AC power distribution unit

By optimizing the structural design of the AC power distribution unit, the problem of low power supply efficiency in traditional AC power supply systems has been solved, enabling efficient power supply within a limited space and meeting the needs of high power density equipment.

CN224204584UActive Publication Date: 2026-05-05VERTIV CORP
View PDF 0 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
VERTIV CORP
Filing Date
2025-05-14
Publication Date
2026-05-05

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Traditional AC power supply systems are inefficient and cannot meet the power supply needs of high-power-density equipment in a limited space.

Method used

An AC power distribution unit is designed by arranging multiple AC power distribution modules side by side in an external frame and optimizing space utilization and electrical connections using components such as partitions, copper busbars, and insulation boards, thereby improving power supply efficiency and safety.

Benefits of technology

Increasing the number of AC power distribution modules within a limited space improves power supply efficiency and safety, meeting the power supply needs of high power density equipment.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure CN224204584U_ABST
    Figure CN224204584U_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The utility model provides an alternating-current power distribution unit, which is assembled in a cabinet body of a cabinet and comprises an outer plug-in frame and an alternating-current power distribution module. The outer plug-in frame comprises a top cover, a bottom shell and a partition plate, the alternating-current power distribution module comprises a safety shell, a fuse, an input connecting part and a copper bar assembly, the fuse is installed in the safety shell through an insulating part, and the safety shell is further provided with an output connector used for being electrically connected with external equipment. The alternating-current power distribution unit provided by the utility model can effectively improve the space utilization rate in the outer plug-in frame, effectively improve the power supply efficiency of the alternating-current power distribution unit, and meet the power supply requirements of high-power-density equipment in a limited space; besides, the power supply efficiency of the AC power distribution module can be further improved while the safety of the AC power distribution module can be effectively guaranteed, and the space utilization rate in the safety shell and the safety of the AC power distribution module can be improved.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of power supply equipment technology, and in particular to an AC power distribution unit. Background Technology

[0002] Given the current popularity of artificial intelligence and the explosive growth of data storage, the power requirements of AI have reached the megawatt level. Traditional AC power supply systems are inefficient and cannot meet the power supply needs of high-power-density devices in a limited space. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing AC power supply systems, such as low power supply efficiency and difficulty in meeting the power supply needs of high power density equipment in a limited space, and to provide an AC power distribution unit.

[0004] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is: an AC power distribution unit, wherein multiple AC power distribution units are assembled in the cabinet of a cabinet, the AC power distribution unit includes an outer frame and several AC power distribution modules arranged side by side in the frame; the outer frame includes a top cover, a bottom shell and a partition fixedly disposed between the top cover and the bottom shell, the AC power distribution module includes a fuse housing, several fuses arranged side by side in the fuse housing, several input connection components disposed on the fuse housing and a copper busbar assembly for electrically connecting the fuses to the input connection components, the fuses are installed in the fuse housing through insulating components, and the fuse housing is also provided with an output connector for electrically connecting to external devices. The AC power distribution unit provided by this utility model effectively improves the space utilization within the outer frame by arranging multiple AC power distribution modules side by side within the outer frame and placing a partition between the bottom shell and top cover of the outer frame. This effectively increases the number of AC power distribution modules and, consequently, improves the power supply efficiency of the AC power distribution unit, enabling it to meet the power supply needs of high-power-density devices within a limited space. Furthermore, by using copper busbar assemblies to divide the three DC inputs of the input connection components into four paths, each protected by a fuse, the safety of the AC power distribution modules is effectively guaranteed while further improving their power supply efficiency. Moreover, by using an insulating plate to install multiple fuses side by side within the fuse housing, the stability of the fuses within the housing is effectively guaranteed while improving the space utilization within the fuse housing and the safety of the AC power distribution modules.

[0005] Furthermore, the partition is connected to the top cover and bottom shell using a double-sided countersunk head riveting connection, and both the top cover and bottom shell have limiting flanges, forming a limiting structure for limiting the safety housing. By using double-sided countersunk head riveting to connect the partition to the top cover and bottom shell, the stability of the partition fixed between the top cover and bottom shell can be effectively improved, making the top cover, partition, and bottom shell an integral whole, thereby improving the integrity and strength of the outer frame. The limiting structure formed by the limiting flanges formed by bending on the top cover and bottom shell of the outer frame can effectively limit the AC power distribution module inside the outer frame, thereby avoiding the need for additional limiting parts and reducing the overall weight and production cost of the outer frame.

