Dynamic adjustment of cryptocurrency miner HASH rate and voltage ride-through for large cryptocurrency mining facilities

Abstract

Examples of the disclosure provide for an apparatus. In some examples, the apparatus includes a voltage detection circuit coupled to a cryptocurrency mining unit. The voltage detection circuit is configured to receive a voltage supply signal from a power source, detect a voltage transient event in the voltage supply signal, and responsive to detecting the voltage transient event, provide a control signal to the cryptocurrency mining unit to cause the cryptocurrency mining unit to reduce, without eliminating, its power consumption from the power source.

Description

DYNAMIC ADJUSTMENT OF CRYPTOCURRENCY MINER HASH RATE AND VOLTAGE RIDE-THROUGH FOR LARGE CRYPTOCURRENCY MINING FACILITIESCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 623,916 filed January 23, 2024 and entitled “Dynamic Adjustment of Cryptocurrency Miner Hash Rate and Voltage Ride-Through for Large Cryptocurrency Mining Facilities,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSOREDRESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not applicable.REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX

[0003] Not applicable.BACKGROUND

[0004] Cryptocurrency mining relies on cryptography and blockchain technology, involving substantial computational work and energy consumption.SUMMARY

[0005] In some examples, an apparatus includes a voltage detection circuit coupled to a cryptocurrency mining unit. The voltage detection circuit is configured to receive a voltage supply signal from a power source, detect a voltage transient event in the voltage supply signal, and responsive to detecting the voltage transient event, provide a control signal to the cryptocurrency mining unit to cause the cryptocurrency mining unit to reduce, without eliminating, its power consumption from the power source.

[0006] In some examples, a method includes detecting a voltage transient event in a voltage supply associated with a cryptocurrency mining device. The method also includes, responsive to detecting the voltage transient event, controlling the cryptocurrency mining device to reduce a hash rate of the cryptocurrency mining device.

[0007] In some examples, a system includes a plurality of cryptocurrency mining units coupled to a voltage supply terminal. The system also includes a plurality of control circuits, each control circuit respectively coupled to one of the plurality of cryptocurrency mining units. The system also includes a voltage detection circuit coupled to the voltage supply terminal and the plurality of control circuits. The voltage detection circuit isconfigured to, receive a voltage supply signal at the voltage supply terminal, detect a voltage transient event in the voltage supply signal, and responsive to detecting the voltage transient event, provide a control signal to each of the plurality of control circuits to cause the plurality of control circuits to control the plurality of cryptocurrency mining units to reduce, without eliminating, their power consumption from the voltage supply terminal.

[0008] Embodiments described herein comprise a combination of features and characteristics intended to address various shortcomings associated with certain prior devices, systems, and methods. The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical characteristics of the disclosed embodiments in order that the detailed description that follows may be better understood. The various characteristics and features described above, as well as others, will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description, and by referring to the accompanying drawings. It should be appreciated that the conception and the specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes as the disclosed embodiments. It should also be realized that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the principles disclosed herein.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, reference is now made to the following brief description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings and detailed description, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example system.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example system.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an example system.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an example voltage detection operation implemented by the voltage detector.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a diagram of example performance of a Bitcoin miner in the presence of a voltage event.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a diagram of example performance of a Bitcoin miner in the presence of a voltage event.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a diagram of example performance of a Bitcoin miner in the presence of a voltage event.

[0017] FIG. 8 is a diagram of example performance of a Bitcoin miner in the presence of a voltage event.

[0018] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an example method.

[0019] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an example computing device suitable for implementing one or more examples disclosed herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The following discussion is directed to various exemplary embodiments. However, one skilled in the art will understand that the examples disclosed herein have broad application, and that the discussion of any embodiment is meant only to be exemplary of that embodiment, and not intended to suggest that the scope of the disclosure, including the claims, is limited to that embodiment.

[0021] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not function. The drawing figures are not necessarily to scale. Certain features and components herein may be shown exaggerated in scale or in somewhat schematic form and some details of conventional elements may not be shown in interest of clarity and conciseness.

[0022] In the following discussion and in the claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean “including, but not limited to... .” Use of the term "optionally" with respect to any element of a claim is intended to mean that the subject element is required, or alternatively, is not required. Both alternatives are intended to be within the scope of the claim.

[0023] The term “couple” or “couples” is intended to mean either an indirect or direct connection. Thus, if a first device couples to a second device, that connection may be through a direct engagement between the two devices, or through an indirect connection that is established via other devices, components, nodes, and connections. As used herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and the like mean within 10% (i.e., plus or minus 10%) of the recited value. Thus, forexample, a recited angle of “about 80 degrees” refers to an angle ranging from 72 degrees to 88 degrees.

[0024] In electronics, large flexible loads refer to systems or devices that consume significant amounts of electrical power and possess the capability to adjust their powerconsumption patterns in response to external signals or commands. These loads may be characterized by their adaptability, such as allowing for dynamic modifications in their energy usage to support grid stability and demand response services. Examples of large flexible loads include Bitcoin, or other cryptocurrency, mining facilities, Hydrogen electrolyzers, etc. The flexible electrical consumption of these large flexible loads may play a role in optimizing energy usage and enhancing the overall efficiency and reliability of the electric grid.

