System and method for providing input power to power distribution unit

Abstract

A power distribution unit (PDU) includes: a housing; one or more outlets; a power input connector; a controller; a plurality of power input conductors coupled to the power input connector; a pair of conductors coupled to the power input connector and the controller and extending between the power input connector and the controller; and a detachable power cord including: a power cord connector that is matable with the power input connector; a plurality of power cord conductors coupled to the power cord connector and in electrical communication with the corresponding power input conductors; and a memory coupled to the power cord connector and in electrical communication with the pair of conductors, where the memory includes information related to the power cord.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications This application claims priority to U.S. Patent No. 11,996,658, filed July 13, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to detachable power cords for distribution units (PDUs). More specifically, this disclosure relates to detachable power cords with different input power configurations, and to configuring the PDU based on the input power configuration of the attached power cord. Background Technology

[0003] A typical PDU is an electrical outlet (also called a jack) that receives power from a source and distributes that power to one or more separate electronic appliances. Each such PDU assembly has a power input that receives power from one or more power sources via a power cord, and a power outlet that can be used to supply power to one or more electronic appliances. PDUs are used in many applications and setups, such as in or on electronic equipment racks.

[0004] Generally, a PDU has a power cord that runs inside the PDU's housing. This power cord may include a power connector or plug for connecting to a facility's power source. Typically, the power connector has a specific configuration corresponding to the type of power being supplied. Furthermore, the power cord of a standard PDU cannot be changed without disassembling the PDU and rewiring it with a new power cord; this requires an electrician. A withstand voltage insulation test must also be performed to ensure UL safety compliance. Therefore, depending on the location of the PDU cabinet to be shipped worldwide and / or the amount of power (kW) required for a specific application, suppliers must provide, and customers must stock, PDUs with different power cords. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a power distribution unit (PDU) comprising: a housing; one or more outlets; a power input connector; a controller; a plurality of power input conductors coupled to the power input connector; a pair of conductors coupled to the power input connector and extending between the power input connector and the controller; and a detachable power cord comprising: a power cord connector mateable with the power input connector; a plurality of power cord conductors coupled to the power cord connector and electrically connected to corresponding power input conductors; and a memory coupled to the power cord connector and electrically connected to the pair of conductors, wherein the memory includes information related to the power cord.

[0006] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a PDU in which information relating to power cords may include one or more of its name, nominal voltage, ampere capacity (i.e., rated current), minimum and maximum rated voltage, minimum and maximum rated power, and phase configuration.

[0007] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a PDU in which the power cord further includes a power source connector or plug.

[0008] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a PDU in which information associated with the power cord corresponds to the power source connector.

[0009] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a PDU in which a controller is operable to configure various aspects of the PDU based on information related to the power cord.

[0010] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a PDU in which the controller is configured to read information related to power cords from a memory.

[0011] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a PDU in which the power cord connector includes a housing containing a memory.

[0012] In some respects, the techniques described herein relate to a PDU in which the pair of conductors are signal conductors.

[0013] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a power distribution unit (PDU) comprising: a housing; one or more outlets; a power input connector that mates with a power cord connector with a detachable power cord; a controller; and a pair of conductors coupled to and extending between the power input connector and the controller, the conductors being positioned to connect to a memory housed within the power cord connector.

[0014] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a PDU in which the controller is configured to read information related to a detachable power cord from a memory.

[0015] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a PDU in which information relating to power cords may include one or more of its name, nominal voltage, ampere capacity (i.e., rated current), minimum and maximum rated voltage, minimum and maximum rated power, and phase configuration.

[0016] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a PDU in which a controller is operable to configure various aspects of the PDU based on information related to the power cord.

[0017] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a PDU, wherein the power cord connector includes a housing containing a memory. In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a detachable power cord for use with a power distribution unit (PDU), the power cord comprising: a power cord connector mateable with a power input connector of the PDU; a plurality of power cord conductors coupled to the power cord connector for electrical connection with corresponding power input conductors of the PDU when the power cord mates with the power input connector; and a memory coupled to the power cord connector for electrical communication with a pair of conductors of the PDU when the power cord mates with the power input connector; wherein the memory includes information related to the power cord.

