Data center power distribution

Abstract

A power delivery apparatus and system include a battery to store energy, a charging converter, and a discharging converter. The charging inverter couples between an AC source and a battery interface. The charging converter impedance matches to the AC source and provides DC power to the battery. The discharging converter couple between the battery interface an AC load. The discharging converter creates an AC microgrid for the AC load. The battery, charging converter, and discharging converter can represent a power unit. A module, such as a rack, can include multiple power units that operate in parallel to collectively provide the AC microgrid.

Description

DATA CENTER POWER DISTRIBUTIONPRIORITY

[0001] This application is based on, and claims the benefit of priority of, U. S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 718,006, filed November 8, 2024.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Descriptions are generally related to electrical power, and more particular descriptions are related to providing power to a data center.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Data centers continue to increase in importance to advancing technologies, especially Al (artificial intelligence) applications. One of the challenges with Al data centers is the excessively high demand for power. New Al data centers are unable to fill their racks full of cards because the cards draw so much power and generate so much heat. Addressing the demands for waste heat removal can further increase the demand for power. Thus, the Al systems have very high power demand.

[0004] The infrastructure of the data center to provide the power to the chips is complex and expensive. The workloads performed by Al data centers is computationally expensive, and the risk of interruption to the workload without saving results is considered intolerable. Thus, the data center is typically built with power redundancy, where there are two power feeds for every one needed. Therefore, the data center has high power demand, and is then limited due to the design to double the power infrastructure as a risk mitigation to prevent data loss.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The following description includes discussion of figures having illustrations given by way of example of an implementation. The drawings should be understood by way of example, and not by way of limitation. As used herein, references to one or more examples are to be understood as describing a particular feature, structure, or characteristic included in at least one implementation of the invention. Phrases such as "in one example" or "in an alternative example" appearing herein provide examples of implementations of the invention, and do not necessarily all refer to the same implementation. However, they are also not necessarily mutually exclusive.

[0006] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example of power distribution to a data center.

[0007] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example of power distribution to a data center with isolated source and load AC waveforms.

[0008] FIG. 3A is a block diagram of an example of an AC to DC power flow circuit.

[0009] FIG. 3B is a block diagram of an example of a DC to AC power flow circuit.

[0010] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an example of data center power distribution with combined AC feeds.

[0011] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an example of data center power distribution through an isolating power unit.

[0012] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a power path with an inline battery.

[0013] FIG. 7A is a block diagram of an example of a power delivery system with two power feeds.

[0014] FIG. 7B is a block diagram of an example of a power delivery system with two power feeds, where one feed is a generator.

[0015] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an example of a power unit with a battery coupled between a charging converter and a discharging converter.

[0016] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an example of multiple modules coupled in parallel, each with multiple power units coupled in parallel.

[0017] FIG. 10A illustrates an example of a battery power mixer coupled to the grid.

[0018] FIG. 10B illustrates an example of a battery power mixer.

[0019] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an example of an AC-DC power mixer.

[0020] FIG. 12 is a flow diagram of a process for delivering power to a data center.

[0021] FIG. 13 is a flow diagram of a process for selective UPS operation based on selective battery charging.

[0022] FIG. 14 is a flow diagram of a process for runtime selection of data center power redundancy.

[0023] FIG. 15 is a flow diagram of a process for hot swapping a battery.

[0024] FIG. 16 is a flow diagram of a process for AC-DC power mixing.

[0025] FIG. 17 is a block diagram of an example of a power converter capable of reactive power injection.

[0026] FIG. 18 illustrates an example of a system in accordance with any example herein.

[0027] FIG. 19 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a consumer node having intelligent local energy storage.

[0028] FIG.20 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a four quadrant meter with an intelligent grid operating system.

[0029] Descriptions of certain details and implementations follow, including non-limiting descriptions of the figures, which may depict some or all examples, and well as other potential implementations.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] As described herein, a novel data center power infrastructure can eliminate the risk of loss of data due to power loss, while not needing to double the power distribution infrastructure. Thus, the power distribution can be selectable to 2N, double the power needed, as currently designed, or some lower power redundancy. Examples of other redundancy options can include N+l, where there is one additional device per group of N devices, or 4 makes 3, which is a specific application of N+l where N is 3.

[0031] The power distribution infrastructure can replace the use of UPS (uninterruptible power supply) devices with continuous passing of energy through battery power. The hardware / equipment described herein can operate selectively as a UPS (uninterruptable power supply) or passthrough device to provide power from the grid. The equipment design is modular, allowing build-out as needed. Thus, as a data center has increasing power demand from higher-powered processors, the data center can simply be upgraded with additional modules. Such an approach is in contrast to the current data center architecture, which would need a complete redesign and build-out of the data center. Additionally, with the equipment described herein, the data center can continue to operate while the additional capacity is built out.

[0032] The grid or backup generator can power the battery power, and the battery power can continuously supply power to the processing hardware. In one example, the power is converted from AC (alternating current) to DC (direct current) from the grid or generator to the battery, and then converted back to AC from the battery to distribute. In one example, the power is converted from AC to DC from the grid or generator to the battery, and then distributed as DC power directly to the processing hardware.

[0033] Traditional UPS relies on parallel battery resources, which become active to provide power to the system in the event of a loss of the main power. Instead of parallel battery resources as with a traditional UPS, the power delivery path described herein provides inlinebattery power. The inline battery power provides power to the battery, which then provides power to the data center.

[0034] While described as inline, another way to conceive of the inline battery technology described is that a first converter couples to the AC source, providing a DC node electrically isolated from the AC source, and a second converter couples to the DC node and generates an AC microgrid from the energy at the DC node. The AC microgrid is likewise electrically isolated from the DC node. The battery operates as an energy storage device at the DC node. Thus, instead of simply providing isolated AC-to-AC power, the isolated DC node with battery energy storage enables the generation of the AC output for as long as the DC node has energy. The battery power can provide multiples of the failover time available from current UPS systems.

[0035] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example of power distribution to a data center.System 100 illustrates grid power passing through a distribution network to the hardware of the data center. Grid 110 represents a commercial energy grid. Data center 130 represents a data center with high energy demand, such as an Al data center.

[0036] Power distribution network 120 represents the hardware infrastructure to deliver power from grid 110 to data center 130. in one example, the power distribution network includes power generation 122, such as generators or solar power systems or other renewable energy source. Power distribution network 120 also includes one or more software components to manage the distribution of power. Management 124 represents the hardware and software components that enable the power distribution described herein. Management 124 enables the selection of how much power redundancy will be used to power the data center.

[0037] The data center includes interface hardware 132 to deliver power to the processing equipment, such as busbars, switches, power lines, power converters, and other hardware. Interface hardware 132 can also represent interface hardware of the data center to deliver functionality to the processing equipment. Processing hardware 134 represents the computational hardware, such as server blades in a rack, which create the power demand by the computational operations, including processing and data transmission to and from memory and storage. The computational operations can also include network transmission between computational nodes and storage nodes.

[0038] The power distribution network includes battery storage, represented by battery 126, to continuously store and deliver power to the hardware of the data center via an inline battery configuration. Some of the power distribution network can be considered part of thedata center, and other components of the power distribution network can be considered external to the data center. In one example, the power distribution network includes power generation resources, represented by power generation 122, such as a backup generator. In one example, the power generation resources include renewable resources, such as solar, wind, or other renewable energy.

[0039] The power generation can provide continuous power during operation of the data center as well as an alternate source of power for the data center in the event that grid power is lost. It will be understood that typically the time it takes for backup power generators to kick on in the event a loss of grid power is detected is too long to prevent data loss by the processing hardware. Traditional power distribution networks maintain UPSs to bridge the gap.

[0040] The power distribution network of system 100 uses continual battery power, eliminating the need for UPS devices. The battery power is inline with the power flow, where typically USP devices are in parallel. In accordance with the power converters described herein, the battery power provides system 100 with the ability to adapt the power usage behind the battery to the specific reactive power needs of the processing hardware. Thus, system 100 provides improved power delivery to the processing hardware, generating the specific reactive power and real power needs to maximize processing hardware performance.

[0041] The power distribution network includes management to control the operation of the power distribution. In one example, the management monitors the real and reactive power demand of the data center and controls the operation of the power delivery to provide the power needed. In one example, the management monitors the power demand and the power delivery at a granular level. In one example, the level of granularity is the busbar level. In one example, the level of granularity is the server device level. In one example, the level of granularity is the rack level.

[0042] In one example, the management monitors the charging and discharging of the battery. The management can control the rate of charge and can manage which batteries and battery cells are charged. The control can also manage which batteries are discharged to provide power. Thus, the management can control the rates of charge and discharge of the various batteries.

[0043] FIG.2 is a block diagram of an example of power distribution to a data center with isolated source and load AC waveforms. System 200 illustrates grid power passing through a distribution network to the hardware of the data center. Grid 210 represents a commercialenergy grid. Data center 240 represents a data center with high energy demand, such as an Al data center. System 200 illustrates a system in accordance with an example of system 100.

[0044] System 200 illustrates a power grid that provides power to power distribution network 220. The power distribution network includes battery resources, represented by battery 224, to buffer the power provided by the grid. The power distribution network includes battery management 222 to manage the charging of the battery resources by the grid and the discharge of the battery resources to supply power to the data center.

[0045] The powering of the battery resources with the grid power ensures that the battery has energy for as long as the grid power is available. In one example, the battery management manages the battery resources with charge and discharge targets to manage battery health. Discharging the battery resources provides power to the data center, and since the power to the data center comes from the battery resources instead of directly from the grid, the data center is insulated from grid instability.

[0046] While described with reference to powering a data center with batteries that are charged by the grid, it will be understood that inline battery power can be applied to other applications. The system generally illustrates a power source, such as the grid. The power source could alternatively, or additionally, be renewable energy resources. A data center can be powered with inline battery resources, and other loads or power consumption applications other than a data center can be the target of the power delivery through an inline battery system.

[0047] System 200 illustrates grid side isolation (ISO) 234 used to charge the battery. Grid 210 provides power with grid waveform (WVFM) 232. The grid waveform represents the voltage and current waveforms of the power provided by the grid. Grid side isolation 234 includes circuitry to convert the AC grid power into DC power used to charge battery 224. As described in more detail below, the converter has circuitry that isolates the grid power.

[0048] System 200 illustrates load side isolation (ISO) 236 used to provide power to the data center from the battery. The battery provides power to the data center with microgrid waveform (WVFM) 238, which represents a generated voltage and current waveform of the power provided from the battery. In one example, the power from the battery is provided as a generated AC current waveform with a voltage waveform that follows the current. In one example, the power from the battery is provided as a DC current to the processing hardware resources.

[0049] Load side isolation 236 includes circuitry to generate the waveform to power the data center. As described in more detail below, the power converter has circuitry that isolates the data center or other load from the battery.

[0050] System 200 includes a data center with interface hardware 242 to receive the power provided from the battery resources. The interface hardware distributes the microgrid power to the computational resources of the data center. The computational resources are illustrated as processing hardware 246, represented by the servers. It will be understood that the interface hardware can be subdivided into separate power channels 244 for different segments of the processing hardware.

[0051] FIG.3A is a block diagram of an example of an AC to DC power flow circuit. System 302 illustrates a system that provides power from an AC source to an inline battery in accordance with an example of system 100 or am example of system 200. System 302 is illustrated with interconnect 310 interfacing with bridge 320, which then interfaces with DC circuit 330, which then interfaces with transfer circuit 340, which provides power to battery 350. Battery 350 represents an inline battery to be charged.

[0052] Interconnect 310 represents a component or device that provides an interconnection to an AC power source, such as a utility power grid or a generator. The power grid represents a utility grid or grid network that provides electrical power to consumers.

[0053] Interconnect 310 represents hardware that connects to an energy source. In one example, system 302 is part of grid side isolation to provide power to charge an inline battery. The isolation circuitry provided by interconnect 310 can include components such as transformers, which indirectly drive the power signals between the source side and the load side of system 302.

[0054] The electrical isolation of the output from the power source can enable the waveform shaping to selectively provide any phase angle and current waveform shape with respect to the current and voltage waveforms of the grid. With isolation, interconnect 310 and bridge 320 pass energy to the battery without being directly tied to a phase or waveform shape of the grid. Such isolation and waveform shaping is in contrast to other grid interconnections that are electrically tied to the power waveforms of the grid, as opposed to simply tying the energy to the grid while being able to change the waveform.

[0055] Bridge 320 can be referred to as an "H-bridge" that selectively switches the power lines from interconnect to convert the AC signal into a virtual DC signal. When drawing power,the switching can charge a high voltage DC link as an energy source or energy store to provide energy to the load system.

[0056] In one example, bridge 320 represents a bridge circuit having cross-connected switching circuits or switching components. The control of the switches can be isolated, as represented by ISO 322. The isolation enables control of the switching of the AC power outside the AC power domain. Thus, the switches can be in the high-power or high-voltage domain or inline with the high-voltage path, and the switch control can be a low-voltage or low-power domain separate from the power path.

[0057] DC circuit 330 represents a DC circuit that can provide a high voltage interconnection from bridge 320 to battery 350. DC circuit 330 can include a capacitor, capacitor bank, battery, battery bank, or other energy storage resource, as well as energy transfer circuitry. System 302 illustrates transfer circuit 340, which represents transfer circuitry from DC circuit 330 to battery 350. In one example, transfer circuit.340 is part of DC circuit 330, to provide an energy path for DC power to charge the inline battery represented by battery 350.

[0058] As with bridge 320, DC circuit can transfer energy in response to high speed switching. Similarly, transfer circuit 340 can have high speed switching to shape the energy transferred. ISO 332 represents isolation of the control of the switches that control DC circuit 330. ISO 342 represents isolation of the control of the switches that control transfer circuit 340. The isolation enables control of the switching of the power outside the power domain.

[0059] Processor 360 represents control hardware and software to provide control signals to control the transfer of power from the AC source to the battery. The control can include, for example, switching control and energy flow control. Processor 360 represents control hardware and software to provide control signals to manage the operation of the switching for bridge 320, the switching and energy flow control for DC circuit 330, and the switching and energy flow through transfer circuit 340.