[0025] As described above, cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin (which is taken as a representative example for this disclosure), mining relies on cryptography and blockchain technology. This technology may involve substantial computational work and energy consumption. Unlike other power-intensive operations such as data centers, digital mining facilities can sometimes endure shutdowns without major consequences on their operations. As a result, these digital mining facilities may be considered as non- critical flexible loads. This flexibility enables the digital mining facilities to engage in demand response programs, such as by adjusting their power consumption to help stabilize a power grid. This participation may not only reduce energy expenses, but also support power reliability and uptime.

[0026] Low voltage ride-through (LVRT) is the ability of a load to remain connected to the electrical grid during voltage sags, swells, or momentary power interruptions. This capability may be useful for large loads like data centers and Bitcoin mining facilities. Their ability to remain grid-connected during these voltage fluctuations may contribute to overall electrical grid stability. However, if these loads are unable to ride through specific fault types, it can lead to disturbances in electrical grid stability, resulting in a sudden and substantial change in a load profile of the electrical grid.

[0027] A voltage sag is a temporary drop in the electrical grid's voltage level, while a voltage swell, also referred to as a surge or spike, represents a brief increase in the voltage level of the electrical grid. On the other hand, a short-term power interruption is a sudden and complete loss of electrical grid voltage. The duration of such events is often extremely short, spanning from approximately 8.33 (ms) s (approximately 0.5 cycles) to approximately 3 seconds (approximately 180 cycles) per industry standards. When a large load lacks the capability to withstand voltage events such as sags, swells, or short-term interruptions, it risks disconnecting from the grid. This disconnection, in turn, has the potential to trigger cascading outages and further disrupt the stability of the entire electrical grid. Some proposed or implemented standards mandate large loads(e.g. , loads exceeding 75 megawatts (MW)) be capable of enduring voltage events for at least a specified duration of time (such as about 150 milliseconds). Currently, many digital mining facilities are unable to comply with these standards by enduring the voltage events for the specified duration of time. This disclosure provides various examples to address voltage ride through for large loads, such as Bitcoin mining facilities.

[0028] Voltage ride-through (VRT) standards can vary depending on a variety of factors in the power system. Different applications and scenarios may benefit from tailored VRT solutions to enhance or provide reliable and safe operation of electrical systems.

[0029] As described above, LVRT disturbances include voltage sags, swells or momentary interruptions in the electrical power supply. Large Bitcoin mining facilities, such as those rated at megawatt level, can disconnect from the electrical grid in the event of a LVRT disturbance. This can cause undue disturbances in the electric grid, such as voltage transients and frequency deviations. Some examples of this disclosure address this issue with a combined hardware and software solution at the point of interconnection. The solution may be implemented in the mining processor, along with hardware circuitry to detect the voltage disturbance and initiate suitable action to reduce the mining processor load. In an example, by controlling a Bitcoin miner dynamic Hash rate, the electric power consumption of the Bitcoin miner may be adjusted, thereby providing demand side power management and frequency regulation functions.

[0030] At least some examples of this disclosure include a combined hardware / software approach. The combined approach may include detecting grid disturbances such as voltage sags through circuitry installed at the point of interconnection, and coding a control card (e.g., processor, controller, etc.) that responds to the detected low voltage event and decreases power consumption of one or more Bitcoin miners to enable them to ride-through the voltage disturbance. In some examples, the combined approach of this disclosure enables an ability to ride-through a zero-voltage event for at least 200 ms duration. This may exceed at least some adopted or proposed LVRT standards in multiple jurisdictions. Furthermore, with the combined approach of this disclosure, demand side management and frequency control of large flexible loads, such a Bitcoin Miners, may also be performed.

[0031] The combined approach of this disclosure may be implemented as a two-stage solution. The implementation may at the point of interconnection of a mining unit (e.g., Bitcoin miner) and an electrical grid, and may communicate with each mining unit.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example system 100. In an example, the system 100 includes a Bitcoin miner 102 coupled to a power source 104. In an example, the power source 104 is an electrical power grid. The system 100 also includes a VRT circuit 106. In an example, FIG. 1 illustrates a first stage of the two-stage solution described herein. Although not shown in FIG. 1 , in an example, the system 100 includes multiple Bitcoin miners 102, each coupled to the power source 104, and each coupled to a corresponding respective VRT circuit 106. The VRT circuit 106 may monitor and detect the incoming utility voltage as provided by the power source 104. Upon detecting a voltage event, such as voltage sag, swell or zero voltage, the VRT circuit 106 controls the Bitcoin miner 102. For example, the VRT circuit 106 controls the Bitcoin miner 102 to adjust or modify a mine hash rate of the Bitcoin miner 102 to reduce a power consumption of the Bitcoin miner 102 for a duration of the detected voltage event. Such control may aid ride-through of the Bitcoin miner 102 without decoupling the Bitcoin miner 102 from a mining network and / or the electric grid 104 to which the Bitcoin miner 102 is communicatively coupled. Furthermore, the VRT circuit 106 may enable the VRT circuit 106 to resume hashing once the VRT circuit 106 determines that utility voltage is in a healthy state (e.g., the detected voltage event has ended or has been substantially mitigated). In an example, the control of the VRT circuit 106, may enable ride-through of different types of voltage events to meet various standards, as described herein.