[0018] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a power cord in which information associated with the power cord includes nominal voltage, ampere capacity, and phase configuration.

[0019] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a power cord, wherein the power cord further includes a power source connector or plug.

[0020] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a power cord in which information associated with the power cord corresponds to a power source connector.

[0021] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a power cord in which the power cord connector includes a housing containing a memory.

[0022] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method for configuring a Power Distribution Unit (PDU), the method comprising: connecting a detachable power cord to the PDU; reading information stored in a memory associated with the detachable power cord using a controller located in the PDU; and configuring one or more aspects of the PDU using the controller based on the information stored in the memory. In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method wherein the information stored in the memory includes information related to the power cord, including nominal voltage, ampere capacity, and phase configuration.

[0023] In some respects, the techniques described herein relate to a method in which information stored in a memory corresponds to a power source connector of a detachable power cord.

[0024] In some respects, the techniques described herein relate to a method in which a detachable power cord is a first detachable power cord, and further includes removing the first detachable power cord and replacing the first detachable power cord with a second detachable power cord.

[0025] In some respects, the techniques described herein relate to a method that includes reconfiguring the PDU based on information stored in a second memory on a second removable power cord.

[0026] The features and technical advantages of the examples according to this disclosure have been summarized fairly extensively above in order to better understand the detailed description below. Additional features and advantages will be described below. The concepts and specific examples disclosed herein can be readily used as the basis for modifying or designing other structures for achieving the same or similar purposes of this disclosure. Such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the appended claims. The features considered to be the concepts disclosed herein, including their organization and operation, and the associated advantages, will be better understood from the following description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Each drawing is provided only for illustrative and descriptive purposes and not as a definition of limitation of the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0027] A further understanding of the nature and advantages of this technology can be achieved by referring to the following figures. In the figures, similar parts or features may have the same reference numerals.

[0028] Figure 1 This is an illustration of a power distribution unit with detachable power cords configured according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology; Figure 2A yes Figure 1 The image shows an isometric view of the power cord connector assembly; Figure 2B yes Figure 2A An isometric view of a power cord connector shown in the image; Figure 2C yes Figure 2B An isometric view of the memory device components shown in the image; Figure 3A yes Figure 1 An isometric view of the power input connector shown in the image; Figure 3B It is installed on the PDU housing Figure 1 and Figure 3A An isometric view of the power input connector shown in the image; Figure 3C yes Figure 3A and Figure 3B An isometric view of the signal conductor assembly shown in the figure; Figure 4A It is observed from the side of the power cord. Figure 3B The input connector is compatible Figure 2A Isometric view of the power cord connector assembly; Figure 4B This is observed from the PDU side. Figure 3B The input connector is compatible Figure 2A Isometric view of the power cord connector assembly; Figure 4C They are respectively like Figure 2C and Figure 3C Isometric view of the memory device assembly and signal conductor assembly shown; Figure 5A These are schematic illustrations of power cord configurations according to some embodiments of the disclosed technology; Figure 5B It is a schematic illustration of a power cord configuration according to a further embodiment of the disclosed technology; Figure 5C These are schematic illustrations of power cord configurations according to other embodiments of the disclosed technology; and Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for configuring a PDU according to some embodiments of the disclosed technology. Detailed Implementation

[0029] This description provides examples and is not intended to unnecessarily limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosed technology. Rather, the following description will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing embodiments of the disclosed technology. Various changes may be made in terms of the function and arrangement of elements. Therefore, various processes or components may be appropriately omitted, substituted, and / or added in various embodiments. For example, aspects and elements described with respect to certain embodiments may be combined in various other embodiments. It should also be understood that the following systems, devices, and components may be individually or collectively components of a larger system, wherein other processes may take precedence over their application or otherwise modify their application.