[0060] It will be understood that reference above to software can also refer to embedded code (such as firmware) loaded on control components. Thus, processor.360 represents at least control hardware. Through software or firmware or a combination of software and firmware, the control hardware can be configured or enabled to be capable of control operations to manage or control the components of system 302.

[0061] Processor 360 is illustrated as having waveform shape hardware 364 and waveform control hardware 366, which together represent the waveform control for processor 360. Processor 360 can shape and control the waveform generated at each phase of the flow of power along the power path, from the AC source to battery 350. With the waveform control, processor 360 generates output control signals for bridge 320, DC circuit 330, and transfer circuit 340.

[0062] Diagram 374 within processor 360 represents a waveform with angles and distorted lines for a waveform measured off the grid having noise. The THD (total harmonic distortion) represents total harmonic distortion control through the use of table-based or setpoint based idealized waveform generation. The idealized waveform is represented below the distorted waveform, and has no distortion. The CMPL (compliance) represents the compliance of output current with grid requirements. The output is primarily a current waveform, with the shape and phase of the current set by processor 360, and the voltage following the output current waveform. Thus, the phase can be set to any desired phase angle (O) with respect to the grid voltage.

[0063] Processor 360 applies settings with the waveform generation hardware to generate the target waveform at the target phase. The target phase can be a phase that will put the generated current waveform in phase with the grid voltage for unity power factor, or at a desired offset with respect to the grid voltage to generate reactive power. By generating a current waveform out of phase with respect to the grid voltage, system 302 inject current into the power path to generate reactive power (reactive power injection), rather than simply providing reactive power loading with inductors and / or capacitors that consume energy to adjust the phase offset.

[0064] Direction control 372 represents components that can perform computations and provide input to manage the angle of the generated waveform and the shape, amplitude, and frequency of the waveform based on whether power is drawn from the grid or supplied to the grid. Communication (COMM) 362 represents one or more components for providing communication to processor 360. The communication can include grid dispatch information. Thus, system 302 can be fully dispatchable by the utility. With the switching control in response to the utility communication, system 302 can be a virtual spinning generator, having realtime phase and reactive power control as with a spinning generator, although system 302 does not need a spinning component to generate the AC signal. Rather, the processor generates thetarget AC signal waveform and controls the AC bridge and DC link to transition energy between DC and AC.

[0065] In one example, the communication can include communication from local measurement or sensor components. In one example, system 302 is part of a consumer system having a gateway device that measures operation within a consumer premises and provides feedback or provides measurements based on the operation of the grid interconnection for the consumer premises, or different components that source or load power within the consumer premises, or grid conditions, or any combination of any one or more of these. In one example, system 302 is implemented in an enclosure or system that includes sensors that provide internal 4-quadrant meter measurements, and processor 360 provides control signals based on the sensor measurements. System 302 can operation in accordance with an intelligent grid operating system (IGOS) that performs realtime monitoring and realtime computation to generate the desired output power.

[0066] FIG. 3B is a block diagram of an example of a DC to AC power flow circuit. System 304 illustrates a system that provides power from a DC source, such as an inline battery, to a load, in accordance with an example of system 100 or am example of system 200. System 304 is illustrated with interconnect 312 interfacing with DC circuit 330, which then interfaces with bridge 320, which then interfaces with transfer circuit 344, which provides power to load 352. Load 352 represents consumer premises, a data center, or other load.

[0067] Interconnect 312 represents a component or device that provides an interconnection to a DC energy source, such as a battery or a renewable energy resource. Interconnect 312 represents hardware that connects to an energy source. In one example, system 304 is part of load side isolation to provide power from a battery to a load. When providing power from a battery to a load, system 304 provides a microgrid that can be selectively decoupled from the utility grid. The isolation circuitry provided by interconnect 312 can include components such as transformers, which indirectly drive the power signals between the source side and the load side of system 304.

[0068] The electrical isolation of the output from the power source can enable the waveform shaping to selectively provide any phase angle and current waveform shape for a microgrid. With isolation, interconnect 312, DC circuit 330, and bridge 320 pass energy to the load without being directly tied to a specific phase or waveform shape; thus, the system can generate whatever waveform phase and shape is desired for the microgrid. Such isolation andwaveform shaping is in contrast to other grid interconnections that are electrically tied to the power waveforms of the grid, as opposed to simply tying the energy to the grid while being able to change the waveform.

[0069] DC circuit 330 represents a DC circuit that can provide a high voltage interconnection from interconnect 312 to bridge 320. DC circuit 330 can include a capacitor, capacitor bank, battery, battery bank, or other energy storage resource, as well as energy transfer circuitry.

[0070] Bridge 320 can be referred to as an "H-bridge" that selectively switches the power lines from interconnect to convert the AC signal into a virtual DC signal. When drawing power, the switching can charge a high voltage DC link as an energy source or energy store to provide energy to the load system.

[0071] In one example, bridge 320 represents a bridge circuit having cross-connected switching circuits or switching components. The control of the switches can be isolated, as represented by ISO 322. The isolation enables control of the switching of the AC power outside the AC power domain. Thus, the switches can be in the high-power or high-voltage domain or inline with the high-voltage path, and the switch control can be a low-voltage or low-power domain separate from the power path.

[0072] System 304 illustrates transfer circuit 344, which represents transfer circuitry from bridge 320 to load 352. In one example, transfer circuit 344 is part of DC circuit 330, to provide an energy path for DC power to charge the inline battery represented by load 352.

[0073] As with bridge 320, DC circuit can transfer energy in response to high speed switching. Similarly, transfer circuit 344 can have high speed switching to shape the energy transferred. ISO 332 represents isolation of the control of the switches that control DC circuit 330. ISO 342 represents isolation of the control of the switches that control transfer circuit 344. The isolation enables control of the switching of the power outside the power domain.

[0074] Processor 360 represents control hardware and software to provide control signals to control the transfer of power from the AC source to the battery. The control can include, for example, switching control and energy flow control. Processor 360 represents control hardware and software to provide control signals to manage the operation of the switching for bridge 320, the switching and energy flow control for DC circuit 330, and the switching and energy flow through transfer circuit 344.

[0075] It will be understood that reference above to software can also refer to embedded code (such as firmware) loaded on control components. Thus, processor 360 represents at least control hardware. Through software or firmware or a combination of software and firmware, the control hardware can be configured or enabled to be capable of control operations to manage or control the components of system 304.

[0076] Processor 360 is illustrated as having waveform shape hardware 364 and waveform control hardware 366, which together represent the waveform control for processor 360. Processor 360 can shape and control the waveform generated at each phase of the flow of power along the power path, from the AC source to load 352. With the waveform control, processor 360 generates output control signals for bridge 320, DC circuit 330, and transfer circuit 344.

[0077] Diagram 374 within processor 360 represents a waveform with angles and distorted lines for a waveform measured off the grid having noise. The THD (total harmonic distortion) represents total harmonic distortion control through the use of table-based or setpoint based idealized waveform generation. The idealized waveform is represented below the distorted waveform, and has no distortion. The CMPL (compliance) represents the compliance of output current with grid requirements. The output is primarily a current waveform, with the shape and phase of the current set by processor 360, and the voltage following the output current waveform. Thus, the phase can be set to any desired phase angle ( D) with respect to the grid voltage.

[0078] Processor 360 applies settings with the waveform generation hardware to generate the target waveform at the target phase. The target phase can be a phase that will put the generated current waveform in phase with the grid voltage for unity power factor, or at a desired offset with respect to the grid voltage to generate reactive power. By generating a current waveform out of phase with respect to the grid voltage, system 304 inject current into the power path to generate reactive power (reactive power injection), rather than simply providing reactive power loading with inductors and / or capacitors that consume energy to adjust the phase offset.

[0079] Direction control 372 represents components that can perform computations and provide input to manage the angle of the generated waveform and the shape, amplitude, and frequency of the waveform based on whether power is drawn from the grid or supplied to the grid. Communication (COMM) 362 represents one or more components for providingcommunication to processor 360. The communication can include grid dispatch information. Thus, system 304 can be fully dispatchable by the utility. With the switching control in response to the utility communication, system 304 can be a virtual spinning generator, having realtime phase and reactive power control as with a spinning generator, although system 304 does not need a spinning component to generate the AC signal. Rather, the processor generates the target AC signal waveform and controls the AC bridge and DC link to transition energy between DC and AC.

[0080] In one example, the communication can include communication from local measurement or sensor components. In one example, system 304 is part of a consumer system having a gateway device that measures operation within a consumer premises and provides feedback or provides measurements based on the operation of the grid interconnection for the consumer premises, or different components that source or load power within the consumer premises, or grid conditions, or any combination of any one or more of these. In one example, system 304 is implemented in an enclosure or system that includes sensors that provide internal 4-quadrant meter measurements, and processor 360 provides control signals based on the sensor measurements. System 304 can operation in accordance with an intelligent grid operating system (IGOS) that performs realtime monitoring and realtime computation to generate the desired output power.

[0081] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an example of data center power distribution with combined AC feeds. System 400 represents a system in accordance with an example of system 100 or an example of system 200. System 400 illustrates Feed A and Feed B to provide power to different components. In one example, both Feed A and Feed B come from grid 410. In one example, different feeds come from different transformer (XFMR) connections to the grid. For example, transformer 412 connects to grid 410 to provide Feed A, and transformer 414 connects to grid 410 to provide Feed B.

[0082] Instead of using Feed B as a backup to Feed A, Feed B is used in system 400 to double the processing density of the data center by providing power to other processing equipment. System 400 can provide redundancy and prevent power loss by the processing hardware in the event of a loss of grid power by use of inline battery power delivery.

[0083] In one example, system 400 has one or more backup generators to turn on in the event that grid 410 loses power, or in the event the data center is required to disconnect from the grid. Like the combination of different grid feeds, system 400 can provide the parallelcapacity of the generators as power for the data center. For example, generator 422 and generator 424 can be backups to Feed A and Feed B, respectively, but the system can use the combined generation capacity to power the grid. The backups can operate in with automatic failover, where in the event the grid goes down, the generators will automatically come online. The battery can provide sufficient time for the generators to spin up without interruption to the processing hardware.

[0084] In system 400 Feed A and Feed B can be combined to provide power to multiple batteries 440. Each battery 440 has multiple cells to store power. In one example, the battery resources can be coupled through transformers 430. Transformers 430 represent equipment that divides down the feeds from the grid. Transformers 430 are typically smaller capacity than transformer 412 and transformer 414.

[0085] Batteries 440 operate in parallel to provide power to the data center. The batteries act as primary and backup power for the data center. In one example, system 400 has separate power feeds on the grid and supply side, but rather than having separate power feeds on the consumption side, system 400 can provide microgrid 442 to distribute the power. Microgrid 442 can be in accordance with any example described.

[0086] The batteries operate in parallel to provide the energy used to generate the microgrid. The microgrid provides a grid-isolated power environment for the consumption of power by the processing hardware. The microgrid can provide a mix of real and reactive power, with the waveform phase and shape that will best supply the power needs of the processing hardware. The phase angle of the microgrid is independent of what is happening on grid 410, or whether the system is connected to grid 410 or not. The voltage level can also be independently provided through microgrid 442 to power the data center. In one example, the system can provide 240 VAC, 220 VAC, 120 VAC, 470 VAC, or whatever voltage the data center is designed to receive. The discharging converters can be designed and operated to provide the desired output voltage.

[0087] In one example, system 400 includes iGOS control or other software-based management of the power distribution. Control 450 represents the software-based management of the power distribution through the various power channels or power paths. Power (PWR) 452 can represent different power paths to the processing hardware. Hardware (HW) 460 represents the processing hardware and hardware associated with the processors that also consumes power.

[0088] The processing hardware typically provides data about the power consumption and the operation of the hardware devices. System 400 can receive and respond to the changing conditions in the processing hardware, including changing the output power to fit the specific needs. This changing of the power output can be in response to the operation of the processing hardware, regardless of the state of the power delivered by the grid.

[0089] In one example, in response to grid instability, system 400 can also respond by bringing a power supply generator online. With the inline battery supply configuration of system 400, the power distribution control can provide the power needed by the processing hardware from the battery, with a microgrid electrically isolated from the power supply. Thus, whether the grid is active or a backup generator has come online, the battery power can be converted into the specific type of power needed by the processing hardware.

[0090] It will be understood that when the battery power reaches a low threshold, the system can throttle processing operations to take the processing resources offline in a controlled manner to avoid data loss. The system can manage the power delivery at each stage or each power channel in the data center. The control for the power (PWR) feeds represents the ability to manage the power distribution for the specific hardware needs.

[0091] The batteries can be connected to transformer (XFMR) hardware that provides power through a distribution network to the processing hardware, represented by the HW (hardware). The HW can represent different racks of equipment that are powered by the different feeds. In one example, there is a separate transformer per rack. The transformer can be a traditional transformer, or can be implemented in microinverter hardware to convert power to what is needed by the processing hardware.

[0092] FIG, 5 is a block diagram of an example of data center power distribution through an isolating power unit. System 500 represents a system in accordance with an example of system 400. More specifically, system 500 illustrates an example of distributing power through power modules that have the batteries.

[0093] System 500 illustrates grid 510, which represents the AC source for the data center. The grid power is distributed as described above through various transformers 530 to connect to different power modules 540. In one example, each transformer 530 couples to a power module 540. In one example, more than one power module 540 couples to the same transformer 530.

[0094] The transformers provide the grid voltage with the grid waveform through breakers (BRKR) 532 to the power module. For example, breakers 532 can be a breaker panel, with a breaker for each power unit, where the power unit includes charger 542, battery 544, and discharger 546. Charger 542 represents the charging converter. Discharger 546 represents the discharging converter. Battery 544 is electrically isolated on a DC node between the charger and discharger.

[0095] Breakers 552 represent connections from individual power units to a power bus, represented by bus 550. In one example, each power unit operates independently, operating to provide the maximum transfer of power to the microgrid. Even with independent operation, collectively, as they operate in parallel, the power units generate the microgrid. Thus, bus 550 has power provided with the microgrid waveform.