[0033] The VRT circuit 106 may be accessible remotely to adjust software execution of the VRT circuit 106 for handling LVRT events. Because Bitcoin mining may not be considered a critical load, the mining operation can be interrupted momentarily during a LVRT event. This may decrease energy storage requirements to ride through voltage disturbances. Such an approach may enable the control of internal hardware settings of the Bitcoin miner 102 to enable ride-through of LVRT events in large mining systems that include multiple Bitcoin miners 102, such as several thousand or more.

[0034] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example system 200. In an example, the system 200 includes a Bitcoin miner 202 coupled to a power source 204. In an example, the power source 204 is an electrical power grid. The system 200 also includes a voltage detector 206. In an example, FIG. 2 illustrates a second stage of the two-stage solution described herein. In some examples, the first and second stages are implemented independently (e.g., in separate systems). In other examples, the first and second stages are implemented in a same system. In an example, the voltage detector 206 includes, or is, a voltage sag I swell I zero voltage detector that is installed to monitorand detect an incoming utility voltage provided by the power source 204 to the Bitcoin miner 202. The voltage detector 206 may communicate through a communication interface with the Bitcoin miner 202. While one Bitcoin miner 202 is shown in FIG. 2, in various examples any number of Bitcoin miners 202 may be provided in the system 200. In an example, the communication interface is Ethernet. In other examples, the communication interface is any suitable interface, such as CAN, I2C, BLUETOOTH, wireless, a serial interface, a parallel interface, a packet-based interface, or the like, the scope of which is not limited herein.

[0035] In an example, the voltage detector 206 may communicate with the Bitcoin miner 202 and control a hash rate of the Bitcoin miner 202. Responsive to detection of a voltage sag / zero voltage, the voltage detector 206 transmits a signal to a control device 208 that controls the Bitcoin miner 202. In some examples, the control device 208 is incorporated into the Bitcoin miner 202 itself. In some examples, the system 200 includes multiple Bitcoin miners 202, and each of the Bitcoin miners 202 may be coupled to and controlled by the control device 208. Upon receipt of the control signal, the control device 208 controls the Bitcoin miner(s) 202 to reduce the hash rate of the Bitcoin miner(s). Such reduction may reduce power consumption of the Bitcoin miner(s) to enable a mining facility including the Bitcoin miner(s) 202 to ride-through the voltage event and resume operation following resolution of the voltage event. Thus, based on the reduction in hash rate of the Bitcoin miner(s) 202 and the resulting reduction in power consumption during the voltage event, standards or regulations for VRT may be met by the Bitcoin miner(s) 202. In some examples, the solution of FIG. 2 may be implemented without hardware modification to the Bitcoin miner 202. In an example, the solution of FIG. 2 may enable ride-through of different types of voltage events to meet various standards, as described herein.

[0036] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an example system 300. In an example, the system 300 includes a Bitcoin miner 302 coupled to a power source 304 through a switch 306. In an example, the power source 304 is an electrical power grid. The system 300 also includes a voltage detector 308. The voltage detector 308 may be coupled to the switch 306 and configured to control the switch 306. In some examples, the system 300 also includes a control device 310 coupled to the Bitcoin miner 302 and the voltage detector 308. The system 300 may also include a backup power source 312 coupled to the Bitcoin miner 202 through a switch 314. The voltage detector 308 may be coupled to the switch 314 and configured to control the switch 314. In various examples, the backuppower source 312 may take any suitable form, such as a renewable or sustainable energy source or grid, a generator, a battery, a capacitor or array of capacitors (e.g., an ultracapacitor bank, supercapacitor, etc.), or the like. Generally, the backup power source 312 may be any power source capable of providing power to the Bitcoin miner 302 during a voltage event experienced by the power source 304, where the same voltage event would not be represented in power provided by the backup power source 312.

[0037] In an example, the voltage detector 308 is a digitally programmable hardware device that can detect utility sag / swell / zero voltage events on a three-phase grid (e.g., the power source 304) at a point of interconnection of the power source 304 with the Bitcoin miner 302. In an example, the voltage detector 308 is implemented as a microcontroller (MC) based digital signal processor (DSP). The voltage detector 308 may be implemented between the power source 304 and the Bitcoin miner 302 to receive and process a voltage of the power source 304. The voltage detector 308 implements or executes executable code to detect variations in the utility such as voltage sags I swells I short-term power interruptions. A block diagram of an example voltage detection operation implemented by the voltage detector 308 according to executable code executed by the voltage detector 308 to indicate a detected presence of a voltage swell or voltage sag is shown in FIG. 4.

[0038] Returning to FIG. 3, the voltage detector 308 may include multiple control paths. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the voltage detector 308 includes two control paths. In a first control path, the voltage detector 308 may communicate with the control device 310 according to any suitable communication protocol or process. In some examples, the communication is according to power line communication (PLC). Responsive to detection of a voltage disturbance or voltage event, such as a voltage sag I short-term power interruption, the voltage detector 308 transmits a signal to the control device 310 to adjust a hash rate of the Bitcoin miner 302. Reducing the hash rate may decrease the power consumption of the Bitcoin miner 302 through dynamic power control algorithms. Such a decrease in power consumption may also result in reduced power drawn from the power source 304 by the Bitcoin miner 302. In some examples, such control will prevent the Bitcoin miner 302 from turning off (e.g., disconnecting from the power source 304) and enable the Bitcoin miner 302 to continue to operate and ride- through the voltage event or disturbance. Depending on a type of the voltage event, such as a longer power interruption and / or a voltage sag, the voltage detector 308 mayactivate the second control path. Activation of the second control path may be in place of, or in conjunction with, the above control via the first control path. In the second control path, the voltage detector 308 controls the switches 306, 314 to decouple the Bitcoin miner 302 from the power source 304 and couple the Bitcoin miner 302 to the backup power source 312. In an example, the backup power source 312 may provide power to the Bitcoin miner 302 to aid the Bitcoin miner 302 in performing ride-through of the voltage event or disturbance. In some examples, the voltage detector 308 may both cause the control device 310 to adjust the hash rate of the bitcoin miner 302 via the first control path while also providing additional energy to the Bitcoin miner 302 via the second control path to provide substantially uninterrupted operation of the Bitcoin miner 302.