[0006] Furthermore, a reinforcing plate is provided at the bottom of the base shell. The reinforcing plate and the top cover are fixedly connected to the base shell by several locking devices. The AC power distribution module is fixedly connected to the outer frame by several grounding screws and several floating screws set on the fuse housing. The side of the top cover is locked to the base shell with countersunk screws, and the reinforcing plate is also locked to the bottom of the base shell with countersunk screws. This effectively increases the strength and load-bearing capacity of the outer frame by utilizing the reinforcing plate, while ensuring the stability of the fixed connection between the base shell and the top cover, as well as between the reinforcing plate and the base shell. In addition, by using multiple grounding screws and floating screws to fix the fuse housing of the AC power distribution module to the outer frame, the stability of the fixed connection between the AC power distribution module and the outer frame can be effectively improved, while also improving the convenience of assembling the AC power distribution module in the outer frame and facilitating maintenance.

[0007] Furthermore, the input connection component is a quick-connect connector, and several of these quick-connect connectors are arranged in a staggered pattern on the fuse housing. By vertically connecting the AC input using quick-connect connectors from the energy storage application field and arranging them on the front panel of the fuse housing, bending of the AC input cable can be effectively avoided. Moreover, by placing the quick-connect connectors on the recessed steps on the panel and arranging three quick-connect connectors in a staggered triangular pattern, the ease of installation of the quick-connect connectors and the routing of the AC input cable can be effectively improved.

[0008] Furthermore, the copper busbar assembly includes several main copper busbars and a shaped copper busbar for electrically connecting the quick-connect connector to the main copper busbars. The fuse is electrically connected to the main copper busbars, and an insulating post is provided between the end of the shaped copper busbar and the fuse housing. The three-phase AC power is connected to the three three-phase main copper busbars inside the fuse housing via three shaped copper busbars within the AC power distribution module. The power is then divided into four paths, which are connected to the output connection components via cables after passing through the fuses electrically connected to the main copper busbars, thus achieving four AC outputs. The insulating post located between the end of the shaped copper busbar and the fuse housing effectively supports the end of the shaped copper busbar while simultaneously improving the safety of the AC power distribution module.

[0009] Furthermore, the insulating component is an insulating plate with several mounting slots for installing the fuses. The fuses are fixed in the mounting slots by locking components. By using combination screws to install multiple fuses side-by-side in the 12 mounting slots on the insulating plate, the stability of the fuses installed in the mounting slots can be effectively improved. In addition, the top of the mounting slots on the insulating plate is chamfered, thereby effectively improving the ease of installing the fuses in the mounting slots.

[0010] Furthermore, the bottom of the insulating plate has several fixing brackets for fixed connection with the fuse housing, the insulating plate has several sheet metal locking blocks for locking components to pass through, and the side of the insulating plate has several mounting holes for mounting the sheet metal locking blocks. By inserting the sheet metal locking blocks into the mounting holes of the insulating plate, and passing the combination screw through the fuse and the insulating plate and locking it into the sheet metal locking blocks, the stability of the fuse installed in the mounting groove of the insulating plate can be further improved. Moreover, the fixing brackets at the bottom of the insulating plate can effectively improve the stability of the insulating plate installed in the fuse housing while supporting the insulating plate, thereby further improving the safety of the AC power distribution module.

[0011] Furthermore, the side of the insulating plate also has raised ribs. By providing raised ribs on the side of the insulating plate, the electrical clearance and creepage distance between the insulating plate and the fuse can be effectively increased, thereby effectively ensuring safety distances and insulation clearances, and further improving the safety of the AC power distribution module.

[0012] Furthermore, the fuse housing includes a fixedly connected upper fuse housing and a lower fuse housing, with several heat dissipation holes on the end face of the lower fuse housing. An insulating sheet is also provided between the lower fuse housing and the fuse. The upper and lower fuse housings are secured together with countersunk screws. Airflow from the fan in the DC power distribution unit's mounting frame, blowing through the heat dissipation holes on the lower fuse housing, effectively dissipates heat from the internal components, preventing overheating and potential safety hazards. The insulating sheet between the lower fuse housing and the fuse further enhances the safety of the AC power distribution module.