[0096] One of the major disruptions caused by Al data centers is not just the overall power draw, but the fact that the data center will draw very little power as the processors are not operating, and then all the processors will come online simultaneously, drawing enormous current. The huge current swing causes massive reactive power changes, as is understood by those skilled in the art.

[0097] The independent microgrid enables system 500 to isolate the reactive power need within the data center from grid 510. Even with massive current draw, the grid sees only the real power draw (or nearly all real power) from the chargers. The dischargers are responsible for providing the reactive power needs of the microgrid. The dischargers as described herein can operate as virtual spinning generators, injecting reactive power into the microgrid. The system can thus inject VARs (volt-amps-reactive) into the microgrid to match the need of the servers.

[0098] The dischargers have a response time of less than 1 second, enabling a change to reactive power to occur much more quickly than is possible with the large equipment of the grid. The discharger operates in current mode to deliver power, with the voltage following. Thus, the discharger can align the output current with the voltage waveform of the output, or selectively not align the current and voltage, enabling the output of any combination of real and reactive power needed by the servers.

[0099] In one example, multiple power distribution units (PDUs) 560 couple to bus 550 to provide separate power paths for groups of servers 570. Thus, one transformer 530 can connect to one or more power module 540. Each power module 540 includes multiple powerunits that provide power to bus 550. The bus represents a collective microgrid from all power units of all power modules. Multiple PDUs 560 connect to the bus, and each PDU provides microgrid power to multiple servers 570.

[0100] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a power path with an inline battery. System 600 represents a system or a power transfer device or a power transfer system in accordance with an example of system 100 or an example of system 200. System 600 illustrates an application that enables charging and discharging a battery on the consumer premises. System 600 includes device 612 to charge battery 602 from grid 610 and device 614 to discharge battery 602 as a power source for data center 616.

[0101] System 600 includes grid interconnect 620 to connect to grid 610. Grid interconnect 620 includes grid interconnect hardware represented by inductor and capacitor components with monitoring at 626. In one example, grid interconnect 620 couples to device 612 through breaker (BRKR) 628.

[0102] The measurement of monitoring 626 isolated when performed with Hall effect sensors or inductive measurement. In one example, the isolation can include optical measurement components. With the isolation components, processor 640 can monitor the grid current and the grid voltage without being directly inline with the high-power signal line.

[0103] Device 612 includes a bridge circuit that selectively connects to grid 610 through grid interconnect hardware, represented by grid interconnect 620. Grid interconnect 620 can include a filter circuit. The bridge circuit is represented as a simplified bridge circuit having cross-connected switching circuits or switching components, including switch 632, switch 634, switch 636, and switch 638. The bridge circuit is managed by processor 640. Processor 640 represents processor 360 in accordance with an example of system 302.

[0104] System 600 includes a bridge circuit represented by switches with high voltage isolation (ISO) that are cross connected and coupled to the grid voltage and neutral. More specifically, the bridge circuit includes switch 632 coupled in series with switch 634 between the bridge high voltage and low voltage, where the high voltage signal is received in the node between the switches. The bridge circuit also includes switch 636 coupled in series with switch 638 between the bridge high voltage and low voltage, where the grid neutral signal is received in the node between the switches.

[0105] The control of the switches can be isolated, as represented by the "ISO" components. The isolation enables control of the switching of the AC power outside the ACpower domain. Thus, the switches can be in the high-power or high-voltage domain or inline with the high-voltage path, and the switch control can be a low-voltage or low-power domain separate from the power path.

[0106] Device 612 includes a DC link illustrated by capacitor 644 and DC circuit 642.Capacitor 644 or the energy storage resource provides an internal node that can be charged with energy. The internal node provides an energy reservoir to allow switching between DC and AC power signals with switching circuitry. DC circuit 642 can include one or more magnetic energy devices, such as inductors or transformers, to allow conversion of energy from a source into an energy output.

[0107] DC circuit 642 can be managed by isolated switching control from processor 640. Processor 640 can measure the DC link high voltage signal and provide control signals to DC circuit 642.

[0108] System 600 illustrates node 646 and node 648, which represent local interconnection points of the bidirectional energy transfer system. Battery 602 represents an energy storage component, such as a traditional battery, a potential energy system, or other storage. Battery 602 that can be charged by device 612 and discharged by device 614. In the example of system 600, battery 602 can be charged with power from grid 610 through device 612, and can provide power to the consumer premises through device 614.

[0109] Device 612 includes AC / DC circuit 650, which provides isolated power transfer for AC to DC power flow. In one example, AC / DC circuit 650 includes, among other hardware, transformer 654 controlled by isolated switch 652 and controlled by isolated switch 656. Transformer 654 has the larger number of windings coupled between node 646 and node 648 and the lower number of windings coupled between the top and bottom of battery 602. Switch 652 selectively switches the connection of node 646 to the windings. The switching allows the charging of battery 602.

[0110] Device 614 includes DC / AC circuit 660, which provides isolated power transfer for DC to AC power flow. In one example, DC / AC circuit 660 includes, among other hardware, transformer 664 controlled by isolated switch 662 and controlled by isolated switch 666. Transformer 664 has the larger number of windings coupled between node 676 and node 678 and the lower number of windings coupled between the top and bottom of battery 602. Switch 662 selectively switches the connection of node 676 to the windings. The switching allows the discharging of battery 602.

[0111] in one example, the connection to the top of battery 602 is controlled by switch 656. In one example, the connection to the bottom of battery 602 is controlled by switch 666.System 600 represents isolated control to control switching of transformer 654 and transformer 664, which allows switching of high-voltage DC power from processor 640. In one example, system 600 can include switching control on the battery side of the transformers, to allow step-up operation for discharge and step-down operation for charge. As illustrated, processor 640 has direction control to control the switching on both sides of the transformers to control the flow of energy into or out of battery 602.

[0112] Device 614 includes a DC link illustrated by capacitor 674 and DC circuit 672.Capacitor 674 or the energy storage resource provides an internal node that can be charged with energy. The internal node provides an energy reservoir to allow switching between DC and AC power signals with switching circuitry. DC circuit 672 can include one or more magnetic energy devices, such as inductors or transformers, to allow conversion of energy from a source into an energy output.

[0113] DC circuit 672 can be managed by isolated switching control from processor 670. Processor 670 can measure the DC link high voltage signal and provide control signals to DC circuit 672.

[0114] All switching control described can be high-speed switching or high-frequency switching (e.g., on the order of kilohertz or tens of kHz). The high frequency switching can provide a switched signal that looks like a DC signal to a component that does not have microsecond response times. Thus, the signal can be a switched signal that simulates a DC signal. Putting the simulated DC signal through a circuit having a capacitor will smooth the simulated DC signal to a DC signal.

[0115] Device 614 includes a bridge circuit that selectively provides power from battery 602 to data center 616 through micro grid interconnect hardware, represented by microgrid interconnect 690. Microgrid interconnect 690 can include a filter circuit.

[0116] The measurement of monitoring 696 isolated when performed with Hall effect sensors or inductive measurement. In one example, the isolation can include optical measurement components. With the isolation components, processor 670 can monitor the grid current and the grid voltage without being directly inline with the high-power signal line.

[0117] The bridge circuit of device 614 is represented as a simplified bridge circuit having cross-connected switching circuits or switching components, including switch 682, switch 684,switch 686, and switch 688. The bridge circuit is managed by processor 670. Processor 670 represents processor 360 in accordance with an example of system 304.

[0118] System 600 includes a bridge circuit represented by switches with high voltage isolation (ISO) that are cross connected and coupled to the grid voltage and neutral. More specifically, the bridge circuit includes switch 682 coupled in series with switch 684 between the bridge high voltage and low voltage, where the high voltage signal is received in the node between the switches. The bridge circuit also includes switch 686 coupled in series with switch 688 between the bridge high voltage and low voltage, where the grid neutral signal is received in the node between the switches.

[0119] The control of the switches can be isolated, as represented by the "ISO” components. The isolation enables control of the switching of the AC power outside the AC power domain. Thus, the switches can be in the high-power or high-voltage domain or inline with the high-voltage path, and the switch control can be a low-voltage or low-power domain separate from the power path.

[0120] System 600 includes microgrid interconnect 690 to connect to data center 616. Microgrid interconnect 690 includes grid interconnect hardware represented by inductor and capacitor components with monitoring at 696. In one example, microgrid interconnect 690 couples to device 614 through breaker (BRKR) 698.

[0121] FIG. 7 A is a block diagram of an example of a power delivery system with two power feeds. System 702 represents a system in accordance with an example of system 100 or an example of system 200. System 702 illustrates Feed A and Feed B coming off grid 710. System 702 can monitor the power delivered by each feed, with Power Level A for Feed A and Power Level B for Feed B.

[0122] Battery 720 represents battery power storage for system 702. One battery is illustrated, but it will be understood that many batteries or many banks of batteries can be used. The battery has capacity 722, illustrated by the rectangles, with the dark rectangles illustrating the charge and the light rectangles illustrating how much more the battery cells could be charged. The two feeds can ensure that the battery has a backup in case of a failure at one feed. The total capacity tends to fall over the lifetime of the battery. When the battery can no longer hold a sufficient amount of charge, it can be hot-swapped as described in more detail herein.

[0123] in one example, the battery is managed by a battery controller (not specifically illustrated), such as the management of system 100. In one example, the battery provides two separate feeds to the processing equipment to enable continuous operation of processor 750. In one example, the management of system 702 enables the selection of different types of protection. The mode selection represents the selection of different levels of power redundancy coverage.

[0124] For the mode selection, 2N mode refers to having capacity that is double the need, allowing uninterrupted operation if one feed is lost. N+l mode refers to having a demand for N, and having at least one more level of capacity than what is needed, such as having 3 batteries for every 2 batteries worth of capacity needed. 4 makes 3 can refer to an N+l mode where N is 3.

[0125] It will be understood that the different modes are like the modes selected in by the architecture of a traditional data center design. As described herein, the modes are simulated, in that the system can selectively enable and disable hardware to simulate the redundancy scheme. The system can select various components to operate, while holding the remainder of the components back as reserve capacity.

[0126] Managed PDU (power distribution unit) 730 represents hardware to distribute power from the battery or batteries to the processing hardware, represented by processor 750. Managed PDU 740 represents hardware to distribute power as a second path from the battery or batteries to the processing hardware. The PDUs are not the same as traditional PDUs, which traditional PDUs include equipment with high power lines and switches. The PDUs of system 702 are managed PDUs, managed by the power monitoring and hardware described herein.

[0127] More specifically, the PDU hardware can include power converters to generate microgrid waveforms in accordance with any descriptions herein. In one example, PDU 730 includes controller 734 to manage operation of the hardware and power converter 732 to provide the power needed by the processing hardware. In one example, PDU 730 includes network (NTWK) 736, which represents network communication hardware and interconnections. Outlets 738 represent the outlets or power ports into which the processing hardware can be connected. Similarly, PDU 740 includes controller 744, power converter 742, network (NTWK) 746, and outlets 748.

[0128] The microgrid power distribution enables system 702 to provide the specific power required by the processor load. As the processor consumes more power to performcomputations, the blade power supply can become saturated, which significantly increases the reactive power need for the power supply. The managed PDU can provide the specific reactive power need for each power channel. The controller in the PDU represents power management intelligence, such as iGOS control.

[0129] In one example, the processor represents an Al blade. The PDU can have network (NTWK) resources to enable communication in system 702. For example, the network can be an ethernet or other communication link. The outlets represent electrical outlets that processing hardware can be plugged into.

[0130] FIG.7B is a block diagram of an example of a power delivery system with two power feeds, where one feed is a generator. More specifically, system 704 is an example of system 702, where Feed B is specifically illustrated as a backup generator rather than a grid-tied source. In one example, Feed B can be additional capacity provided by generator 712. Thus, generator 712 can represent reserve capacity, as well as additional capacity for the data center beyond what is provided by the grid. For example, for every IX of power provided by grid 710, generator 712 can provide IX of power, 0.5X of power, 1.5X of power, or any other multiple. That allows for flexible design in the data center primary power delivery.

[0131] FIG.8 is a block diagram of an example of a power unit with a battery coupled between a charging converter and a discharging converter. System 800 represents a power unit module in accordance with an example of system 500. System 800 illustrates two power units coupled to gateway 840, where gateway 840 represents the module controller. A module can include multiple power units, such as 8 or 12 units, or some other number of units.

[0132] Battery 810 represents the battery device, which includes cells 812 to store energy, BMS (battery management system) 814 internal to the battery device, and communication (COMM) 816. BMS 814 controls the charging and discharging, as well as monitoring the health of the battery. Communication 816 represents a network connection to enable communication with gateway 840. More specifically, the gateway communicates with the BMS of each battery 810.

[0133] Charger 820 represents the charging converter. The grid or other AC source for system 800 provides an AC input to charger 820, which creates an isolated DC current output to the terminals of battery 810. In one example, charger 820 includes communication (COMM) 822 to communicate with gateway 840. Thus, the gateway can manage the operation of the chargers, including triggering the chargers to operate or cease operation. The gateway canselectively control every charger separately, giving battery-level control over the generation and distribution of power in system 800.

[0134] Discharger 830 represents the discharging converter. Discharger 830 receives DC power from the battery terminals and provides an isolated AC output as a microgrid. In one example, discharger 830 includes communication (COMM) 832 to communicate with gateway 840. Thus, the gateway can manage the operation of the dischargers, including triggering the dischargers to operate or cease operation. The gateway can selectively control every discharger separately, completing the battery-level control over the generation and distribution of power in system 800.

[0135] In one example, the charger can provide DC power to the terminals of the battery to enable charging of the battery. For the battery to charge, the discharger will not draw power from the battery. In one example, the battery can be micro-cycled with micro charges and micro discharges, for example, charging and discharging for seconds or portions of a second at a time. It will be understood that when the charger and discharger operate concurrently, the power flows through and when they are operated sequentially, the power will go through the battery. Concurrent operation is when both are active at the same time. Sequential operation is when one operates, then the other operates, then the first operates again, then the second operates again, and so forth.