[0039] In some examples, described approach of FIG. 3 provides an ability for, even during a complete loss of voltage (e.g., a zero-voltage event) of the power source 304, the Bitcoin miner 302 to continue to operate for a period of time, such as about 150 ms, or another specified duration. For example, longer durations may be met by increasing power supply capacity of the backup power source 312. With this approach, the Bitcoin miner 302 may be enabled to operate and ride-through a voltage event, thereby enhancing the overall stability of the power source 304 (e.g., an electrical power grid). In some examples, the described approach may allow the detection by the voltage detector 308 of voltage events, such as sags, swells, or zero-voltage, in a short time, such as less than about 2 ms. Responsive to detection of such voltage events by the voltage detector 308 action may be taken by the voltage detector 308 to mitigate effects of the voltage events on the Bitcoin miner 302, such as workload of the Bitcoin miner 302 (e.g., offloading hash computations). This may not only keep the Bitcoin miner 302 operational during the voltage event, but also maintain grid stability of the power source 304.

[0040] Although not shown in FIG. 3, in some examples, power electronics are provided between the backup power source 312 and the Bitcoin miner 302. For example, the power electronics may include a direct-current to direct-current (DC / DC) converter, a direct-current to alternating-current (DC / AC) inverter, or the like. Upon detecting a voltage sag, a switch is triggered through the MC in the voltage sag detector, illustrated in Path-2 of FIG. 2, and the load is then supplied by the backup energy unit. Such switch can be triggered very quickly (often within microseconds) which facilitates the quick supply of the backup energy to the load. In some examples, to prevent disruptions whenthe backup power source 312 begins providing power to the Bitcoin miner 302 in place of the power source 304, an inverter coupled between the backup power source 312 and the Bitcoin miner 302 may be synchronized with the power source 304. In some examples, this synchronization may be achieved using a Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) method.

[0041] As described above, in some examples, executable code (e.g., software, firmware, ora combination thereof) may be executed to manage operation of the Bitcoin miner 302. The executable code may act as a receiver for signals transmitted by the VRT circuit 106, described with respect to FIG. 1. When a signal is received, the executable code sends a command to the control device (e.g., the control device 208 or the control device 310), instructing the control device to adjust or cease the hash rate of the Bitcoin miner 302 to control the power consumed Bitcoin miner 302. This action may be capable of reducing the power consumption of the Bitcoin miner 302, such as to about 10% of its original usage, or any other suitable level. This strategy provides that the electrical load (e.g., the Bitcoin miner 302) remains connected to a mining network without disruption during the voltage event. Moreover, once the voltage event ends and a signal indicating stable power is received from the voltage detector 308, the software will issue a command to the control device 310 to resume mining operations and hash rate of the Bitcoin miner 302 through dynamic power control algorithms. This transition between pausing and resuming hashing will provide that the Bitcoin miner 302 will continue to operate and ride through the voltage event, which increases grid stability and reduces possible disruptions on the electrical grid due to sudden loss of large loads (e.g., more than 75 MW).

[0042] Examples described herein may address electric grid voltage disturbance events through a hardware approach, a software approach, or a dual hardware-software approach. The described examples may enable large flexible loads, such as Bitcoin mining facilities, to comply with VRT regulations or standards. Such a system may mitigate a need for hardware modifications on individual Bitcoin mining units, and therefore can be implemented on different types of mining hardware employed by the Bitcoin miners. The approach facilitates compliance with regulatory requirements or standards at reduced cost. In many cases, control of the hash rate of Bitcoin mining units may be sufficient to achieve compliance. However, with the addition of a backup power source, a ride-through duration of the Bitcoin mining units may be increased into several seconds. In an example, the described systems provide substantially real-timevoltage sag compensation, stabilizing the electrical parameters at the point of interconnection of Bitcoin mining units to the electric grid. This centralization may simplify the integration process and reduces overall system complexity. Adaptive power management software may be implemented to reduce the load demand of the Bitcoin mining units following a voltage event. This may allow for a lower power rating of the associated energy storage components, reducing cost associated with the described examples. The system's design may be optimized for minimal hardware alterations, cost-efficiency, and regulatory compliance, making it a viable solution for complex power management challenges in industrial settings.

[0043] In some examples, the system extends its utility by facilitating the participation of large-scale Bitcoin mining operations in demand response programs, such as in voltage and frequency regulation. By implementing dynamic power control, the system allows for more agile and efficient responses to grid demands. Additionally, the system may include machine-level diagnostic features. Through real-time monitoring and analytics, these diagnostics optimize operational efficiency and extend the expected lifespan of each individual mining unit. Therefore, in some examples, the system enhances both grid interaction capabilities and machine-level performance, thus fulfilling broader demand response roles while providing operational longevity and efficiency.