[0013] The beneficial effects of the AC power distribution unit provided by this utility model are as follows: By arranging multiple AC power distribution modules side by side in the outer frame and placing a partition between the bottom shell and the top cover of the outer frame, the space utilization rate within the outer frame can be effectively improved, thereby effectively increasing the number of AC power distribution modules and thus effectively improving the power supply efficiency of the AC power distribution unit, achieving the goal of meeting the power supply needs of high power density devices within a limited space; In addition, by using copper busbar assemblies to divide the three DC inputs of the input connection components into four paths, and each path is protected by a fuse, the safety of the AC power distribution module is effectively guaranteed while further improving the power supply efficiency of the AC power distribution module; and by using an insulating plate to install multiple fuses side by side in the fuse housing, the stability of the fuses installed in the housing can be effectively guaranteed while improving the space utilization rate within the fuse housing and the safety of the AC power distribution module. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the AC power distribution unit provided by this utility model assembled inside the cabinet.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the AC power distribution unit provided by this utility model.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the external insertion frame in the AC power distribution unit provided by this utility model. Figure 1 ;

[0017] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the external insertion frame in the AC power distribution unit provided by this utility model. Figure 2 ;

[0018] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the AC power distribution module in the AC power distribution unit provided by this utility model. Figure 1 ;

[0019] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the AC power distribution module in the AC power distribution unit provided by this utility model. Figure 2 ;

[0020] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the AC power distribution module in the AC power distribution unit provided by this utility model. Figure 3 ;

[0021] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the insulating plate in the AC power distribution module of the AC power distribution unit provided by this utility model;

[0022] Figure 9 This is an assembly diagram of the AC power distribution module in the AC power distribution unit provided by this utility model;

[0023] In the picture:

[0024] 100 - AC power distribution unit, 200 - cabinet

[0025] 10-Shell, 11-Top cover, 12-Bottom shell, 13-Partition plate, 14-Reinforcing plate, 15-Limiting flange

[0026] 20-AC power distribution module, 21-Fuse housing, 211-Upper fuse housing, 212-Lower fuse housing

[0027] 2121-Heat dissipation hole, 2122-Insulating sheet, 22-Fuse, 23-Input connection component, 24-Copper busbar assembly, 241-Main copper busbar, 242-Irregularly shaped copper busbar, 243-Insulating post, 25-Insulating plate, 251-Mounting slot,

[0028] 252-Fixed bracket, 253-Sheet metal locking block, 254-Mounting hole, 255-Protruding rib, 26-Output connection component, 27-Handle. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model.

[0030] See Figure 1-9This utility model provides an AC power distribution unit 100, which is installed side-by-side in the cabinet 200 of a server rack. The AC power distribution unit 100 includes an outer frame 10 and a plurality of AC power distribution modules 20 arranged side-by-side in the frame. The outer frame 10 includes a top cover 11, a bottom shell 12, and a partition 13 fixedly disposed between the top cover 11 and the bottom shell 12. The AC power distribution module 20 includes a fuse housing 21, 12 fuses 22 arranged side-by-side in the fuse housing 21, 3 input connection components 23 disposed on the fuse housing 21, and a copper busbar assembly 24 for electrically connecting the fuses 22 to the input connection components 23. The fuses 22 are installed in the fuse housing 21 through insulating components. The fuse housing 21 is also provided with an output connector 26 for electrically connecting to external devices. The AC power distribution unit 100 provided by this utility model effectively improves the space utilization rate within the outer frame 10 by arranging multiple AC power distribution modules 20 side by side within the outer frame 10 and placing a partition 13 between the bottom shell 12 and the top cover 11 of the outer frame 10. This effectively increases the number of AC power distribution modules 20 and thus effectively improves the power supply efficiency of the AC power distribution unit 100, enabling it to meet the power supply needs of high power density equipment within a limited space. In addition, eight three-phase AC inputs from the busway in the computer room are connected to eight AC power distribution units 100 in the cabinet 200 through three commonly used input connection components 23 in the energy storage field. By using the copper busbar assembly 24 of the AC power distribution module 20 to divide the three DC inputs of the input connection component 23 into four paths, and each path is protected by a fuse 22, the eight three-phase AC inputs are divided into a total of 32 AC outputs to power 30 PSUs. This effectively ensures the safety of the AC power distribution module 20 while further improving its power supply efficiency. Furthermore, by using the insulating plate 25 to install multiple fuses 22 side by side inside the fuse housing 21, the stability of the fuses 22 installed inside the housing 10 can be effectively guaranteed, while improving the space utilization rate inside the fuse housing 21 and the safety of the AC power distribution module 20.