[0136] In one example, when the AC source is available (e.g., the grid is up), the charger can provide the power to the battery terminals, and the discharger can take that energy to generate the microgrid, essentially bypassing the battery. Thus, when both the charger and discharger operate at the same time, power can be passed from the grid to the microgrid, however, completely isolated to enable the desired microgrid. In one example, the gateway can selectively enable a battery to operate as long as it is at a threshold charge level. Until reaching the threshold, the system can charge the battery.

[0137] In one example, the architecture of system 800 enables hot swapping the batteries. In response to a communication failure (e.g., the BMS fails to communicate to the gateway), the gateway can determine the battery is failed and remove it from operation. In one example, the BMS provides battery levels (e.g., cells charge and cell health) to the gateway. The gateway can determine whether the battery has a sufficient total capacity for operation. If the total capacity is lower than a threshold, in one example, the gateway determines that the battery is failed.

[0138] in response to a failed battery, the gateway can disable the operation of the charger and discharger, shutting the devices down. With the devices disabled, an operator can trip the breakers (not shown) associated with the power unit and replace the battery. As soon as the battery is replaced, the operator can set the breakers, enabling the gateway to detect the battery and integrate it back into the system. Integration into the system can include charging the battery to a desired level.

[0139] While description is made to hot swapping the battery, it will be understood that any component of the power unit can be replaced in the same way. In one example, in response to detection of a failed battery, the gateway can check both the battery and the charger and discharger. Thus, the gateway can determine which component failed, allow replacement of the failed component, and then bring the power unit back online.

[0140] FIG, 9 is a block diagram of an example of multiple modules coupled in parallel, each with multiple power units coupled in parallel. System 900 represents a system in accordance with an example of system 800. Whereas system 800 illustrates the details of individual power units, system 900 illustrates multiple power units together in modules.

[0141] System 900 illustrates the modular nature of the power distribution architecture described herein. System 900 includes multiple power modules, represented by power module 920-1, power module 920-2, power module 920-3,..., collectively, power modules 920. Each power module 920 includes multiple power units 910.

[0142] Each power unit 910 includes charger 914, representing a charging converter, battery 912, and discharger 916, representing a discharging converter. As illustrated, the power unit has an AC input from an AC source (e.g., utility grid, power grid, generator) and an AC output. The charger receives the AC input and generates a DC current, and the discharger takes a DC current and generates an AC microgrid output. Collectively, power units 910 receive AC input from AC supply 924 and generate AC output as AC microgrid 926.

[0143] In one example, each power module 920 includes controller 922, which represents a controller for the multiple power units. In one example, controller 922 is a gateway device. The controller communicates with each power unit, and with each component of each power unit. The controller can selectively manage operation of individual power units to set selected power units as active and other power units as reserve. The reserve can be set, for example, based in part on the redundancy mode selected for the system. The controller can individually controloperation of each power unit, enabling individual control over charging and discharging operation.

[0144] In one example, the collective power provided by the power modules can be input to switch station 930. Switch station 930 can represent software-controlled hardware that enables the selective connection or disconnection of various power modules. The output of the switch station can be an AC power bus to the loads, represented by AC 932.

[0145] A system-level controller (not specifically shown in system 900) can determine entire modules should be held in reserve. Thus, redundancy can be implemented on an individual level within each battery, on a module level with each power unit, on a system level with each module, or some combination of these. The control can be provided by one or more control components that execute iGOS (alternatively referred to as igOS), as previously described.

[0146] In one example, power unit 910 includes the battery unit and either separate charger and discharger units, or a multi-converter package having multiple chargers shared by multiple different batteries, or both the charger and discharger in a single package. The design of the different converter packages enables different efficiencies, and the design as a single converter package or a multi-converter package can be determined per implementation.

[0147] In one example, each power module 920 represents a vertical rack having slots for the multiple batteries. In one example, the converter packages are mounted to the side of the rack or within slots in the rack. The configuration of the modules and the physical implementation can vary based on implementation.

[0148] FIG. 10A illustrates an example of a battery power mixer coupled to the grid. System 1002 represents a system or a power transfer device or a power transfer system in which a mix of power from grid 1010 and from battery 1060 can be provided to a consumer load, such as a consumer premises. The consumer premises is connected through consumer interconnect 1092.

[0149] System 1002 includes grid interconnect 1020 to connect to grid 1010. Grid interconnect 1020 includes grid interconnect hardware represented by inductor and capacitor components with monitoring at 1026. Grid interconnect 1020 can include a filter circuit. In one example, grid interconnect 1020 couples to a power flow unit.

[0150] The measurement of monitoring 1026 is isolated when performed with Hall effect sensors or inductive measurement. In one example, the isolation can include opticalmeasurement components. With the isolation components, processor 1050 can monitor the grid current and the grid voltage without being directly inline with the high-power signal line.

[0151] System 1002 includes a bridge circuit represented by bridge 1030, which selectively connects to grid 1010 through grid interconnect hardware, represented by grid interconnect 1020. The bridge circuit is represented as a simplified bridge circuit having cross-connected switching circuits or switching components. The operation of bridge 1030 is managed by processor 1050. Processor 1050 represents processor 360 in accordance with an example of system 302 or an example of system 304.

[0152] Bridge 1030 includes switches with high voltage isolation (ISO) that are cross connected and coupled to the grid voltage and neutral. More specifically, the bridge circuit includes a switch coupled in series with a switch between the bridge high voltage and low voltage, where the high voltage signal is received in the node between the switches. The bridge circuit also includes a switch coupled in series with a switch between the bridge high voltage and low voltage, where the grid neutral signal is received in the node between the switches.

[0153] The control of the switches can be isolated, as represented by isolation 1052. The isolation enables control of the switching of the AC power outside the AC power domain. Thus, the switches can be in the high-power or high-voltage domain or inline with the high-voltage path, and the switch control can be a low-voltage or low-power domain separate from the power path.

[0154] System 1002 includes DC link 1040 illustrated by the capacitor and DC circuit 1046. The capacitor provides an internal node that can be charged with energy. The internal node provides an energy reservoir to allow switching between DC and AC power signals with switching circuitry. The DC circuit can include one or more magnetic energy devices, such as inductors or transformers, to allow conversion of energy from a source into an energy output.

[0155] The DC circuit can be managed by isolated switching control from processor 1050. Processor 1050 can measure the DC link high voltage signal and provide control signals to the DC circuit. System 1002 illustrates node 1042 and node 1044, which represent local interconnection points of the energy transfer system.

[0156] Node 1042 connects to a top of bridge 1090. Node 1044 connects to a bottom of bridge 1090. Bridge 1090 is like bridge 1030, providing a connection for consumer interconnect 1092.

[0157] Battery 1060 represents an energy storage component, such as a traditional battery, a potential energy system, or other storage. Battery 1060 can be charged by interconnect 1070 and discharged by interconnect 1070. In the example of system 1002, battery 1060 can be charged with power from grid 1010 and can provide power to the consumer premises through bridge 1090 and consumer interconnect 1092.

[0158] In one example, interconnect 1070 includes transformer 1072 controlled by isolated switch 1062 and controlled by isolated switch 1076. Transformer 1072 has the larger number of windings coupled between node 1082 and node 1084 and the lower number of windings coupled between the top and bottom of battery 1060. Switch 1062 selectively switches the connection of node 1082 to the windings. The switching allows the charging of battery 1060.

[0159] In one example, interconnect 1070 includes transformer 1074 controlled by isolated switch 1064 and controlled by isolated switch 1078. Transformer 1074 has the larger number of windings coupled between switch 1076 and node 1084 and the lower number of windings coupled between the top and bottom of battery 1060. Switch 1062 selectively switches the connection of node 1082 to the windings. The switching allows the discharging of battery 1060.

[0160] In one example, the connection to the top of battery 1060 is controlled by switch 1062 for discharge, and by switch 1064 for charge. System 1002 represents isolated control to control switching of transformer 1072 and transformer 1074, which allows switching of high-voltage DC power from processor 1050. In one example, system 1002 can include switching control on the battery side of the transformers, to allow step-up operation for discharge and step-down operation for charge. As illustrated, processor 1050 has direction control to control the switching on both sides of the transformers to control the flow of energy into or out of battery 1060. The switching for interconnect 1070 is provided by processor 1050 through isolation 1054.

[0161] DC link 1080 provides a connection between interconnect 1070 and bridge 1090. DC link 1080 is connected to the top of bridge 1090 through node 1086 and to the bottom of bridge 1090 through node 1088. DC circuit 1056 can be managed by isolated switching control from processor 1050 through isolation 1054. Processor 1050 can measure the DC link high voltage signal and provide control signals to the DC circuit.

[0162] Bridge 1090 provides a microgrid interconnect for the consumer. The switching of bridge 1090 can be controlled through isolated control signals provided to the cross-connected switches through isolation (ISO) 1058 from processor 1050.

[0163] System 1002 allows the mix of power from the grid and battery in any ratio, based on control signals from processor 1050. Thus, processor 1050 enables parallel battery and grid power delivery, with the control of how much of each is used to provide power to consumer interconnect 1092 based on the operation of processor 1050. The operation of processor 1050 can be software / firmware operation based on sensor and measurement inputs, as well as grid dispatch information and grid condition information. The system can also adjust the mix of grid and battery power based on historical conditions of the battery and the consumer power consumption. System 1002 can be referred to as a "power mixer" that controls the mix of power provided to the consumer microgrid.

[0164] FIG, 10B illustrates an example of a battery power mixer. System 1004 represents a system or a power transfer device or a power transfer system in which a mix of power from energy source 1012 and from battery 1060 can be provided to a consumer load, such as a consumer premises. The consumer premises is connected through consumer interconnect 1092.

[0165] System 1004 is a system in accordance with an example of system 1002. Whereas system 1002 mixes power between battery 1060 and grid 1010, system 1004 mixes power between battery 1060 and energy source 1012. Energy source 1012 represents any type of energy source other than battery 1060 and grid 1010. For example, energy source 1012 can be a renewable energy source.

[0166] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an example of an AC-DC power mixer. System 1100 represents a system in accordance with an example of system 1002 or system 1004. Whereas system 1002 and system 1004 illustrate various circuit diagrams, with possible implementations of an AC-DC power mixer, system 1100 illustrates the power mixer from the perspective of charging converters and discharging converters as described herein.

[0167] System 1100 provides a single AC microgrid based on energy from a combination of energy source 1112 and battery 1140. Energy source 1112 is an AC energy source, such as a grid or generator. Battery 1140 can alternatively be replaced with another DC power source, such as a renewable power source. The architecture of system 1100 provides a component that can be added on to any home-based, business-based, or large-scale battery storage system. The addon enables the integration of battery power with the grid, rather than using the battery power only as a replacement to the grid or as a source to feed energy back onto the grid.

[0168] in one example, system 1100 includes device 1120, which can be a charging converter, to couple to the AC energy source. Device 1120 can include bridge 1122 to convert the AC power to a pseudo-DC signal (or pseudo DC signal), DC link 1124 to operate on the pseudo-DC signal and convert it to DC, and transfer 1126. Transfer 1126 represents an isolation circuit that enables the passing of a DC current in a way that is electrically isolated from the AC source. Similar to what is described above, the charger and discharger circuits / devices operate in current mode. Thus, reference is made to transferring the DC current, because the circuit generates and drives a current from input energy.

[0169] Device 1120 passes the DC current to device 1130. Device 1130 can be a discharging converter, to create an AC microgrid from the DC current. Device 1130 can include transfer 1132 to transfer and isolate the DC current to the other components internal to it. Device 1130 can include DC link 1134 to operate on the DC signal. Device 1130 can include bridge 1136 to generate an AC current from the DC current. The bridge can perform high frequency switching to convert the current, and shape the output with a desired current phase, allowing the injection of VARs.

[0170] In one example, battery 1140 is charged by device 1150, which can be a charging device. Thus, like device 1120, device 1150 includes bridge 1152, DC link 1154, and transfer 1156. Device 1150 can receive the AC source input to charge the battery. In one example, battery 1140 is discharged by device 1160, which can be a discharging device. Thus, like device 1130, device 1160 includes transfer 1162, DC link 1164, and bridge 1166. The arrows at the various devices illustrate the flow of power.

[0171] Device 1160 also provides DC current to device 1130. Thus, device 1130 is fed with DC power from both device 1120 from the AC energy source and from device 1160 from the DC energy of the battery.

[0172] In one example, as with other circuits described above, the various devices represent circuits that can be managed by a processor or a controller. Processor 1170 represents the controller. Processor 1170 communicates with each device via an isolated communication path. The isolated communication path is isolated from the energy paths. Thus, the communication can operate independently of the power paths. Isolation 1172 represents the isolated communication with device 1120. Isolation 1174 represents the isolated communication with device 1150 and with device 1160. ISO (isolation) 1176 represents the isolated communication with device 1130.

[0173] The various devices are all described with reference to bridges, transfer circuits, and DC links. For purposes of distinguishing the various circuits, they could be described in terms of their positions and connections. For example, device 1120 can be a grid device or a source device because it connects to the AC source. Thus, bridge 1122 can be a source bridge circuit, DC link 1124 can be a source DC link circuit, and transfer 1126 can be a source interconnection circuit. Device 1120 can have transformers as isolation circuits that face the bridge circuit, isolating the output from the AC source.

[0174] Similarly, device 1160 can be a battery device because it connects to the battery. Thus, transfer 1162 can be a battery interconnection circuit, DC link 1164 can be a battery DC link circuit, and bridge 1166 can be a battery bridge circuit. Device 1160 can have transformers as isolation circuits that face the bridge circuit, isolating the output from the battery. Device 1130 can be a consumer device because it connects to the microgrid or the consumer interconnection. Thus, transfer 1132 can be a consumer interconnection circuit, DC link 1134 can be a consumer DC link circuit, and bridge 1136 can be a consumer bridge circuit. Device 1130 can have transformers as isolation circuits that face the bridge circuit, isolating the microgrid output from the DC current input.

[0175] FIG. 12 is a flow diagram of a process for delivering power to a data center. Process 1200 represents a power delivery process in accordance with hardware described herein with inline battery power.