[0044] While discussed above in the context of the large flexible load being a Bitcoin, or other cryptocurrency, mining device, the described examples may also be applicable to other large loads, such as Hydrogen electrolyzer, electric car super chargers, or the like.

[0045] For example, hydrogen electrolyzers may be useful in the pursuit of a sustainable and flexible energy landscape. The adaptability of electrolyzers allows them to dynamically adjust their power consumption in response to external factors. During periods of surplus electricity, electrolyzers can scale up their operation. Conversely, electrolyzers can scale down during peak demand or high electricity prices. This responsiveness positions hydrogen electrolyzers as potentially useful devices in demand response strategies and grid management, contributing to a more resilient and efficient energy infrastructure. They may also be subject to standards or regulations but may not be currently designed to meet at least some such standards.

[0046] Further, the efficiency of the power supply may increase. For example, by leveraging power factor correction (PFC) control not just for its primary function of PFC, but also as a reactive power compensator, grid voltage stability may be enhanced. Bitcoin mining facilities can also participate in the grid voltage regulation by injectingreactive power at the point of common coupling. This can be accomplished in several different ways. A low-cost approach is to dynamically adjust the PFC stage of the Bitcoin miner to draw a controllable leading reactive power.

[0047] FIG. 5 is a diagram 500 of example performance of a Bitcoin miner in the presence of a voltage event. For example, the diagram 500 illustrates performance of an example Bitcoin miner 302 in response to a zero-voltage event. In an example, the diagram 500 illustrates a zero-voltage event lasting for approximately half a cycle (e.g., about 8.33 ms) at full-load performance (e.g., about 3500 watts (W)) of the Bitcoin miner 302. As shown by the diagram 500, a capacitor voltage of a capacitor of the Bitcoin miner 302, represented by signal 502, decreases to about 340 volts (V). This decrease may be less than 20% of a nominal voltage of the capacitor (e.g., about 400 V). Therefore, as shown by the diagram 500, the Bitcoin miner 302 may be capable of successfully riding-through the zero-voltage event occurring in a power supply represented by signal 504.

[0048] FIG. 6 is a diagram 600 of example performance of a Bitcoin miner in the presence of a voltage event. For example, the diagram 600 illustrates performance of an example Bitcoin miner 302 in response to a zero-voltage event. In an example, the diagram 600 illustrates a zero-voltage event lasting for approximately one and a half cycles (e.g., about 12 ms) at full-load performance of the Bitcoin miner 302. As shown by the diagram 600, a capacitor voltage of a capacitor of the Bitcoin miner 302, represented by signal 602, decreases to about 310 V. This decrease may be greater than 20% of a nominal voltage of the capacitor (e.g., about 400 V). Therefore, as shown by the diagram 600, the Bitcoin miner 302 may not be capable of successfully riding- through the zero-voltage event occurring in a power supply represented by signal 604.

[0049] FIG. 7 is a diagram 700 of example performance of a Bitcoin miner in the presence of a voltage event. For example, the diagram 700 illustrates performance of an example Bitcoin miner 302 in response to a zero-voltage event. In an example, the diagram 700 illustrates a zero-voltage event lasting for approximately one and a half cycles (e.g., about 12 ms) at reduced performance of the Bitcoin miner 302. In some examples, the reduced performance is about 10% of the full-load performance of the Bitcoin miner 302. As shown by the diagram 700, a capacitor voltage of a capacitor of the Bitcoin miner 302, represented by signal 702, decreases to about 395 V. This decrease may be less than 20% of a nominal voltage of the capacitor (e.g., about 400 V). Therefore, as shown by the diagram 700, the Bitcoin miner 302 may be capable ofsuccessfully riding-through the zero-voltage event occurring in a power supply represented by signal 704.

[0050] FIG. 8 is a diagram 800 of example performance of a Bitcoin miner in the presence of a voltage event. For example, the diagram 800 illustrates performance of an example Bitcoin miner 302 in response to a zero-voltage event. In an example, the diagram 800 illustrates a zero-voltage event lasting for approximately one and a half cycles (e.g., about 12 ms) at reduced performance of the Bitcoin miner 302. In some examples, the reduced performance is about 10% of the full-load performance of the Bitcoin miner 302. As shown by the diagram 800, a capacitor voltage of a capacitor of the Bitcoin miner 302, represented by signal 802, decreases to about 390 V. This decrease may be less than 20% of a nominal voltage of the capacitor (e.g., about 400 V). Therefore, as shown by the diagram 800, the Bitcoin miner 302 may be capable of successfully riding-through the zero-voltage event occurring in a power supply represented by signal 804, in contrast to the example shown in the diagram 600 of FIG. 6.

[0051] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an example method 900. In some examples, the method 900 may be implemented by any one or more suitable devices, such as a voltage detection circuit, a control device, or the like, such as described above herein. In an example, the method 900 is implemented to reduce voltage consumption by a device, increase a voltage ride-through capability of a device, or a combination thereof.

