements, such as falling below a predetermined threshold current, the first and second current sensing circuits (301, 311) in both PV systems (106, 116) can be switched back to closed-loop mode. In this way, different operating modes of current sensing circuits in multiple PV systems can be mixed to improve efficiency and, in some cases, operate as redundant units.

[0078] In another embodiment, the second current sensing circuit 311 of the second PV system 116 may periodically switch from the open-loop mode back to the closed-loop mode to measure the second output current 328 of the second PV system 116 .

[0079] In one embodiment, one PV controller in the plurality of PV controllers may be coupled to one PV system in the plurality of PV systems. In another embodiment, one PV controller in the plurality of PV controllers may be coupled to two or more PV systems in the plurality of PV systems.

[0080] Figure 8 is a block diagram 800 illustrating an example of multi-level power control for a renewable energy system for a data center, according to one embodiment. Figure 8 Shows Figure 1 The details of the current sensing circuit of the module 100 are shown in FIG. 1 . The PV system 106 may be used for different control purposes based on the output current quality. The output current of the PV system 106 may need to be correlated according to different levels of output quality. Figure 8 As shown in , when the output current 308 is lower than the battery charging threshold, switches S4 134, S3 133 and S5 135 can remain open, and switches S7 137 and S6 136 can remain closed in the real-time detection mode. Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , switch S3 133 is used to connect storage system 104 to inter-system bus 150. Switch S4 134 is used to connect PV system 106 to inter-system bus 150. Switch S5 135 is used to connect server cluster 101 to inter-system bus 150. Switch S6 136 is used to connect PV system 106 to converter 107. Switch S7 137 is used to form a closed current detection loop in current detection circuit 301.

[0081] When the output current 308 is greater than the battery charging threshold but less than the predetermined current threshold for bus connection, switches S3 133 and S4 134 may be closed to charge the battery, but switch S5 135 may remain open.

[0082] When the output current 308 is greater than the predetermined current threshold for the bus connection, the switch S5 135 is closed. In this way, multi-level power control of the PV system is achieved to integrate the PV system into the data center power architecture. Advantageously, the multi-level power control provides high efficiency and high flexibility when supplying PV power from the PV system to one or more server clusters in the data center.

[0083] Fig. 91 is a block diagram showing an example of a method for managing a power supply system of a data center according to an embodiment. The power supply system includes an inter-system bus having one or more first switches, one or more renewable energy systems, one or more second switches, and one or more current detection circuits, wherein each first switch is used to connect the inter-system bus to one of the one or more server clusters, wherein each second switch is coupled to a renewable energy system and is used to connect the corresponding renewable energy system to the inter-system bus, wherein each current detection circuit is coupled to a renewable energy system to detect an output current of the corresponding renewable energy system.

[0084] At block 901 , an output current of a corresponding renewable energy system is detected.

[0085] At block 902 , it is determined whether an output current of a corresponding renewable energy system is above a predetermined threshold current.

[0086] At block 903 , in response to an output current of the corresponding renewable energy system being above a predetermined threshold current, activating the corresponding second switch to connect the corresponding renewable energy system to the inter-system bus to provide renewable power to at least one of the one or more server clusters.

[0087] In one embodiment, the one or more renewable energy systems include one or more photovoltaic (PV) systems.

[0088] In one embodiment, one of the one or more first switches is activated to connect the corresponding server cluster to the inter-system bus.

[0089] In one embodiment, one of the one or more current detection circuits operates in a closed-loop mode to detect the output current of the corresponding renewable energy system, the other current detection circuits operate in an open-loop mode, and one or more renewable energy systems are controlled based on the output current of one of the current detection circuits of the corresponding renewable energy system.

[0090] In one embodiment, one of the one or more current detection circuits operates in a closed-loop mode to detect an output current of a corresponding renewable energy system, and the other current detection circuits periodically switch from an open-loop mode to a closed-loop mode.

[0091] In the foregoing description, embodiments of the present disclosure have been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Obviously, various modifications may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. Therefore, the description and the accompanying drawings should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive.

Claims

1. A power supply system for a data center having one or more server clusters, the system include: an inter-system bus having one or more first switches, each first switch being configured to connect the inter-system bus to one of the one or more server clusters; one or more renewable energy systems and one or more second switches, each second switch coupled to one renewable energy system, each second switch for connecting a corresponding renewable energy system to the inter-system bus; one or more current detection circuits, each current detection circuit coupled to a renewable energy system to detect an output current of the corresponding renewable energy system, each current detection circuit operating in a closed-loop mode or an open-loop mode; as well as a central controller coupled to the inter-system bus and configured to, in response to an output current of the corresponding renewable energy system being above a predetermined threshold current, activate the corresponding second switch to connect the corresponding renewable energy system to the inter-system bus to provide renewable power to at least one of the one or more server clusters; One or more renewable energy system controllers, each renewable energy system controller corresponding to a renewable energy system, to receive output current from a corresponding current detection circuit of the corresponding renewable energy system and control the corresponding renewable energy system, wherein each renewable energy system controller controls the corresponding current detection circuit to switch between a closed-loop mode and an open-loop mode; one or more fourth switches, wherein each fourth switch is coupled to a renewable energy system to form a closed loop in a corresponding current detection circuit, Each current detection circuit can operate in an open mode or a closed mode in a connection sub-mode corresponding to the renewable energy system being connected to the inter-system bus, and can operate in an open mode or a closed mode in a disconnection sub-mode corresponding to the renewable energy system being disconnected from the inter-system bus.