[0176] In one example, the system enables the selection of the level of power redundancy to be used in the data center, block 1202. In one example, the selection is dynamic, allowing the system to reconfigure on-the-fly to different modes of power distribution. It will be understood that dynamic reconfiguration of the power distribution can affect where processing hardware can be mounted in the data center. More specifically, the dynamic reconfiguration of power distribution should be accompanied by reconfiguring the placement of processing hardware to ensure the proper delivery of power.

[0177] While it will be understood that different equipment may need to be connected in different ways for dynamic reconfiguration, it will be understood that system 200 has management capability to dynamically reconfigure the power distribution to whatever hardware configuration is provided. The system power management will not need to be reprogrammed, other than selecting the type of redundancy, and identification of primary and secondary power hardware.

[0178] The system can provide power to the battery storage for the data center, block 1204. The battery storage is inline instead of in parallel, in a parallel battery scenario, the battery packs are placed in parallel to the grid power, providing a backup energy source in case the grid power is lost. Inline battery storage buffers the grid power to the processing equipment, where the grid power is converted and used to power the batteries, which in turn provide power to the processing equipment. Instead of connecting the processing hardware to the grid, the processing hardware is connected only to the battery systems. Thus, the system provides power to the data center from the battery storage, block 1206.

[0179] The management equipment monitors for changing power supply conditions and demand requirements, block 1208. The changing power supply conditions can include the loss of grid power, changes in the availability of renewable power, changes to battery performance, or other conditions. The changing demand requirements refers to the changing power demand created by the processing equipment as it comes online and offline and processes different workloads.

[0180] It is anticipated that changing power supply conditions would be relatively uncommon relative to the changing power demand by the processing equipment. It will be understood that different processor workloads can have different reactive power needs, based on what processing equipment is used and how it operates. In one example, the system can adjust dynamically to the changing reactive power needs of the data center.

[0181] If there is no power change detected, block 1210 NO branch, the system can continue to deliver power and monitor for changes in power conditions. If there is a power change detected, either realtime changes to demand or a change to the power availability, or a change to the availability of power, or both, block 1210 YES branch, the management can adjust the power distribution, block 1212.

[0182] Adjustment of the power distribution can include performing realtime change to the ratio of real and reactive power output from the battery units to the processing hardware, the change to a different source of power, or another change, or a combination. The system will then deliver power based on the adjustment and continue to monitor for additional changes.

[0183] FIG. 13 is a flow diagram of a process for selective UPS operation based on selective battery charging. Process 1300 represents a power delivery process in accordance with hardware described herein with inline battery power.

[0184] in a system where a power unit has a charging converter and a discharging converter, with a battery as a third node coupled between the charging converter and discharging converter, the charging converter receives power from an AC source, block 1302. The charging converter switches current at high speed with an isolation transformer, block 1304. The battery can then receive the DC power from the charging converter at the battery terminals, block 1306.

[0185] In one example, the system determines if the AC source is active and the battery is charged to the desired level, block 1308. If the system is going to charge the battery, block 1310 YES branch, in one example, a controller can disable the discharging converter to allow the battery to charge for a period of time, block 1312. After charging for the period of time, the controller can then enable the discharging converter for operation again, block 1314.

[0186] If the system is not going to charge the battery, block 1310 NO branch, or after charging the battery for a period of time to charge to a desired level, the discharging converter can switch current at high speed through an isolation transformer to provide power to a microgrid instead of charging the battery, block 1316. In one example, the discharging will operate from energy stored in the battery. In one example, the discharging will be from power from the grid, bypassing the battery.

[0187] FIG. 14 is a flow diagram of a process for runtime selection of data center power redundancy. Process 1400 represents a process for runtime selection of a redundancy mode in accordance with hardware described herein with inline battery power.

[0188] In one example, the system identifies a user configuration setting that sets a redundancy mode for the system, block 1402. In one example, the system selectively reserves battery capacity to implement the selected configuration, block 1404. In addition to reserving battery capacity, the system can selectively reserve modules or power units to reserve distinct or separate power paths as reserve capacity.

[0189] The system can monitor the selected redundancy, power usage of the data center, the availability of the AC source, and operation of the equipment in the power distribution network to determine how to operate the power distribution, block 1406. In one example, the system will adjust operation by bringing battery capacity online or offline to maintain the redundancy mode.

[0190] In one example, the system can dynamically change the redundancy mode at runtime, without needing to stop operation of the data center. The system can determine if anadjustment should be made to the active and reserve capacity based on the monitoring, and based on determining whether to change the redundancy mode, block 1408. If there is no adjustment to be made, block 1410 NO block, the system continues to identify the system mode and continue operation accordingly, block 1402.

[0191] If there is an adjustment to be made, block 1410 YES block, in one example, the system makes a runtime adjustment to the selective assignment of active capacity and reserve capacity, block 1412. It will be understood that the ability to runtime enable and disable capacity can both react to a failure or redundancy event, as well as enable the system to runtime change the redundancy mode. All the changes can be made to the parallel resources without needing to disable operation of the data center.

[0192] FIG. 15 is a flow diagram of a process for hot swapping a battery. Process 1500 represents a process for hot swapping a battery in accordance with hardware described herein with inline battery power.

[0193] In one example, a controller, such as a gateway device, monitors the BMS units of multiple parallel power units, block 1502. The power units include a charging converter, a discharging converter, and a battery with a BMS. If the controller detects a failure of a battery of one of the multiple power units, block 1504, the controller can trigger electrical isolation of the battery from the AC source and from a microgrid output, block 1506. In one example, the detected failure is a determination that the BMS has stopped communicating with the controller. In one example, the failure is determined when the BMS reports a total capacity of the battery being below a threshold, meaning the total capacity of the battery has degraded over time.

[0194] In one example, the controller monitors the system to determine if a replacement battery has been connected, block 1508. If a replacement battery is detected, block 1510 YES branch, the controller can integrate the new battery into system operation, block 1512.Integration of the battery into system operation can include enabling the charging converter to charge the battery and optionally the discharging converter to enable the power unit to again participate in creating the microgrid. In one example, if a replacement battery is not detected, block 1510 NO branch, the system can continue operation with the available battery capacity, block 1514. In one example, the controller can continue to monitor to detect a new battery, block 1508.

[0195] FIG. 16 is a flow diagram of a process for AC-DC power mixing. Process 1600 represents a process for mixing AC and DC in accordance with hardware described herein.

[0196] In one example, the system couples an AC source, such as a utility grid or AC generator, to a consumer bridge circuit through a source bridge circuit and a source DC link circuit, block 1602. The source circuits receive the AC power and convert it to DC current.

[0197] The system can also couple a battery to the consumer bridge through a battery interconnect and a battery DC link circuit, block 1604. The battery circuits can provide the DC power from the battery as a DC current to the consumer bridge. It will be understood that both DC currents are electrically isolated. Thus, an AC path delivers DC current through isolation circuitry, and the DC path delivers DC current through isolation circuitry.

[0198] The consumer bridge circuit can then selectively switch the DC current received from both sources to generate an AC microgrid, block 1606. Thus, the system can provide isolated AC microgrid power as a combination of power from an AC path and power from a DC path.

[0199] FIG. 17 is a block diagram of an example of a power converter capable of reactive power injection. System 1700 illustrates power converter 1720 that couples an input to an output. Power converter 1720 can be a power converter or microinverter in accordance with any description herein.

[0200] More specifically, system 1700 can represent a system in accordance with an example of system 100, or system 200. Power converter 1720 can provide power from the grid or other AC source to the battery. Power converter 1720 can provide power from the battery to the processing hardware.

[0201] Fundamentally, power converter 1720 has electrical isolation between the output and the input. The electrical isolation enables power converter 1720 to perform impedance matching at the input with a source while also performing impedance matching at the output with a load. The impedance matching at both input and output can be accomplished through an internal node that isolates the input to allow the power converter to simply match whatever input the source is capable of providing, and to float the output to any voltage of the load.

[0202] System 1700 includes energy source 1710, which represents any DC (direct current) source of power. Energy source 1710 can be any example of energy generation, such as solar cells / array, wind power generator, or other time-varying or green power source. Energy source 1710 couples to hardware 1730 which electrically isolates the source from the output.

[0203] Hardware 1730 includes DC / DC converter 1732 to convert the DC input to an isolated DC source. Hardware 1730 includes DC / AC inverter 1734 to convert the isolated DC power into an AC (alternating current) to provide as the output. DC / AC inverter 1734 can generate the output with any desired phase as described below.

[0204] DC-to-DC (or DC / DC) converter 1732 which electrically isolates the source from the output. DC / DC converter 1732 has a dashed line to illustrate an internal node that can float on either side to match the electrical connection. For example, DC / DC converter 1732 can have an input transformer coupled to a separate output transformer, with the induced lines of the transformers coupled to each other on the internal node. The internal node can then simply float to whatever voltage is needed to pass current between the transformers. The input transform isolates the input and the output transformer isolates the output.

[0205] The input and output are internally isolated from each other by the floating node, which is charged with magnetic flux by high frequency switching of the input DC voltage. Thus, the internal node can simply float and receive any energy provided by the source, and deliver all available energy to the output at whatever voltage the output operates. The output will simply float to the load voltage and deliver current.

[0206] Hardware 1730 can impedance match by changing operation of the input interface of DC / DC converter 1732 to maximize energy transfer from source 1710 without fixing the voltage or current of the input to specific values. Rather, the input can allow the power to float to whatever voltage is produced by source 1710, and the current will match based on whatever total power is produced. Similarly, on the output, hardware 1730 impedance matches by changing operation of the output interface of DC / AC inverter 1734 to the load to allow the load to draw whatever power is needed at whatever voltage the load operates at. Thus, the output of hardware 1730 can float to match the voltage of the load (e.g., load 1712), and generate current to match the total power available.

[0207] Hardware 1730 can generate an output current waveform for DC / AC inverter 1734, where the magnitude is determined by how much energy is available, and whatever the load is at. Thus, the output floats to match the load, and is not fixed at a specific current or a specific voltage. The internal node between DC / DC converter 1732 and DC / AC inverter 1734 can act as an energy reservoir, where the input impedance matching enables the efficient charging of the internal node, represented by node 1736. The output impedance matching enables the load to draw energy from the internal node (node 1736) to provide power to the output.

[0208] Controller 1740 represents control hardware or a CPU (central processing unit) or processor of power converter 1720. Parameters (param) 1742 can control the input operation and parameters (param) 1744 can control the output operation. The input and output operations can both be controlled by switching device having a configured duty cycle to control the access to the energy of the internal node. In one example, controller 1740 receives input characteristic information from energy source 1710 to set parameters 1742 and 1744.

[0209] In one example, power converter 1720 includes tables 1750, which provide a tablebased mechanism for generating an output current, which can provide an idealized output current instead of simply trying to generate a current based on the grid voltage, as is typically done. The idealized waveform of tables 1750 enables the output hardware to generate an ideally-shaped waveform without harmonic distortion, and which can be generated at any desired phase offset relative to the grid voltage. Thus, the idealized waveform enables power converter 1720 to output power electrically isolated from the input, and at any phase angle relative to the system connected to. As such, power converter 1720 can actually generate reactive power, instead of simply provide reactive loading to change the power factor. As such, power converter 1720 operates as a virtual spinning generator, which can generate an output current at any desired phase relative to a grid voltage.

[0210] Tables 1750 may include entries that are obtained based on input conditions measured from the system, to achieve a desired mix of real and reactive power. Feedback from the output can include voltage zero crossing, voltage amplitude, and current waveform information. With such information, controller 1740 can use tables 1750 to adjust the operation of DC / DC converter 1732 or DC / AC inverter 1734, or the operation of both. The tables may include setpoints that provide idealized output signals the system attempts to create. By matching output performance to an idealized representation of the input power, better system performance is possible than simply attempting to filter and adjust the output as traditionally done.

[0211] Controller 1740 can monitor the AC current, which moves out of DC / AC inverter 1734, and the target voltage of the load, such as load 1712 or a power grid (not specifically shown). Controller 1740 controls at least one electrical parameter of the interfaces of hardware 1730 to control its operation. Parameters 1742 and 1744 represent control from controller 1740 to control the operation of hardware 1730 within converter 1720. In one example, parameters 1742 can include a duty cycle of a switching signal of the power extraction forDC / DC converter 1732, which changes input impedance matching, which in turn controls the charging of the internal node, in one example, parameter 1744 can represent a duty cycle or other control signal to change an operation of DC / AC inverter 1734, which changes the output impedance matching, which in turns controls the outflow of energy from the internal node. The modification of each parameter can be dependent on the quality of the monitored current and voltage. Controller 1740 further controls the switching device, switch 1726, to couple the load to power produced by power converter 1720, when suitably conditioned power is available for use by load 1712.

[0212] Power converter 1720 includes switch 1726, which represents a switching device such as a relay, to selectively connect hardware 1730 to load 1712. When power converter 1720 is grid-tied, the output can also connect to the grid through switch 1726. Under normal operation, DC power is drawn from source 1710, and extracted, inverted, and dynamically treated by power converter 1720, to dynamically produce maximum AC current relatively free of harmonic distortion and variability, and at a desired phase with respect an AC voltage signal from the grid or from load 1712.

[0213] In one example, power converter 1720 can generate AC current intentionally out of phase to a certain extent with respect to the AC voltage signal of the grid. Thus, the single power converter 1720 can generate reactive power to deliver power at any desired phase offset to satisfy load 1712 or to compensate for conditions on the power grid. In one example, multiple power converters 1720 can operate in parallel at the same interface. When coupled to the same interface, they can still independently operate to output power at a specified phase for each output to generate any ratio of real and reactive power from each one, or from the group.

[0214] In one example, system 1700 can be applied without a specific energy source 1710. For example, power converter 1720 can be coupled to receive power from the grid and generate an output to load 1712 that provides whatever mix of real and reactive power is needed by load 1712. In such an example, the power converter could be operated in reverse by connecting to the grid as a source for DC / AC inverter 1734 and output through DC / DC converter 1732 to the load.