[0052] At operation 902, the method 900 includes detecting a voltage transient event in a voltage supply associated with a cryptocurrency mining device. In some examples, the voltage supply, or power source, is an alternating current source. For example, the voltage supply may be an electrical power grid, or a point of interconnection of the cryptocurrency mining device with the electrical power grid. The voltage transient event may be a volage sag, a voltage swell, a zero-voltage event, or the like. In some examples, the voltage transient event is detected by a voltage detection circuit that monitors the voltage supply.

[0053] At operation 904, the method 900 includes, responsive to detecting the voltage transient event, controlling the cryptocurrency mining device to reduce a hash rate of the cryptocurrency mining device. In some examples, the cryptocurrency mining device is controlled by a control device to reduce a hash rate of the cryptocurrency mining device. Reducing the hash rate of the cryptocurrency mining device may decreasepower consumption of the cryptocurrency mining device, such as described above herein.

[0054] At operation 906, the method 900 includes, responsive to detecting a cessation of the voltage transient event, controlling the cryptocurrency mining device to resume a prior hash rate. In some examples, the cryptocurrency mining device is controlled by the control device to resume the hash rate of the cryptocurrency mining device. Resuming the hash rate of the cryptocurrency mining device may increase power consumption of the cryptocurrency mining device, such as described above herein.

[0055] At operation 908, the method 900 includes, responsive to detecting the voltage transient event, providing a backup voltage supply to the cryptocurrency mining device. In some examples, the backup voltage supply is provided by a generator, a power storage device, a renewable resource, orthe like. In some examples, the backup voltage supply is provided by one or more super capacitors, ultra capacitors, orthe like. In some examples, providing the backup voltage supply includes controlling a switch to close to couple the backup voltage supply to the cryptocurrency mining device.

[0056] At operation 910, the method 900 includes, responsive to detecting the cessation of the voltage transient event, ceasing providing the backup voltage supply to the cryptocurrency mining device. In some examples, ceasing providing the backup voltage supply includes controlling the switch to open to decouple the backup voltage supply from the cryptocurrency mining device.

[0057] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an example computing device 1000 suitable for implementing one or more examples disclosed herein. The computing device 1000 includes a processor 982 (which may be referred to as a central processor unit or CPU) that is in communication with memory devices including secondary storage 984, read only memory (ROM) 986, RAM 988, input / output (I / O) devices 990, and network connectivity devices 992. The processor 982 may be implemented as one or more CPU chips and / or may me a multi-core processor.

[0058] By programming and / or loading executable instructions onto the computing device 1000, at least one of the CPU 982, the RAM 988, and the ROM 986 are changed, transforming the computing device 1000 in part into a particular machine or apparatus having the functionality taught by the present disclosure. It is fundamental to the electrical engineering and software engineering arts that functionality that can be implemented by loading executable software into a computer can be converted to a hardware implementation by well-known design rules. Decisions between implementinga concept in software versus hardware typically hinge on considerations of stability of the design and numbers of units to be produced rather than any issues involved in translating from the software domain to the hardware domain. Generally, a design that is still subject to frequent change may be preferred to be implemented in software, because re-spinning a hardware implementation is more expensive than re-spinning a software design. Generally, a design that is stable that will be produced in large volume may be preferred to be implemented in hardware, for example in an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), because for large production runs the hardware implementation may be less expensive than the software implementation. Often a design may be developed and tested in a software form and later transformed, by well- known design rules, to an equivalent hardware implementation in an application specific integrated circuit that hardwires the instructions of the software. In the same manner as a machine controlled by a new ASIC is a particular machine or apparatus, likewise a computer that has been programmed and / or loaded with executable instructions may be viewed as a particular machine or apparatus.

[0059] Additionally, after the computing device 1000 is turned on or booted, the CPU 982 may execute a computer program or application. For example, the CPU 982 may execute software or firmware stored in the ROM 986 or stored in the RAM 988. In some cases, on boot and / or when the application is initiated, the CPU 982 may copy the application or portions of the application from the secondary storage 984 to the RAM 988 or to memory space within the CPU 982 itself, and the CPU 982 may then execute instructions which comprise the application. In some cases, the CPU 982 may copy the application or portions of the application from memory accessed via the network connectivity devices 992 or via the I / O devices 990 to the RAM 988 or to memory space within the CPU 982, and the CPU 982 may then execute instructions that comprise the application. During execution, an application may load instructions into the CPU 982, for example load some of the instructions of the application into a cache of the CPU 982. In some contexts, an application that is executed may be said to configure the CPU 982 to do something, e.g., to configure the CPU 982 to perform the functionality taught by the present disclosure. When the CPU 982 is configured in this way by the application, the CPU 982 becomes a specific purpose computer or a specific purpose machine.

[0060] The secondary storage 984 typically comprises one or more disk drives or tape drives and is used for non-volatile storage of data and as an over-flow data storage device if RAM 988 is not large enough to hold all working data. Secondary storage 984may be used to store programs which are loaded into RAM 988 when such programs are selected for execution. The ROM 986 is used to store instructions and perhaps data which are read during program execution. ROM 986 is a non-volatile memory device which typically has a small memory capacity relative to the larger memory capacity of secondary storage 984. The RAM 988 is used to store volatile data and perhaps to store instructions. Access to both ROM 986 and RAM 988 is typically faster than to secondary storage 984. The secondary storage 984, the RAM 988, and / or the ROM 986 may be referred to in some contexts as computer readable storage media and / or non-transitory computer readable media.