[0031] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, in the embodiment provided by this utility model, the partition 13 is connected to the top cover 11 and the bottom shell 12 by double-sided countersunk head riveting, and both the top cover 11 and the bottom shell 12 have limiting flanges 15, forming a limiting structure for limiting the safety housing 21. By using double-sided countersunk head riveting to connect the partition 13 to the top cover 11 and the bottom shell 12, the stability of the partition 13 fixed between the top cover 11 and the bottom shell 12 can be effectively improved, making the top cover 11, partition 13 and bottom shell 12 integrated, thereby improving the integrity and strength of the outer frame 10. The limiting structure formed by the limiting flanges 15 formed by bending on the top cover 11 and the bottom shell 12 of the outer frame 10 can effectively limit the AC power distribution module 20 inside the outer frame 10, thereby avoiding the need to add new limiting parts and reducing the overall weight and production cost of the outer frame 10.

[0032] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the bottom of the base shell 12 provided by this utility model is also provided with a reinforcing plate 14. The reinforcing plate 14 and the top cover 11 are fixedly connected to the base shell 12 by multiple locking components. The AC power distribution module 20 is fixedly connected to the outer frame 10 by multiple grounding screws and multiple floating screws provided on the fuse housing 21. The side of the top cover 11 is locked and fixed to the base shell 12 by countersunk screws. The reinforcing plate 14 is also locked and fixed to the bottom of the base shell 12 by countersunk screws. Thus, while effectively utilizing the reinforcing plate 14 to increase the strength and load-bearing capacity of the outer frame 10, the stability of the fixed connection between the base shell 12 and the top cover 11 and between the reinforcing plate 14 and the base shell 12 is ensured. In addition, by using multiple grounding screws and floating screws to fix the fuse housing 21 of the AC power distribution module 20 to the outer frame 10, the stability of the fixed connection between the AC power distribution module 20 and the outer frame 10 can be effectively improved, while the convenience of assembling the AC power distribution module 20 in the outer frame 10 can be improved, making maintenance easier.

[0033] like Figure 5 As shown, the input connection component 23 provided by this utility model is a quick-connect connector, and multiple quick-connect connectors are arranged in a staggered manner on the fuse housing 21. By vertically connecting the AC input using quick-connect connectors from the energy storage application field and arranging them on the front panel of the fuse housing 21, bending of the AC input cable can be effectively avoided. Furthermore, by placing the quick-connect connectors on the recessed steps on the panel and arranging the three quick-connect connectors in a staggered triangular pattern, the ease of installation of the quick-connect connectors and the routing of the AC input cable can be effectively improved.

[0034] like Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, in the embodiment provided by this utility model, the copper busbar assembly 24 includes multiple main copper busbars 241 and a shaped copper busbar for electrically connecting the quick-connect connector to the main copper busbars 241. A fuse 22 is electrically connected to the main copper busbars 241. An insulating post 243 is also provided between the end of the shaped copper busbar 242 and the fuse housing 21. The three-phase AC power is connected within the AC power distribution module 20 to the three three-phase main copper busbars 241 within the fuse housing 21 via three shaped copper busbars 242. The power is then divided into four paths, which are connected to the output connection component 26 via multiple fuses 22 electrically connected to the main copper busbars 241, thereby achieving four AC outputs. The insulating post 243 located between the end of the shaped copper busbar 242 and the fuse housing 21 effectively supports the connection between the end of the shaped copper busbar 242 and the copper busbar on the input connection component 23, while also effectively improving the safety of the AC power distribution module 20.

[0035] In addition, such as Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the insulating component is an insulating plate 25, which has multiple mounting slots 251 for mounting fuses 22. The fuses 22 are fixed in the mounting slots 251 by locking members. By using combination screws to install multiple fuses 22 side by side in the mounting slots 251 on the insulating plate 25, the stability of the fuses 22 in the mounting slots 251 can be effectively improved. Furthermore, the top of the mounting slots 251 of the insulating plate 25 is chamfered, which effectively improves the ease of installing the fuses 22 in the mounting slots 251. The bottom of the insulating plate 25 has multiple fixing brackets 252 for fixed connection with the fuse housing 21. The insulating plate 25 has multiple sheet metal locking blocks 253 for the locking members to pass through. The side of the insulating plate 25 has multiple mounting holes 254 for mounting the sheet metal locking blocks 253. By inserting the sheet metal locking block 253 into the mounting hole 254 of the insulating plate 25, and passing the combination screw through the fuse 22 and the insulating plate 25 and locking it into the sheet metal locking block 253, the stability of the fuse 22 installed in the mounting groove 251 of the insulating plate 25 can be further improved. Furthermore, the fixing bracket 252 provided at the bottom of the insulating plate 25 can effectively improve the stability of the insulating plate 25 installed in the fuse housing 21 while supporting the insulating plate 25, thereby further improving the safety of the AC power distribution module 20.