[0215] FIG. 18 illustrates an example of a system in accordance with any example herein. System 1800 represents a system in accordance with an example of system 100 or system 200 or system 1002. System 1800 illustrates an example of DC circuit and waveform control for apower converter that can provide reactive power in a data center in accordance with any description herein.

[0216] Processor 1820, waveform generator 1822, scaling circuitry 1824, and the comparison circuit, compare 1844, can be an example of power change analysis circuitry. System 1800 can include integration (INT) and amplification (AMP) circuitry, INT & AMP 1842, as power change detection. The power change detection receives information from current sensors (l-SEN), including l-SE N 1872, l-SEN 1874, l-SEN 1876, l-SE N 1878, to determine whether there is a change of power by detecting and integrating the signal information, detecting the difference, and providing an amplified signal for use by the comparison circuit. The scaling circuitry is controlled by the processor. The scaling circuitry can provide a control signal to the amplification circuitry to provide a scaled signal.

[0217] The power change detection can detect a power change of power at the DC link interconnection to the consumer application by monitoring the current at the internal node (Nl). The power change detection can trigger switching control through the compare circuit. In one example, the power change detection circuitry detects a slope of the power change. Thus, the power detection can be referred to as slope detection. In one example, the power slope is an instantaneous power slope.

[0218] The compare circuit can also receive an input from the waveform generator. The waveform generator can generate a signal such as a sawtooth wave, sine wave, triangle wave, or other waveform. The compare circuit controls a duty cycle of the switches in the DC circuit, represented as SI on the consumer-facing side of internal node Nl, and S2 on the grid-facing side of Nl (the internal node). In one example, the two switches are not both open or both closed at the same time. It is possible they are instantaneously both open or both closed during a transition when SI and S2 are switching. The waveform generator and compare circuit provide switching control for the DC circuit.

[0219] The DC circuit can provide an energy reservoir at Nl. The DC circuit can represent power transfer circuitry to transfer power between the consumer side and the grid side. The DC circuit can include transformer T1 on the consumer side of Nl and transformer T2 on the grid side of Nl. System 1800 illustrates capacitors on either side of Nl, with one capacitor connected in series between T1 and Nl, and another capacitor connected in series between Nl and T2. The DC interconnection point is connected to a winding of Tl, through the capacitor to Nl. The AC interconnection point is connected to a winding of T2, through the capacitor to Nl.The other winding of T1 can be connected between Nl and ground, while the other winding of T2 is also connected between N1 and ground.

[0220] When SI is closed, electromagnetic fields change in T1 and T2 while the electrostatic potential across the capacitors changes, and energy can flow electromagnetically through T1 and T2, while energy changes electrostatically in the capacitors. When SI opens, S2 closes and the magnetic flux in T1 begins to decrease. Thus, the energy stored in T1 flows through the capacitors, depositing energy as an electrostatic field into the capacitors, and depositing energy into T2 through node Nl. The residual flux in T2 also begins to decrease, transferring energy into the grid-side bridge, bridge 1850. When SI closes and S2 opens again, the magnetic flux in T1 begins to increase while the magnetic flux T2 also increases as it consumes some of the electrostatic energy that was previously stored in the capacitors. Thus, energy stored in the DC circuit is discharged and transferred to T2 and to the bridge. By driving the switches at a proper frequency, T1 and T2 can be driven to saturation, resulting in an efficient transfer of energy between the grid side and the consumer side.

[0221] Multiphase energy transfer combines two or more phased inputs to produce a resultant flux in a magnetic core equivalent to the angular bisector of the inputs. It will be understood that an angle bisector of an angle refers to the locus of points equidistant from the two rays (half-lines) forming the angle. In system 1800, the capacitors can shift the phase of the current that is applied to the secondary winding of T1 and T2 (the windings connected to ground). Thus, multi-phased inputs can be applied to the cores of T2 and T3. The summation of the multiphase inputs alters the electromotive force present during the increase and reduction of flux in the transformer's primary windings. The result is the neutralization (within the bandwidth of the operational frequency of the DC circuit) of high frequency variations in the reactive component of the impedance that the transformer circuits would normally exhibit to the consumer side and the grid side. The DC circuit can include multiphase bisector energy transfer circuits to cause the multiphase bisector energy transfer and to interface with Nl.

[0222] The power change detection, power change indication, and compare circuitry can provide a control loop that controls the duty cycle of the switching of the DC circuit to cause saturation of the transformers and cause the desired flow of energy through the DC circuit. In one example, the frequency of switching can be within a range of approximately 180 kHz to 250 kHz, and will depend on the size and properties of the transformers and their associated core materials.

[0223] The processor can be or include a microprocessor, microcontroller, ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), FPGA (field programmable gate array), or a combination. The current sensors (l-SEN) in system 1800 can provide feedback regarding the change in current flow to the processor. System 1800 illustrates four current sensors that produce current sensing signals A (l-SEN 1872), B (l-SEN 1874), C (l-SEN 1876), and D (l-SEN 1878).

[0224] The processor can receive signals indicative of the sensed current as well as voltage on the node at the interconnection point of the application to the DC link. In one example, the processor gathers information about sub-loads or specific loads rather than all connections as an aggregate. In one example, the processor provides control to sub-loads or sub-components. The current information can be used to indicate information such as the rate, amount, and efficiency of power transfer.

[0225] One reason to gather such information is for the processor to determine whether to be in a protection mode or an ordinary operating mode. In the protection mode, the processor can perform various operations to provide protection for system 1800. One option is to open both switches SI and S2. Another option is to provide a bias signal to the scaling circuitry to adjust the switching control signal for the compare circuit. For example, if the bias signal causes the switching control signal to be very high, the duty cycle would be low, causing the current to be small. The regulation of power in the protection mode can be to completely shut off the power or merely to reduce the power. In the protection mode, system 1800 could aim to reduce power transfer rather than maximize the efficiency of power transfer. In some examples, the bias signal can be asserted for purposes other than merely protection mode.

[0226] Additionally, when the current sensors provide signals indicative of the current through switches SI and S2, the power can be related to an average current of the combined signals. The integration and amplification can include an integrator to provide a signal indicative of the power, which is differentiated and amplified within the integration and amplification circuitry.

[0227] The DC circuit represented in system 1800 will be understood as a simplified diagram that illustrates an example of the circuitry that can provide an energy transfer point between the consumer side and the grid side, or between different applications on the consumer side. System 1800 represents different options for consumer-side applications. In one example, system 1800 includes source 1812 on the consumer application, which will provide energy into the DC circuitry. In one example, system 1800 includes load 1814 on theconsumer application, which will consume energy from the DC circuitry. In one example, system 1800 includes battery 1816 or other storage device on the consumer application, which can consume energy (charge) or provide energy (discharge) to the DC circuitry. In one example, system 1800 includes an AC consumer application, represented as AC 1818, which can provide a decoupled AC microgrid.

[0228] Whatever the consumer application, system 1800 illustrates that the interconnection to DC circuit 1830 can provide bidirectional waveform shaping between the consumer application and the DC link. The bidirectional waveform shaping can be in accordance with any example provided herein. The specific control from the processor or other control components is not specifically shown in system 1800.

[0229] The DC circuit can be modified with different components, such as additional resistors, capacitors, inductors, or other components. The modifications can provide additional current paths to ground, can adjust the voltages across the transformer windings or across the central internal node, or other modifications. The modifications can add storage components in the central node or add other internal nodes for energy storage.

[0230] FIG. 19 is a block diagram of an example of a consumer node having intelligent local energy storage. System 1900 represents power control and management hardware for a data center, which is coupled to the grid (represented as grid power 1902) through PCC (point of common coupling) 1910. System 1900 specifically shows a configuration where local energy storage is combined with local energy generation at the data center, while it will be understood that local energy is optional.

[0231] PCC 1910 represents an interconnection point to a grid network. Grid power represents power drawn from the grid. In one example, system 1900 includes gateway 1920 to aggregate information and control operation within system 1900 based on the aggregation information. Gateway 1920 can manage the capacity and the demand for system 1900. The capacity refers to the ability of system 1900 to generate power locally. The demand refers to the load demand locally for system 1900, which comes from loads (not specifically shown).

[0232] In one example, system 1900 generates capacity with one or more local energy sources 1960. Local energy source 1960 can be any type of energy generation system. In one example, the energy generation mechanisms of local energy source 1960 generate real power. In one example, local energy source 1960 represents an energy generation mechanism with an associated power converter and / or inverter. When source 1960 includes a powerconverter / inverter, it can be referred to as an energy generation system. Solar power systems are commonly used at customer premises, and source 1960 can be or include a solar power system.

[0233] System 1900 includes one or more energy conversion or power converter devices to control the flow of energy within the PCC. In one example, converter 1952 and inverter 1954 represent power converter devices for system 1900. In one example, each inverter includes a power converter. In one example, a power converter represents an energy conversion device that enables efficient coupling between a source and a load. Battery controller 1956 manages the charging and discharging of the energy storage devices.

[0234] The devices represented by converter 1952 and / or inverter 1954 provide control of the interchange of energy within system 1900. In one example, each energy source includes an inverter and / or converter. Thus, the devices represented in the dashed box represent devices that can be spread throughout system 1900. Each consumer node can include multiple converter devices for the control of energy flow. In one example, each energy storage resource includes an inverter and / or converter.

[0235] System 1900 includes one or more energy storage resources. As illustrated, battery backup 1930 represents a system of commercial batteries to store energy. Energy store 1940 represents a non-battery backup or energy storage device or system, but battery backup will be understood as a specific example of energy store. Examples of non-battery backup can include systems that include a pump or other motorized device that convert active power within system 1900 into kinetic energy. For example, energy store 1940 can pump water or other liquid against gravity, can compress air or other gas, can lift counterweights again gravity, or perform some other function to convert energy into work to store in a system. The stored energy can be retrieved later by using a reverse force (e.g., gravity or decompression) to operate a generator. Thus, the energy storage system can convert the kinetic energy back into active power for system 1900.

[0236] In one example, converter 1952 can be used to charge an energy store (e.g., battery backup 1930, energy store 1940) when it is depleted or partially depleted. In one example, inverter 1954 can be used to convert energy from the energy store into active power. Gateway 1920 can intelligently control the use of energy storage (e.g., battery backup 1930, energy store 1940). For example, gateway 1920 can monitor grid conditions to know when the least "expensive" time to charge the energy storage is. Sometimes grid power is less expensive andcan be converted into stored energy for later use. Sometimes there is excess capacity from energy source 1960 that can be stored locally in the energy storage.

[0237] In general, in one example, system 1900 includes local energy source 1960, and local energy store on a consumer side of PCC 1910. System 1900 also includes a local energy conversion device such as converter 1952 and / or inverter 1954 to control the flow of energy to and from the energy storage in system 1900. The energy conversion enables system 1900 to access energy from the energy store and / or to charge the energy store. In one example, system 1900 charges the energy store from grid power. In one example, system 1900 charges the energy store from energy source 1960. In one example, system 1900 powers a local load to meet local power demand from energy in the energy store. In one example, system 1900 transfers power to the grid from the energy store. The use of stored energy can include the conversion of the energy to any mix of real and reactive power needed for the local load and / or the grid, depending on where the energy is being transferred.

[0238] FIG, 20 is a block diagram of an example of a four quadrant meter with an intelligent grid operating system. System 2000 represents a four quadrant meter system. System 2000 includes meter 2010, which can communicate with iGOS (intelligent grid operating system) 2020. Meter 2010 reads data out to monitor system 2000, which readings it can provide to iGOS 2020. In one example, iGOS 2020 can provide control commands or communication to meter 2010.

[0239] The elements of system 2000 include iGOS 2020, inverter 2030, generation 2040, and storage 2060 can be in accordance with any example described herein. Market data 2050 represents information obtained from an external source to determine what market demand and market prices exist. In one example, market data 2050 represents a realtime stream of information from one or more sources. As before, generation 2040 represents the ability to generate energy, and storage 2060 represents storage capacity. Inverter 2030 represents a power converter that enables the realtime generation of reactive power and apparent power, and enables reactive power injection into a coupling node monitored by meter 2010.

[0240] Regarding meter 2010, real power is represented on the x-axis, and reactive power is represented by the y-axis, with positive and negative power directions indicated. Positive power is energy from the grid, and negative energy is power generated locally at the data center. Depending on the quadrant (QI, Q2, Q3, or Q4), iGOS 2020 can control operation of the system at the data center. In one example, iGOS 2020 dynamically changes the local output (byadjusting real power generation 2040, reactive power generation through inverter 2030, or both) to adjust the current quadrant of operation. The quadrant is where the apparent power is. Basically, the meter puts apparent power on a unit circle. In one example, iGOS 2020 executes based on market data 2050, and which quadrant the apparent power is in. Generation 2040, inverter control 2030, and storage 2060 can all be controlled based on the market and quadrant location. The differences in market price and peak demand can affect the operation to move apparent power into the most valuable quadrant. In one example, the system can couple harmonic control with the four quadrant information.

[0241] In one example, system 2000 may be operating in one quadrant, and based on market data 2050, IGOS 2020 determines that it would be more valuable to more to a different quadrant. iGOS 2020 can provide control signals to adjust the operation of inverter 2030 to change power generation output to move the apparent power into a different quadrant. For example, moving from quadrant Q4 to quadrant QI can involve ceasing to generate reactive power. Then real and reactive power would come from the grid. Alternatively, moving from quadrant Q2 to quadrant Q.3 would involve continuing to export real power, but also generating more reactive power to move quadrants. Meter 2010 can identify a quadrant of operation based on a direction of the flow of energy, and can thus determine quadrants based on inflow or outflow of both real power and reactive power. System 2000 can adjust the quadrant of operation based on market data, based on local demand (e.g., based on loads, not specifically shown), based on a dispatch or control signal from a control center or from grid control, or for a combination of these.

[0242] In general with respect to the descriptions herein, in one aspect a first apparatus for power delivery includes: grid interconnection hardware to couple to an AC (alternating current) source; load interconnection hardware to couple to an AC load; a battery to store energy, the battery having a DC (direct current) interface; a charging converter coupled between the AC source and the DC interface of the battery, the charging converter to impedance match to the AC source and provide DC power to the battery; and a discharging converter coupled between the DC interface of the battery and the AC load, the discharging converter to create an AC microgrid, the microgrid isolated from the AC source.