[0061] I / O devices 990 may include printers, video monitors, liquid crystal displays (LCDs), touch screen displays, keyboards, keypads, switches, dials, mice, track balls, voice recognizers, card readers, paper tape readers, or other well-known input devices.

[0062] The network connectivity devices 992 may be referred to as physical interfaces or physical network interfaces. The network connectivity devices 992 may take the form of modems, modem banks, Ethernet cards, universal serial bus (USB) interface cards, serial interfaces, token ring cards, fiber distributed data interface (FDDI) cards, WLAN cards such as a WiFi physical interface, radio transceiver cards such as a WWAN (e.g., a cellular network physical interface), and / or other network devices. A network connectivity device 992 may comprise an Ethernet-to-satellite wireless link physical interface. The network connectivity devices 992 may provide wired communication links and / or wireless communication links (e.g., a first network connectivity device 992 may provide a wired communication link and a second network connectivity device 992 may provide a wireless communication link). Wired communication links may be provided in accordance with Ethernet (IEEE 802.3), Internet protocol (IP), time division multiplex (TDM), data over cable service interface specification (DOCSIS), wavelength division multiplexing (WDM), and / or the like. In an example, the radio transceiver cards may provide wireless communication links using protocols such as CDMA, GSM, LTE, WiFi (IEEE 802.11 ), Bluetooth, Zigbee, NB loT, NFC, RFID. The radio transceiver cards may promote radio communications using 5G, 5G New Radio, or 5G LTE radio communication protocols. These network connectivity devices 992 may enable the processor 982 to communicate with the Internet or one or more intranets. With such a network connection, it is contemplated that the processor 982 might receive information from the network, or might output information to the network in the course of performing the above-described method steps. Such information, which is often represented as asequence of instructions to be executed using processor 982, may be received from and outputted to the network, for example, in the form of a computer data signal embodied in a carrier wave.

[0063] Such information, which may include data or instructions to be executed using processor 982 for example, may be received from and transmitted to the network, for example, in the form of a computer data baseband signal or signal embodied in a carrier wave. The baseband signal or signal embedded in the carrier wave, or other types of signals currently used or hereafter developed, may be generated according to any suitable methods. The baseband signal and / or signal embedded in the carrier wave may be referred to in some contexts as a transitory signal.

[0064] The processor 982 executes instructions, codes, computer programs, scripts which it accesses from hard disk, floppy disk, optical disk (these various disk-based systems may all be considered secondary storage 984), flash drive, ROM 986, RAM 988, or the network connectivity devices 992. While only one processor 982 is shown, multiple processors or processor cores may be present. Thus, while instructions may be discussed as executed by a processor, the instructions may be executed simultaneously, serially, or otherwise executed by one or multiple processors or processor cores. Instructions, codes, computer programs, scripts, and / or data that may be accessed from the secondary storage 984, for example, hard drives, floppy disks, optical disks, and / or other device, the ROM 986, and / or the RAM 988 may be referred to in some contexts as non-transitory instructions and / or non-transitory information.

[0065] In an example, the computing device 1000 may comprise two or more computers in communication with each other that collaborate to perform a task. For example, but not by way of limitation, an application may be partitioned in such a way as to permit concurrent and / or parallel processing of the instructions of the application. Alternatively, the data processed by the application may be partitioned in such a way as to permit concurrent and / or parallel processing of different portions of a data set by the two or more computers. In an example, virtualization software may be employed by the computing device 1000 to provide the functionality of a number of servers that is not directly bound to the number of computers in the computing device 1000. For example, virtualization software may provide twenty virtual servers on four physical computers. In an example, the functionality disclosed above may be provided by executing the application and / or applications in a cloud computing environment. Cloud computing may comprise providing computing services via a network connection using dynamicallyscalable computing resources. Cloud computing may be supported, at least in part, by virtualization software. A cloud computing environment may be established by an enterprise and / or may be hired on an as-needed basis from a third-party provider. Some cloud computing environments may comprise cloud computing resources owned and operated by the enterprise as well as cloud computing resources hired and / or leased from a third-party provider.

[0066] In an example, some or all of the functionality disclosed above may be provided as a computer program product. The computer program product may comprise one or more computer readable storage medium having computer usable program code embodied therein to implement the functionality disclosed above. The computer program product may comprise data structures, executable instructions, and other computer usable program code. The computer program product may be embodied in removable computer storage media and / or non-removable computer storage media. The removable computer readable storage medium may comprise, without limitation, a paper tape, a magnetic tape, magnetic disk, an optical disk, a solid-state memory chip, for example analog magnetic tape, compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM) disks, floppy disks, jump drives, digital cards, multimedia cards, and others. The computer program product may be suitable for loading, by the computing device 1000, at least portions of the contents of the computer program product to the secondary storage 984, to the ROM 986, to the RAM 988, and / or to other non-volatile memory and volatile memory of the computing device 1000. The processor 982 may process the executable instructions and / or data structures in part by directly accessing the computer program product, for example by reading from a CD-ROM disk inserted into a disk drive peripheral of the computing device 1000. Alternatively, the processor 982 may process the executable instructions and / or data structures by remotely accessing the computer program product, for example by downloading the executable instructions and / or data structures from a remote server through the network connectivity devices 992. The computer program product may comprise instructions that promote the loading and / or copying of data, data structures, files, and / or executable instructions to the secondary storage 984, to the ROM 986, to the RAM 988, and / or to other non-volatile memory and volatile memory of the computing device 1000.