[0030] Figure 1This is an illustration of a representative PDU 100 including various features of the present disclosure. The PDU 100 includes a PDU housing 102 with a power input connector 108 configured to mate with a power cord connector assembly 122 of a detachable power cord 120, which can be connected to an external power source (not shown). It is envisioned that the opposite end of the power cord (the non-PDU end) may have a connector thereon for attachment to an external power source, or it may be directly wired to an overhead busbar trunking or connected to a junction box of the overhead busbar trunking. This can provide cost savings over conventional methods, for example by eliminating the need for additional pin and sleeve connectors on the other end, and allowing for various power cord lengths to accommodate different environments. With this configuration, it is further envisioned that, in addition to the PDU's ratings, the ratings of the busbar and / or junction box itself can also be programmed into the power cord.

[0031] The PDU 100 according to this embodiment includes a housing 102, which may be vertically mounted in an equipment rack, but it should be understood that other form factors, such as housings that can be horizontally mounted, may be used. Multiple outlets 104 may be located at least partially within the housing 102. The PDU 100 may include a controller 106 (e.g., composed of one or more processors and / or microcontrollers) operable to configure various aspects of the PDU 100 based on information relating to the power cord 120, as explained more fully below.

[0032] The detachable power cord 120 may include a cord 124 and a power supply connector 121. The cord includes multiple power cord conductors coupled to a power cord connector assembly 122, which is connectable to an external power source (not shown). The power supply connector 121 corresponds to the type of power supplied by the external power source. The power input to the PDU 100 can be changed by replacing the power cord 120 with different power cords having different power supply connectors. However, two power cords can have the same power cord connector 122. Therefore, by replacing the power cords, the same PDU can be used for many applications.

[0033] like Figures 2A to 2C As shown, the power cord connector assembly 122 includes a housing 204 that contains a power cord connector 202 and a memory device assembly 206. The memory device assembly 206 includes components associated with the power cord for use by the controller 106 to configure the PDU 100. Figure 1 Information regarding [the following]. In some embodiments, the power cord connector 202 is a hybrid connector having arrangements for both power terminals 208 and signal terminals 210. Reference Figure 2B and Figure 2CThe memory device component 206 includes a memory 212 (e.g., an EEPROM) connected to the signal terminal 210 via a conductor 214 and a female terminal 216. In some embodiments, information related to the power cord may include, for example, nominal voltage, ampere capacity, and phase configuration corresponding to the power source connector 121.

[0034] like Figures 3A to 3C As shown, the power input connector 108 can be a hybrid connector having features that mate with the power cord connector 202. Therefore, the power input connector 108 can include arrangements for both power terminals 304 and signal terminals 306. (See reference...) Figure 3B The power input connector 108 can be mounted in a removable panel 308 of the PDU housing 102. The signal cable 302 can be connected to the signal terminal 306 via a signal conductor 310 and a male terminal 312. The male terminal 312 is configured and positioned in the power input connector 108, mates with the memory device assembly 206 via a female terminal 216 positioned in the power cord connector 202. The signal cable 302 also includes coupling to the controller 106. Figure 1 The controller connector 314 is used for the PDU. Therefore, signal cable 302 provides a connection between memory 212 and controller 106, allowing controller 106 to read information related to power cord 120 from memory 212. Controller 106 can use this information to configure input parameters of the PDU and alarm thresholds stored on the PDU. These parameters and thresholds are then used to update the user interface (UI) via a network connection. For example, if an alarm threshold is exceeded, the UI is updated to indicate an alarm. The UI can also be updated based on this information to show the capacity utilization of available power through the cord (e.g., the percentage of available current consumed). Those skilled in the art will understand that information regarding input parameters and input threshold alarms can be made available on a network GUI and / or locally available on the PDU's local display.

[0035] Figure 4A and Figure 4B A power cord connector assembly 122 is shown that mates with a power input connector 108 to couple a power cord conductor to and electrically communicate with a corresponding power input conductor of the PDU. Reference Figure 4CWhen the power cord connector assembly 122 mates with the power input connector 108, the terminals of the memory device assembly 206 and the signal cable 302 are also coupled to each other and electrically connected. While specific mating connectors (i.e., power cord connector 202 and power input connector 108) are shown and described herein, any other suitable mating connector pair (whether a hybrid design or otherwise) can be used with the disclosed technology. Suitable connectors are commercially available from Xiamen Weien Electric Co., Ltd., for example.