[0243] In one example of the first apparatus, the AC source comprises a utility power grid. In accordance with any preceding example of the first apparatus, in one example, the AC source comprises a local power generator. In accordance with any preceding example of the firstapparatus, in one example, the AC source comprises a feed from a utility power grid with an automatic failover to a local power generator if the utility power grid is unavailable. In accordance with any preceding example of the first apparatus, in one example, the charging converter is to impedance match the AC source, including to manage a switching circuit to align an AC current input to a DC conversion circuit with an AC voltage of the AC source. In accordance with any preceding example of the first apparatus, in one example, to create the AC microgrid comprises the discharging converter to generate a shaped AC current having a phase to match reactive power drawn by the AC load. In accordance with any preceding example of the first apparatus, in one example, the discharging converter is to generate an AC voltage based on an AC voltage of the AC source, and generate the AC current at a desired phase angle with respect to the AC voltage of the AC source to inject VARs (volt-amps-reactive) into the microgrid based on reactive power demand of the AC load. In accordance with any preceding example of the first apparatus, in one example, the charging converter is to cease operation in response to detection of a lack of power at the grid interconnection hardware.

[0244] In general with respect to the descriptions herein, in one aspect a first system for power delivery includes: a module including multiple power units, each power unit including: grid interconnection hardware to couple to an AC (alternating current) source; load interconnection hardware to couple to an AC load; a battery to store energy, the battery having a DC (direct current) interface; a charging converter coupled between the AC source and the DC interface of the battery, the charging converter to impedance match to the AC source and provide DC power to the battery; and a discharging converter coupled between the DC interface of the battery and the AC load, the discharging converter to create an AC microgrid, the microgrid isolated from the AC source; and a controller to manage operation of the multiple power units.

[0245] In one example of the first system, the AC source comprises a utility power grid. In accordance with any preceding example of the first system, in one example, the AC source comprises a local power generator. In accordance with any preceding example of the first system, in one example, the AC source comprises a feed from a utility power grid with an automatic failover to a local power generator if the utility power grid is unavailable. In accordance with any preceding example of the first system, in one example, the charging converter is to impedance match the AC source, including to manage a switching circuit to align an AC current input to a DC conversion circuit with an AC voltage of the AC source. Inaccordance with any preceding example of the first system, in one example, to create the AC microgrid comprises the discharging converter to generate a shaped AC current having a phase to match reactive power drawn by the AC load. In accordance with any preceding example of the first system, in one example, the discharging converter is to generate an AC voltage based on an AC voltage of the AC source, and generate the AC current at a desired phase angle with respect to the AC voltage of the AC source to inject VARs (volt-amps-reactive) into the microgrid based on reactive power demand of the AC load. In accordance with any preceding example of the first system, in one example, the charging converter is to cease operation in response to detection of a lack of power at the grid interconnection hardware. In accordance with any preceding example of the first system, in one example, the charging converter comprises a single charging converter circuit of a multi-converter package. In accordance with any preceding example of the first system, in one example, the charging converter and the discharging converter comprise circuits of a common converter package. In accordance with any preceding example of the first system, in one example, the controller is to compute collective desired output operation from the multiple power units, and manage collective operation of the power units by individually controlling each power unit in accordance with the desired output operation. In accordance with any preceding example of the first system, in one example, the system includes: a vertical rack having slots to mount the charging converter, the discharging converter, and the battery for each power unit.

[0246] In general with respect to the descriptions herein, in one aspect a second apparatus for power delivery includes: a battery to store energy, the battery having a DC (direct current) interface; a charging converter coupled between an AC (alternating current) source and the DC interface of the battery, the charging converter to electrically isolate the DC interface from the AC source through a first transformer, the charging converter to provide a first high-frequency switched current as a first simulated DC current on a DC side of the first transformer; and a discharging converter coupled between the DC interface of the battery and an AC load, the discharging converter to electrically isolate the DC interface from the AC load through a second transformer, the discharging converter to a create a second high-frequency switched current as a second simulated DC current on a DC side of the second transformer, and create an AC microgrid on AC side of the second transformer; wherein, in response to control signals from a controller, the charging converter and the discharging converter are to selectively operate concurrently to provide the AC microgrid from power from the AC source, and the chargingconverter and the discharging converter are to selectively operated sequentially for the charging converter to charge the battery from the AC source and for the discharging converter to discharge the battery to create the AC microgrid.

[0247] In one example of the second apparatus, the AC source comprises a utility power grid. In accordance with any preceding example of the second apparatus, in one example, the AC source comprises a local power generator. In accordance with any preceding example of the second apparatus, in one example, the AC source comprises a feed from a utility power grid with an automatic failover to a local power generator if the utility power grid is unavailable. In accordance with any preceding example of the second apparatus, in one example, the charging converter is to impedance match the AC source, including to manage a switching circuit to align an AC current input to a DC conversion circuit with an AC voltage of the AC source. In accordance with any preceding example of the second apparatus, in one example, to create the AC microgrid comprises the discharging converter to generate a shaped AC current having a phase to match reactive power drawn by the AC load. In accordance with any preceding example of the second apparatus, in one example, the discharging converter is to generate an AC voltage based on an AC voltage of the AC source, and generate the AC current at a desired phase angle with respect to the AC voltage of the AC source to inject VARs (volt-amps-reactive) into the microgrid based on reactive power demand of the AC load. In accordance with any preceding example of the second apparatus, in one example, the selective sequential operation of the charging converter and the discharging converter comprises micro-cycling the battery.

[0248] In general with respect to the descriptions herein, in one aspect a second system for power delivery includes: a module including multiple power units; and a controller to manage operation of the multiple power units; wherein each power unit includes: a battery to store energy, the battery having a DC (direct current) interface; a charging converter coupled between an AC (alternating current) source and the DC interface of the battery, the charging converter to electrically isolate the DC interface from the AC source through a first transformer, the charging converter to provide a first high-frequency switched current as a first simulated DC current on a DC side of the first transformer; and a discharging converter coupled between the DC interface of the battery and an AC load, the discharging converter to electrically isolate the DC interface from the AC load through a second transformer, the discharging converter to a create a second high-frequency switched current as a second simulated DC current on a DC side of the second transformer, and create an AC microgrid on AC side of the second transformer;wherein, in response to control signals from the controller, the charging converter and the discharging converter are to selectively operate concurrently to provide the AC microgrid from power from the AC source, and the charging converter and the discharging converter are to selectively operated sequentially for the charging converter to charge the battery from the AC source and for the discharging converter to discharge the battery to create the AC microgrid.

[0249] In one example of the second system, the AC source comprises a utility power grid. In accordance with any preceding example of the second system, in one example, the AC source comprises a local power generator. In accordance with any preceding example of the second system, in one example, the AC source comprises a feed from a utility power grid with an automatic failover to a local power generator if the utility power grid is unavailable. In accordance with any preceding example of the second system, in one example, the charging converter is to impedance match the AC source, including to manage a switching circuit to align an AC current input to a DC conversion circuit with an AC voltage of the AC source. In accordance with any preceding example of the second system, in one example, to create the AC microgrid comprises the discharging converter to generate a shaped AC current having a phase to match reactive power drawn by the AC load. In accordance with any preceding example of the second system, in one example, the discharging converter is to generate an AC voltage based on an AC voltage of the AC source, and generate the AC current at a desired phase angle with respect to the AC voltage of the AC source to inject VARs (volt-amps-reactive) into the microgrid based on reactive power demand of the AC load. In accordance with any preceding example of the second system, in one example, the selective sequential operation of the charging converter and the discharging converter comprises micro-cycling the battery. In accordance with any preceding example of the second system, in one example, the charging converter comprises a single charging converter circuit of a multi-converter package. In accordance with any preceding example of the second system, in one example, the charging converter and the discharging converter comprise circuits of a common converter package. In accordance with any preceding example of the second system, in one example, the controller is to compute collective desired output operation from the multiple power units, and manage collective operation of the power units by individually controlling each power unit in accordance with the desired output operation. In accordance with any preceding example of the second system, in one example, the system includes: a vertical rack having slots to mount the charging converter, the discharging converter, and the battery for each power unit.

[0250] in general with respect to the descriptions herein, in one aspect a first method for power delivery includes: storing energy in a battery, the battery having a DC (direct current) interface; electrically isolating the DC interface from an AC source through a first transformer of a charging converter, the charging converter to provide a first high-frequency switched current as a first simulated DC current on a DC side of the first transformer; and electrically isolating the DC interface from the AC load through a second transformer of a discharging converter, the discharging converter to a create a second high-frequency switched current as a second simulated DC current on a DC side of the second transformer, and create an AC microgrid on AC side of the second transformer; wherein, in response to control signals from a controller, the charging converter and the discharging converter selectively operate concurrently to provide the AC microgrid from power from the AC source, and the charging converter and the discharging converter selectively operated sequentially for the charging converter to charge the battery from the AC source and for the discharging converter to discharge the battery to create the AC microgrid.

[0251] In one example of the first method, the AC source comprises a utility power grid. In accordance with any preceding example of the first method, in one example, the AC source comprises a local power generator. In accordance with any preceding example of the first method, in one example, the AC source comprises a feed from a utility power grid with an automatic failover to a local power generator if the utility power grid is unavailable. In accordance with any preceding example of the first method, in one example, the charging converter impedance matches the AC source, including managing a switching circuit to align an AC current input to a DC conversion circuit with an AC voltage of the AC source. In accordance with any preceding example of the first method, in one example, creating the AC microgrid comprises the discharging converter generating a shaped AC current having a phase to match reactive power drawn by the AC load. In accordance with any preceding example of the first method, in one example, the discharging converter generates an AC voltage based on an AC voltage of the AC source, and generates the AC current at a desired phase angle with respect to the AC voltage of the AC source to inject VARs (volt-amps-reactive) into the microgrid based on reactive power demand of the AC load. In accordance with any preceding example of the first method, in one example, the selective sequential operation of the charging converter and the discharging converter comprises micro-cycling the battery.

[0252] in general with respect to the descriptions herein, in one aspect a third apparatus for power delivery includes: a power module including multiple power units each having a battery, the power module to couple an AC (alternating current) grid to a data center, the power unit to charge the battery from the AC grid and create an AC microgrid from energy stored in the battery; and a controller to dynamically assign a selected portion of the multiple power units as active power units to collectively generate the AC microgrid, and dynamically assign the remainder of the multiple power units as reserve power units, to be activated in case of loss of power from the AC grid.

[0253] In one example of the third apparatus, the controller is to dynamically assign the selected portion as active power units and dynamically assign the remainder of the multiple power units as reserve power units based on a health of the battery of the multiple power units. In accordance with any preceding example of the third apparatus, in one example, the controller is to automatically adjust assignment of active power units and reserve power units in response to equipment failure of one of the multiple power units. In accordance with any preceding example of the third apparatus, in one example, the controller is to dynamically assign the selected portion as active power units and dynamically assign the remainder of the multiple power units as reserve power units in accordance with a user configuration. In accordance with any preceding example of the third apparatus, in one example, the controller is to hold sufficient power units in reserve to simulate a 2N redundancy configuration. In accordance with any preceding example of the third apparatus, in one example, the controller is to hold sufficient power units in reserve to simulate an N+l redundancy configuration. In accordance with any preceding example of the third apparatus, in one example, the controller is to hold sufficient power units in reserve to simulate a 4 makes 3 redundancy configuration. In accordance with any preceding example of the third apparatus, in one example, the controller is to automatically adjust assignment of active power units and reserve power units in response to a runtime change to the user configuration.

[0254] In general with respect to the descriptions herein, in one aspect a third system for power delivery includes: multiple power modules to couple to an AC (alternating current) grid, the multiple power modules to collectively create an AC microgrid to power a data center, each of the multiple power modules having multiple power units, each power unit having a battery, a charging converter to charge the battery from the AC grid, and a discharging converter to create an AC microgrid from energy stored in the battery; and a system controller todynamically assign a selected portion of the multiple power modules as active modules to generate the AC microgrid, and dynamically assign the remainder of the multiple power modules as reserve modules, to be activated in case of loss of power from the AC grid.

[0255] In one example of the third system, the system controller is to dynamically assign the selected portion as active modules and dynamically assign the remainder of the multiple power modules as reserve modules based on AC microgrid demand and operation of the multiple power modules. In accordance with any preceding example of the third system, in one example, the system controller is to dynamically assign the selected portion as active modules and dynamically assign the remainder of the multiple power modules as reserve modules in accordance with a user configuration. In accordance with any preceding example of the third system, in one example, the system controller is to hold sufficient power modules in reserve to simulate a 2N redundancy configuration. In accordance with any preceding example of the third system, in one example, the system controller is to hold sufficient power modules in reserve to simulate an N+l redundancy configuration. In accordance with any preceding example of the third system, in one example, the system controller is to hold sufficient power modules in reserve to simulate a 4 makes 3 redundancy configuration. In accordance with any preceding example of the third system, in one example, the system controller is to automatically adjust assignment of active modules and reserve modules in response to a runtime change to the user configuration. In accordance with any preceding example of the third system, in one example, the charging converter is coupled between the AC grid and a DC (direct current) interface of the battery, the charging converter to impedance match to the AC grid and provide DC power to the battery. In accordance with any preceding example of the third system, in one example, the discharging converter is coupled between a DC (direct current) interface of the battery and the AC microgrid, the discharging converter to create the AC microgrid. In accordance with any preceding example of the third system, in one example, the system controller is to compute collective desired output operation from the multiple power modules, and manage collective operation of the power modules by individually controlling each power module in accordance with the desired output operation. In accordance with any preceding example of the third system, in one example, the system includes a bus coupled to the multiple power modules to electrically connect the multiple power modules as the AC microgrid to the data center. In accordance with any preceding example of the third system, in one example, the systemincludes a switch station coupled between the multiple power modules and the bus, the switch station to selectively connect individual power modules to the bus.