[0067] In some contexts, the secondary storage 984, the ROM 986, and the RAM 988 may be referred to as a non-transitory computer readable medium or a computer readable storage media. A dynamic RAM example of the RAM 988, likewise, may bereferred to as a non-transitory computer readable medium in that while the dynamic RAM receives electrical power and is operated in accordance with its design, for example during a period of time during which the computing device 1000 is turned on and operational, the dynamic RAM stores information that is written to it. Similarly, the processor 982 may comprise an internal RAM, an internal ROM, a cache memory, and / or other internal non-transitory storage blocks, sections, or components that may be referred to in some contexts as non-transitory computer readable media or computer readable storage media.

[0068] While several examples have been provided in the present disclosure, the disclosed systems and methods may be embodied in many other specific forms without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. The present examples are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive, and the intention is not to be limited to the details given herein. For example, the various elements or components may be combined or integrated in another system or certain features may be omitted or not implemented.

[0069] Also, techniques, systems, subsystems, and methods described and illustrated in the various examples as discrete or separate may be combined or integrated with other systems, modules, techniques, or methods without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Other items shown or discussed as directly coupled or communicating with each other may be indirectly coupled or communicating through some interface, device, or intermediate component, whether electrically, mechanically, or otherwise. Other examples of changes, substitutions, and alterations are ascertainable by one skilled in the art and could be made without departing from the spirit and scope disclosed herein.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An apparatus, comprising: a voltage detection circuit coupled to a cryptocurrency mining unit, wherein the voltage detection circuit configured to: receive a voltage supply signal from a power source; detect a voltage transient event in the voltage supply signal; and responsive to detecting the voltage transient event, provide a control signal to the cryptocurrency mining unit to cause the cryptocurrency mining unit to reduce, without eliminating, its power consumption from the power source.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the voltage detection circuit is configured to, via the control signal, control the cryptocurrency mining unit to reduce a hash rate of the cryptocurrency mining unit.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising: a first switch coupled between a voltage supply terminal and the cryptocurrency mining unit, the first switch having a first control terminal coupled to the voltage detection circuit, and the voltage supply terminal configured to couple to the power source.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising: a second switch coupled between a backup voltage supply terminal and the cryptocurrency mining unit, the second switch having a second control terminal coupled to the voltage detection circuit, wherein the voltage detection circuit is configured to: responsive to detecting the voltage transient event, control the second switch to close to couple the backup voltage supply terminal to the crypto currency mining unit.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising a backup voltage supply coupled to the backup voltage supply terminal.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the backup voltage supply comprises an ultracapacitor.

7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the backup voltage supply comprises a super capacitor.

8. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the voltage transient event is one of a voltage sag, a voltage swell, or a zero-voltage event.

9. A method, comprising: detecting a voltage transient event in a voltage supply associated with a crypto currency mining device; and responsive to detecting the voltage transient event, controlling the crypto currency mining device to reduce a hash rate of the cryptocurrency mining device.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: responsive to detecting a cessation of the voltage transient event, controlling the cryptocurrency mining device to resume a prior hash rate.11 . The method of claim 9, further comprising: responsive to detecting the voltage transient event, providing a backup voltage supply to the cryptocurrency mining device.

12. The method of claim 11 , wherein providing the backup voltage supply comprises controlling a switch to close to couple a backup voltage supply terminal coupled to the backup voltage supply to the cryptocurrency mining device.

13. The method of claim 1 1 , further comprising: responsive to detecting the cessation of the voltage transient event, ceasing providing the backup voltage supply to the cryptocurrency mining device.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein ceasing providing the backup voltage supply comprises controlling a switch to open to decouple a backup voltage supply terminal coupled to the backup voltage supply from the cryptocurrency mining device.

15. The method of claim 9, wherein the voltage transient event is one of a voltage sag, a voltage swell, or a zero-voltage event.

16. A system, comprising: a plurality of cryptocurrency mining units coupled to a voltage supply terminal; a plurality of control circuits, each control circuit respectively coupled to one of the plurality of cryptocurrency mining units; and a voltage detection circuit coupled to the voltage supply terminal and the plurality of control circuits, the voltage detection circuit configured to: receive a voltage supply signal at the voltage supply terminal; detect a voltage transient event in the voltage supply signal; and responsive to detecting the voltage transient event, provide a control signal to each of the plurality of control circuits to cause the plurality of control circuits to control the plurality of cryptocurrency mining units to reduce, without eliminating, their power consumption from the voltage supply terminal.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the plurality of control circuits are each configured to control the plurality of cryptocurrency mining units to reduce respective hash rates of the plurality of cryptocurrency mining units.

18. The system of claim 16, further comprising: a first switch coupled between the voltage supply terminal and the plurality of crypto currency mining units, the first switch having a first control terminal coupled to the voltage detection circuit; and a second switch coupled between a backup voltage supply terminal and the plurality of cryptocurrency mining units, the second switch having a second control terminal coupled to the voltage detection circuit, wherein the voltage detection circuit is configured to:responsive to detecting the voltage transient event, control the second switch to close to couple the backup voltage supply terminal to the plurality of cryptocurrency mining units.

19. The system of claim 18, further comprising a backup voltage supply coupled to the backup voltage supply terminal.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the backup voltage supply comprises a capacitor.

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