[0036] Figures 5A to 5C These are schematic illustrations of various power cord configurations 502, 504, and 506 according to some embodiments of the disclosed technology. More specifically, these figures indicate which lines of the power cord connect to which pins of the PDU's terminal block. These figures show six connector locations (1 to 6) for the power cord connector and the PDU terminal block. A dedicated grounding connection is provided on the connection member on the connector housing. Figures 5A to 5C The connection scheme shown represents a PDU with six branches. There are three pin groups, each associated with two branches. The depicted pin / branch associations and routing simplify the design within the PDU by allowing users to insert delta, star, or single-phase wires into the same PDU without modifying its internal wiring. Of course, those skilled in the art will understand that it is possible to have only a single branch associated with each pin group.

[0037] Figure 5A It is a three-phase delta configuration rated at 60 amps with a corresponding power supply connector 512. Figure 5B It is a three-phase star configuration with a rated power of 32 amps and a corresponding power supply connector 514. Figure 5C It is a 1-phase / 2-phase configuration rated at 60 amps with a corresponding power supply connector 516. For example, as... Figure 5A As shown, the power cord includes multiple power cord conductors 522 coupled to the power cord connector 520 and electrically connected to the corresponding power input conductor 532 of the PDU. Power connectors 512, 514, and 516 can be standard connectors, such as those conforming to NEMA or IEC 60309 corresponding to the above configuration. The following is a representative table showing the contents that can be stored in the EEPROM of the power cord connector. For example, in the case of entry detection via a “smart” cable as described, the cable can include a single-wire EEPROM compatible with a DS2431 (single-wire series ID 0x2d) having the following format (all multi-byte values ​​in little-endian format), and where “offset” refers to the offset within the memory of the EEPROM: The table above maps the conductors within the power cord to their positions on the PDU's terminal block. For example, for... Figure 5C The single-phase application shown uses only L1 and L2. Therefore, values ​​"2" and "3" are placed in the bytes representing each corresponding branch wire pair connected to the associated pin on the terminal block. All other pins can have a value of "1" to indicate they are not terminated or not connected. The value of "0" for "unknown" can be used as a placeholder default for all bytes on the uninitialized EEPROM, or when the PDU is able to automatically detect wiring configuration based on branch voltage measurements. Therefore, for each location on the terminal block for correctly configured power cords, there should be a value stored as "1" through "5". Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a method 600 for configuring a PDU according to some embodiments of the disclosed technology. Method 600 may include connecting a detachable power cord to the PDU in step 602. In step 604, a controller located in the PDU reads information stored in a memory associated with the detachable power cord. In some embodiments, the information stored in the memory includes information related to the power cord, such as nominal voltage, ampere capacity, and phase configuration. The information stored in the memory may also correspond to a power source connector of the detachable power cord. The method also includes, in step 606, configuring one or more aspects of the PDU using the controller based on the information stored in the memory. In step 608, the detachable power cord may be removed, and in step 610, the detachable power cord may be replaced with a second detachable power cord different from the first detachable power cord. The second detachable power cord may include a second memory containing information associated with the second power cord. Therefore, the method may include reconfiguring the PDU in step 612 based on information stored in the second memory of the second detachable power cord.

[0038] It should be noted that the systems and devices discussed above are intended only as examples. It must be emphasized that various processes or components may be appropriately omitted, substituted, or added in various embodiments. For example, it should be understood that features described with respect to certain embodiments may be combined in various other embodiments in alternative embodiments. Different aspects and elements of embodiments may be combined in a similar manner. Moreover, it should be emphasized that technology has evolved, and therefore many elements are exemplary in nature and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. It should be noted that the various advantages described herein are not exhaustive or exclusive, and many different advantages and efficiencies can be achieved, as those skilled in the art will recognize.