[0036] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 8 and Figure 9As shown, the side of the insulating plate 25 also has a raised rib 255. The raised rib 255 on the side of the insulating plate 25 effectively increases the electrical clearance and creepage distance between the insulating plate 25 and the fuse 22, thereby effectively ensuring safety distances and insulation clearances, and further improving the safety of the AC power distribution module 20. The fuse housing 21 includes a fixedly connected upper fuse housing 211 and a lower fuse housing 212, and the end face of the lower fuse housing 212 has multiple heat dissipation holes 2121. An insulating sheet 2122 is also provided between the lower fuse housing 212 and the fuse 22. The upper fuse housing 211 and the lower fuse housing 212 are secured together with countersunk screws. Multiple ventilation holes 2121 on the end face of the lower fuse housing 212 allow airflow from the fan in the DC power distribution unit's mounting bracket within the cabinet to effectively dissipate heat from the internal components, preventing overheating and potential safety hazards. Furthermore, the insulating sheet 2122 positioned between the lower fuse housing 212 and the fuse 22 further enhances the safety of the AC power distribution module 20. Additionally, the lower fuse housing 212 features a handle 27 for easy insertion and removal of the AC power distribution module 20, improving the convenience of maintenance operations.

[0037] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An AC power distribution unit, wherein the AC power distribution unit is assembled inside a cabinet, characterized in that, The AC power distribution unit includes an outer frame (10) and a plurality of AC power distribution modules (20) arranged side by side within the outer frame (10); The outer frame (10) includes a top cover (11), a bottom shell (12), and a partition (13) fixedly disposed between the top cover (11) and the bottom shell (12). The AC power distribution module (20) includes a fuse housing (21), a plurality of fuses (22) arranged side by side in the fuse housing (21), a plurality of input connection components (23) disposed on the fuse housing (21), and a copper busbar assembly (24) for electrically connecting the fuses (22) to the input connection components (23). The fuses (22) are installed in the fuse housing (21) through insulating components. The fuse housing (21) is also provided with an output connection component (26) for electrically connecting to external devices.

2. An AC power distribution unit as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The partition (13) is connected to the top cover (11) and the bottom shell (12) by double-sided countersunk head riveting, and the top cover (11) and the bottom shell (12) both have limiting flanges (15) to form a limiting structure for limiting the safety housing (21).

3. An AC power distribution unit as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The bottom of the bottom shell (12) is also provided with a reinforcing plate (14). The reinforcing plate (14) and the top cover (11) are fixedly connected to the bottom shell (12) by a number of locking parts. The AC power distribution module (20) is fixedly connected to the outer frame (10) by a number of grounding combination screws and a number of floating screws provided on the fuse housing (21).

4. An AC power distribution unit as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The input connection component (23) is a quick-connect connector, and several quick-connect connectors are arranged in an alternating pattern on the housing (21).

5. An AC power distribution unit as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The copper busbar assembly (24) includes a plurality of main copper busbars (241) and a shaped copper busbar (242) for electrically connecting the quick-connect connector to the main copper busbars (241). The fuse (22) is electrically connected to the main copper busbars (241). The end of the shaped copper busbar (242) is also provided with an insulating post (243) between it and the fuse housing (21).

6. An AC power distribution unit as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The insulating component is an insulating plate (25), which has a plurality of mounting slots (251) for mounting the fuse (22), and the fuse (22) is fixed in the mounting slots (251) by locking members.

7. An AC power distribution unit as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The bottom of the insulating plate (25) has several fixing brackets (252) for fixed connection with the safety housing (21), the insulating plate (25) has several sheet metal locking blocks (253) for locking members to pass through, and the side of the insulating plate (25) has several mounting holes (254) for mounting the sheet metal locking blocks (253).

8. An AC power distribution unit as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The side of the insulating plate (25) also has a raised rib (255).

9. An AC power distribution unit as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The safety housing (21) includes a fixedly connected upper safety housing (211) and a lower safety housing (212), and the lower safety housing (212) has a plurality of heat dissipation holes (2121) on its end face.

10. An AC power distribution unit as described in claim 9, characterized in that, An insulating sheet (2122) is also provided between the lower fuse housing (212) and the fuse (22).