[0256] In general with respect to the descriptions herein, in one aspect a fourth apparatus for power delivery includes: a power module having multiple power units, each power unit including: a battery having a BMS (battery management system); a charging converter to couple to an AC (alternating current) utility grid and charge the battery from energy from the utility grid, the utility grid having an AC voltage and an AC current; and a discharging converter to create an AC microgrid from energy stored in the battery, the microgrid having an AC voltage and AC current, where the AC current of the microgrid has a phase angle independent of a phase angle of the AC voltage of the utility grid; and a controller to monitor the BMS of each battery, and in response to a failure of any one battery of a power unit, trigger the charging converter and discharging converter of that power unit to electrically isolate the failed power unit.

[0257] In one example of the fourth apparatus, the failure comprises the BMS of that failed power unit to fail to provide communication to the controller. In accordance with any preceding example of the fourth apparatus, in one example, the failure comprises the BMS to report to the controller that a total battery capacity of failed power unit is below a threshold of a new battery. In accordance with any preceding example of the fourth apparatus, in one example, the multiple power units collectively provide the microgrid, and wherein, in response to the failure of the failed power unit, the others of the multiple power units remain active to provide the microgrid. In accordance with any preceding example of the fourth apparatus, in one example, the others of the multiple power units collectively adjust their output to maintain the phase angle of the AC current of the microgrid. In accordance with any preceding example of the fourth apparatus, in one example, in response to a new battery coming online as a replacement for the failed power unit, the controller is to selectively trigger the charging converter and the discharging converter of the power unit with the new battery. In accordance with any preceding example of the fourth apparatus, in one example, the controller is to trigger the charging converter to charge the battery to a selected level before triggering the discharging converter to operate. In accordance with any preceding example of the fourth apparatus, in one example, the controller is to trigger the charging converter and the discharging converter to operate the battery in micro-cycle mode. In accordance with any preceding example of the fourth apparatus, in one example, each of the multiple power units isto operate autonomously to detect the AC voltage and AC current of the microgrid, and adjust an output of the discharging converter to achieve a desired phase angle of AC current output from the discharging converter.

[0258] In general with respect to the descriptions herein, in one aspect a second method for power delivery includes: monitoring multiple power units, where each power unit includes a battery having a BMS (battery management system), a charging converter, and a discharging converter, wherein a charging converter couples to an AC (alternating current) utility grid and charges the battery from energy from the utility grid, the utility grid having an AC voltage and an AC current, and wherein the discharging converter creates an AC microgrid from energy stored in the battery, the microgrid having an AC voltage and AC current, where the AC current of the microgrid has a phase angle independent of a phase angle of the AC voltage of the utility grid; detecting a failure of any one battery of a power unit; and triggering the charging converter and discharging converter of that power unit to electrically isolate the failed power unit.

[0259] In one example of the second method, detecting the failure comprises determining that the BMS of that failed power unit fails to provide communication. In accordance with any preceding example of the second method, in one example, detecting the failure comprises determining that the BMS reports that a total battery capacity of failed power unit is below a threshold of a new battery. In accordance with any preceding example of the second method, in one example, the multiple power units collectively provide the microgrid, and wherein, in response to the failure of the failed power unit, the others of the multiple power units remain active to provide the microgrid. In accordance with any preceding example of the second method, in one example, the others of the multiple power units collectively adjust their output to maintain the phase angle of the AC current of the microgrid. In accordance with any preceding example of the second method, in one example, the method includes: detecting a new battery as a replacement for the failed power unit; and selectively triggering the charging converter and the discharging converter of the power unit of the new battery. In accordance with any preceding example of the second method, in one example, selectively triggering the charging converter and the discharging converter comprises triggering the charging converter to charge the battery to a selected level before triggering the discharging converter to operate. In accordance with any preceding example of the second method, in one example, selectively triggering the charging converter and the discharging converter comprises triggering thecharging converter and the discharging converter to operate the battery in micro-cycle mode. In accordance with any preceding example of the second method, in one example, each of the multiple power units operates autonomously to detect the AC voltage and AC current of the microgrid, and adjusts an output of the discharging converter to achieve a desired phase angle of AC current output from the discharging converter.

[0260] In general with respect to the descriptions herein, in one aspect a power transfer device includes: a source bridge circuit to couple to an AC (alternating current) source, the source bridge circuit having cross-connected switches inline with a high voltage path of the AC source, the source bridge circuit to convert an AC current from the AC source to a pseudo DC (direct current) current; a consumer bridge circuit to couple to a consumer interconnection, the consumer bridge circuit having cross-connected switches to convert a DC current to an AC current for a microgrid; a source DC link to transfer energy as a DC current from the source bridge circuit to the consumer bridge circuit; a battery interconnection circuit to provide an electrically isolated pseudo DC current from the battery; and a battery DC link to transfer energy as a DC current from the battery interconnection circuit to the consumer bridge circuit; wherein the consumer bridge circuit is to selectively switch power from the source DC link and the battery DC link to provide the microgrid from a combination of energy from the AC source and the battery.

[0261] In one example of the power transfer device, the AC source comprises a utility power grid. In accordance with any preceding example of the power transfer device, in one example, the AC source comprises an AC generator. In accordance with any preceding example of the power transfer device, in one example, the source DC link comprises a first transformer facing the source bridge circuit, a second transformer facing the consumer bridge circuit, and an internal node between the first transformer and the second transformer as an energy reservoir. In accordance with any preceding example of the power transfer device, in one example, the battery DC link comprises a first transformer facing the source bridge circuit, a second transformer facing the consumer bridge circuit, and an internal node between the first transformer and the second transformer as an energy reservoir. In accordance with any preceding example of the power transfer device, in one example, the power transfer device includes: a controller to control the cross-connected switches of the source bridge circuit and the consumer bridge circuit to provide waveform shaping of an AC current waveform of the source bridge circuit. In accordance with any preceding example of the power transfer device,in one example, the controller has control signals electrically isolated from the high voltage path to the cross-connected switches. In accordance with any preceding example of the power transfer device, in one example, the controller is to control the source bridge circuit separately from the consumer bridge circuit, to provide an AC current for the microgrid having a phase angle independent of a phase angle of an AC voltage of the AC source. In accordance with any preceding example of the power transfer device, in one example, the source bridge circuit and source DC link comprise circuits of a source charging converter, the battery interconnection circuit and the battery DC link comprise circuits of a battery discharging converter, and the consumer bridge circuit comprises a circuit of a consumer discharging converter. In accordance with any preceding example of the power transfer device, in one example, the power transfer device includes: a battery charging converter to couple between the AC source and the battery to charge the battery.

[0262] In general with respect to the descriptions herein, in one aspect a third method for transferring power includes: coupling an AC (alternating current) source to a source DC link with a source bridge circuit, the source bridge circuit having cross-connected switches inline with a high voltage path of the AC source, the source bridge circuit to convert an AC current from the AC source to a pseudo DC (direct current) current; coupling the source DC link with a consumer bridge circuit, the source DC link to transfer energy as a DC current from the source bridge circuit to the consumer bridge circuit, and the consumer bridge circuit having crossconnected switches to convert a DC current to an AC current for a microgrid; coupling a battery to the consumer bridge through a battery interconnection circuit and battery DC link, to provide an electrically isolated DC current from the battery to the consumer bridge circuit; and selectively switching power from the source DC link and the battery DC link to provide the microgrid from a combination of energy from the AC source and the battery.

[0263] In one example of the third method, the AC source comprises a utility power grid. In accordance with any preceding example of the third method, in one example, the AC source comprises an AC generator. In accordance with any preceding example of the third method, in one example, the source DC link comprises a first transformer facing the source bridge circuit, a second transformer facing the consumer bridge circuit, and an internal node between the first transformer and the second transformer as an energy reservoir. In accordance with any preceding example of the third method, in one example, the battery DC link comprises a first transformer facing the source bridge circuit, a second transformer facing the consumer bridgecircuit, and an internal node between the first transformer and the second transformer as an energy reservoir. In accordance with any preceding example of the third method, in one example, the method includes: controlling the cross-connected switches of the source bridge circuit and the consumer bridge circuit to provide waveform shaping of an AC current waveform of the source bridge circuit. In accordance with any preceding example of the third method, in one example, the controlling comprises a controller providing control signals electrically isolated from the high voltage path to the cross-connected switches. In accordance with any preceding example of the third method, in one example, the controlling comprises a controller controlling the source bridge circuit separately from the consumer bridge circuit, to provide an AC current for the microgrid having a phase angle independent of a phase angle of an AC voltage of the AC source. In accordance with any preceding example of the third method, in one example, the source bridge circuit and source DC link comprise circuits of a source charging converter, the battery interconnection circuit and the battery DC link comprise circuits of a battery discharging converter, and the consumer bridge circuit comprises a circuit of a consumer discharging converter. In accordance with any preceding example of the third method, in one example, the method includes: a battery charging converter to couple between the AC source and the battery to charge the battery.

[0264] Flow diagrams as illustrated herein provide examples of sequences of various process actions. The flow diagrams can indicate operations to be executed by a software or firmware routine, as well as physical operations. A flow diagram can illustrate an example of the implementation of states of a finite state machine (FSM), which can be implemented in hardware and / or software. Although shown in a particular sequence or order, unless otherwise specified, the order of the actions can be modified. Thus, the illustrated diagrams should be understood only as examples, and the process can be performed in a different order, and some actions can be performed in parallel. Additionally, one or more actions can be omitted; thus, not all implementations will perform all actions.

[0265] To the extent various operations or functions are described herein, they can be described or defined as software code, instructions, configuration, and / or data. The content can be directly executable ("object" or "executable" form), source code, or difference code ("delta" or "patch" code). The software content of what is described herein can be provided via an article of manufacture with the content stored thereon, or via a method of operating a communication interface to send data via the communication interface. A machine readablestorage medium can cause a machine to perform the functions or operations described, and includes any mechanism that stores information in a form accessible by a machine (e.g., computing device, electronic system, etc.), such as recordable / non-recordable media (e.g., read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media, flash memory devices, etc.). A communication interface includes any mechanism that interfaces to any of a hardwired, wireless, optical, etc., medium to communicate to another device, such as a memory bus interface, a processor bus interface, an Internet connection, a disk controller, etc. The communication interface can be configured by providing configuration parameters and / or sending signals to prepare the communication interface to provide a data signal describing the software content. The communication interface can be accessed via one or more commands or signals sent to the communication interface.

[0266] Various components described herein can be a means for performing the operations or functions described. Each component described herein includes software, hardware, or a combination of these. The components can be implemented as software modules, hardware modules, special-purpose hardware (e.g., application specific hardware, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), etc.), embedded controllers, hardwired circuitry, etc.

[0267] Besides what is described herein, various modifications can be made to what is disclosed and implementations of the invention without departing from their scope. Therefore, the illustrations and examples herein should be construed in an illustrative, and not a restrictive sense. The scope of the invention should be measured solely by reference to the claims that follow.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for power delivery, comprising:grid interconnection hardware to couple to an AC (alternating current) source; load interconnection hardware to couple to an AC load;a battery to store energy, the battery having a DC (direct current) interface;a charging converter coupled between the AC source and the DC interface of the battery, the charging converter to impedance match to the AC source and provide DC power to the battery; anda discharging converter coupled between the DC interface of the battery and the AC load, the discharging converter to create an AC microgrid, the microgrid isolated from the AC source.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the AC source comprises a utility power grid.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the AC source comprises a local power generator.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the AC source comprises a feed from a utility power grid with an automatic failover to a local power generator if the utility power grid is unavailable.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the charging converter is to impedance match the AC source, including to manage a switching circuit to align an AC current input to a DC conversion circuit with an AC voltage of the AC source.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein to create the AC microgrid comprises the discharging converter to generate a shaped AC current having a phase to match reactive power drawn by the AC load.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the discharging converter is to generate an AC voltage based on an AC voltage of the AC source, and generate the AC current at a desiredphase angle with respect to the AC voltage of the AC source to inject VARs (volt-amps-reactive) into the microgrid based on reactive power demand of the AC load.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the charging converter is to cease operation in response to detection of a lack of power at the grid interconnection hardware.

9. A system for power delivery, comprising:a module including multiple power units, each power unit including:grid interconnection hardware to couple to an AC (alternating current) source; load interconnection hardware to couple to an AC load;a battery to store energy, the battery having a DC (direct current) interface; a charging converter coupled between the AC source and the DC interface of the battery, the charging converter to impedance match to the AC source and provide DC power to the battery; anda discharging converter coupled between the DC interface of the battery and the AC load, the discharging converter to create an AC microgrid, the microgrid isolated from the AC source; anda controller to manage operation of the multiple power units.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the AC source comprises a utility power grid.

11. The system of claim 9, wherein the AC source comprises a local power generator.

12. The system of claim 9, wherein the AC source comprises a feed from a utility power grid with an automatic failover to a local power generator if the utility power grid is unavailable.

13. The system of claim 9, wherein the charging converter is to impedance match the AC source, including to manage a switching circuit to align an AC current input to a DC conversion circuit with an AC voltage of the AC source.

14. The system of claim 9, wherein to create the AC microgrid comprises the discharging converter to generate a shaped AC current having a phase to match reactive power drawn by the AC load.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the discharging converter is to generate an AC voltage based on an AC voltage of the AC source, and generate the AC current at a desired phase angle with respect to the AC voltage of the AC source to inject VARs (volt-amps-reactive) into the microgrid based on reactive power demand of the AC load.

16. The system of claim 9, wherein the charging converter is to cease operation in response to detection of a lack of power at the grid interconnection hardware.

17. The system of claim 9, wherein the charging converter comprises a single charging converter circuit of a multi-converter package.

18. The system of claim 9, wherein the charging converter and the discharging converter comprise circuits of a common converter package.

19. The system of claim 9, wherein the controller is to compute collective desired output operation from the multiple power units, and manage collective operation of the power units by individually controlling each power unit in accordance with the desired output operation.

20. The system of claim 9, further comprising:a vertical rack having slots to mount the charging converter, the discharging converter, and the battery for each power unit.

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