[0039] Specific details are set forth in the description to provide a full understanding of the embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will understand that these embodiments can be practiced without these specific details. For example, well-known circuits, structures, and techniques have been shown without unnecessary detail to avoid obscuring the embodiments.

[0040] Having described several embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents can be used without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the foregoing elements may simply be components of a larger system, where other rules may take precedence over or otherwise modify the application of the invention. Moreover, numerous steps may be taken before, during, or after considering the foregoing elements. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A power distribution unit (PDU) comprising: a housing; one or more outlets; a power input connector; a controller; a plurality of power input conductors coupled to the power input connector; a pair of conductors coupled to and extending between the power input connector and the controller; and a detachable power cord comprising: a power cord connector mateable with the power input connector; a plurality of power cord conductors coupled to the power cord connector and in electrical communication with corresponding power input conductors; and a memory coupled to the power cord connector and in electrical communication with the pair of conductors, wherein the memory comprises information related to the power cord.

2. The PDU of claim 1, wherein, The information related to the power cord comprises one or more of a nominal voltage, an ampacity, and a phase configuration.

3. The PDU of claim 1, wherein, The power cord further comprises a power source connector.

4. The PDU of claim 3, wherein, The information related to the power cord corresponds to the power source connector.

5. The PDU of claim 1, wherein, The controller is operable to configure aspects of the PDU based on the information related to the detachable power cord.

6. The PDU of claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to read the information related to the power cord from the memory.

7. The PDU of claim 1, wherein, The power cord connector comprises a housing containing the memory.

8. The PDU of claim 1, wherein, The pair of conductors are signal conductors.

9. A power distribution unit (PDU) comprising: a housing; one or more outlets; a power input connector mateable with a power cord connector of a detachable power cord; a controller; and a pair of conductors coupled to and extending between the power input connector and the controller, the conductors positioned to connect with a memory housed in the power cord connector. The controller is configured to read the information related to the power cord from the memory.

10. The PDU of claim 9, wherein, The information related to the power cord comprises one or more of a nominal voltage, an ampacity, and a phase configuration.

11. The PDU of claim 10, wherein, The controller is operable to configure aspects of the PDU based on the information related to the power cord.

12. The PDU of claim 10, wherein, The power cord connector comprises a housing containing the memory.

13. The PDU of claim 9, wherein, 14. A detachable power cord for use with a power distribution unit (PDU), the power cord comprising: a power cord connector mateable with a power input connector of the PDU; a plurality of power cord conductors coupled to the power cord connector for electrical connection with corresponding power input conductors of the PDU when the power cord is mated with the power input connector; and a memory coupled to the power cord connector for electrical communication with a pair of conductors of the PDU when the power cord is mated with the power input connector; wherein the memory comprises information related to the power cord. The information related to the power cord comprises one or more of a nominal voltage, an ampacity, and a phase configuration. ​ 15. The electrical cord of claim 14, wherein, The information related to the power cord includes one or more of a nominal voltage, an ampacity, and a phase configuration.

16. The electrical cord of claim 14, wherein, The power cord further includes a power source connector.

17. The electrical cord of claim 16, wherein, The information related to the power cord corresponds to the power source connector.

18. The electrical cord of claim 14, wherein, The power cord connector includes a housing that contains the memory.

19. A method for configuring a PDU, the method comprising: connecting a detachable power cord to a PDU; reading information stored on a memory associated with the detachable power cord with a controller located in the PDU; and configuring one or more aspects of the PDU with the controller based on the information stored on the memory.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein, The information stored on the memory includes information related to the power cord, the information including one or more of a nominal voltage, an ampacity, and a phase configuration.

21. The method of claim 19, wherein, The information stored on the memory corresponds to a power source connector of the detachable power cord.

22. The method of claim 19, wherein, The detachable power cord is a first detachable power cord, and the method further comprises removing the first detachable power cord and replacing the first detachable power cord with a second detachable power cord.

23. The method of claim 22, further comprising reconfiguring the PDU based on information stored on a second memory of the second detachable power cord.

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