2. The power supply system of claim 1, wherein the one or more renewable energy systems include one or more photovoltaic (PV) systems, and the one or more renewable energy system controllers include one or more PV controllers.

3. The power supply system according to claim 1, in, The central controller is further configured to activate one of the one or more first switches to connect the corresponding server cluster to the inter-system bus. 4 . The power supply system according to claim 1 , further comprising one or more third switches and one or more first converters, wherein each third switch is coupled between a renewable energy system and a first converter.

5. The power supply system of claim 1, wherein one of the one or more current detection circuits operates in a closed-loop mode to detect an output current of a corresponding renewable energy system, and wherein the other current detection circuits operate in an open-loop mode.

6. The power supply system according to claim 1, in, One of the one or more current sensing circuits operates in a closed-loop mode, wherein the other current sensing circuits periodically switch from an open-loop mode to a closed-loop mode.

7. A data center, include: One or more server clusters; an inter-system bus having one or more first switches, each first switch being configured to connect the inter-system bus to one of the one or more server clusters; one or more renewable energy systems and one or more second switches, each second switch coupled to one renewable energy system, each second switch for connecting a corresponding renewable energy system to the inter-system bus; one or more current detection circuits, each current detection circuit coupled to a renewable energy system to detect an output current of the corresponding renewable energy system, each current detection circuit operating in a closed-loop mode or an open-loop mode; as well as a central controller coupled to the inter-system bus and configured to, in response to an output current of the corresponding renewable energy system being above a predetermined threshold current, activate the corresponding second switch to connect the corresponding renewable energy system to the inter-system bus to provide renewable power to at least one of the one or more server clusters; One or more renewable energy system controllers, each renewable energy system controller corresponding to a renewable energy system, to receive output current from a corresponding current detection circuit of the corresponding renewable energy system and control the corresponding renewable energy system, wherein each renewable energy system controller controls the corresponding current detection circuit to switch between a closed-loop mode and an open-loop mode; one or more fourth switches, wherein each fourth switch is coupled to a renewable energy system to form a closed loop in a corresponding current detection circuit, Each current detection circuit can operate in an open mode or a closed mode in a connection sub-mode corresponding to the renewable energy system being connected to the inter-system bus, and can operate in an open mode or a closed mode in a disconnection sub-mode corresponding to the renewable energy system being disconnected from the inter-system bus.

8. The data center according to claim 7, in, The one or more renewable energy systems include one or more photovoltaic (PV) systems, and the one or more renewable energy system controllers include one or more PV controllers.

9. The data center according to claim 7, in, The central controller is further configured to activate one of the one or more first switches to connect the corresponding server cluster to the inter-system bus.

10. The data center of claim 7, further comprising one or more third switches and one or more first converters, wherein each third switch is coupled between a renewable energy system and a first converter.

11. The data center of claim 7, wherein one of the one or more current detection circuits operates in a closed-loop mode to detect an output current of a corresponding renewable energy system, and wherein other current detection circuits operate in an open-loop mode.

12. The data center according to claim 7, in, One of the one or more current sensing circuits operates in a closed-loop mode, wherein the other current sensing circuits periodically switch from an open-loop mode to a closed-loop mode.

13. A method for managing a power supply system of a data center having one or more server clusters, the method include: detecting an output current of a corresponding renewable energy system by a corresponding current detection circuit, wherein the power supply system comprises an inter-system bus having one or more first switches, one or more renewable energy systems, one or more second switches, one or more current detection circuits, one or more renewable energy system controllers, one or more fourth switches and a central controller, wherein each first switch is used to connect the inter-system bus to one of the one or more server clusters, wherein each second switch is coupled to a renewable energy system and is used to connect the corresponding renewable energy system to the inter-system bus, wherein each current detection circuit is coupled to a renewable energy system to detect an output current of the corresponding renewable energy system, and each current detection circuit operates in a closed-loop mode or an open-loop mode, wherein each renewable energy system controller corresponds to a renewable energy system to receive an output current from a corresponding current detection circuit of the corresponding renewable energy system and control the corresponding renewable energy system, wherein each renewable energy system controller controls the corresponding current detection circuit to switch between the closed-loop mode and the open-loop mode, wherein each fourth switch is coupled to a renewable energy system to form a closed loop in the corresponding current detection circuit, wherein each current detection circuit is capable of operating in an open-loop mode or a closed-loop mode in a connection sub-mode in which the corresponding renewable energy system is connected to the inter-system bus, and is capable of operating in an open-loop mode or a closed-loop mode in a disconnection sub-mode in which the corresponding renewable energy system is not connected to the inter-system bus; determining whether an output current of a corresponding renewable energy system is higher than a predetermined threshold current; In response to an output current of the corresponding renewable energy system being above a predetermined threshold current, activating the corresponding second switch to connect the corresponding renewable energy system to the inter-system bus to provide renewable power to at least one of the one or more server clusters.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the one or more renewable energy systems include one or more photovoltaic (PV) systems and the one or more renewable energy system controllers include one or more PV controllers.

15. The method of claim 13, further comprising activating one of the one or more first switches to connect a corresponding server cluster to the inter-system bus.

16. The method according to claim 13 further includes operating one of the one or more current detection circuits in a closed-loop mode to detect the output current of the corresponding renewable energy system, operating other current detection circuits in an open-loop mode, and controlling one or more renewable energy systems based on the output current of one current detection circuit of the corresponding renewable energy system.

17. The method of claim 13, further comprising operating one of the one or more current detection circuits in a closed-loop mode to detect an output current of a corresponding renewable energy system, and periodically switching other current detection circuits from an open-loop mode to a closed-loop mode.

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