Active Power Management via Power Line Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power management architectures for data centers face challenges in efficiently managing power distribution and identifying malfunctioning servers due to network congestion and the lack of positioning and addressing functions, leading to increased operational complexity and costs.
Innovation Solution
An active power management architecture utilizing an internal network and power line communication to collect power consumption data from power distribution units and supply units, enabling real-time analysis and control without relying on external networks, and incorporating a database for remote power management to position and reboot malfunctioning devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional power management architecture uses external networks for communication, then power management functions can be implemented, but network congestion occurs and data transmission speed is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces power distribution units as intermediary devices that establish direct communication channels between power supply units and the remote power management system. This intermediary structure enables power management data to be transmitted through dedicated communication paths rather than sharing external network resources, thereby resolving the conflict between enabling power management operations and maintaining data transmission speed.
2Device complexity
If conventional power management architecture lacks positioning and addressing functions, then system simplicity is maintained, but operational complexity increases when identifying malfunctioning devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements positioning and addressing functions within the power distribution units themselves, enabling them to autonomously identify and report the locations of power supply units and detect malfunctioning devices. This self-service capability allows the system to automatically track device positions and diagnose issues without requiring complex external management infrastructure, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining system simplicity and improving operational ease.
3Productivity
If active power management is implemented with real-time monitoring, then power management efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power management system into distinct functional modules: power supply units with detection capabilities, power distribution units with communication and positioning functions, and a remote power management system for centralized control. This segmentation allows real-time monitoring and active power management to be implemented through coordinated operations of simpler, specialized components rather than requiring a monolithic complex system, thereby resolving the contradiction between improving power management efficiency and reducing system complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enhances power management efficiency, reduces operational costs, and improves the ability to locate and repair malfunctioning devices quickly, thereby stabilizing power distribution and reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions.
Implementation Method 1
a two-way communication channel is set up on the transmission cable between the power distribution unit and the power supply unit using the power line communication
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed in an active power management architecture, including a remote power management system having a database; a power distribution unit communicated with the remote power management system through an internal network; a plurality of electronic devices each includes a power supply unit; and a plurality of transmission cables respectively connected to the power distribution unit and the power supply units of the electronic devices for outputting power of the power distribution unit to the power supply units. The information of the power supply units is transmitted from the power supply units to the power distribution unit through the transmission cables in compliance with a power line communication protocol, and the power distribution unit is configured to transmit the information to the database, such that the remote power management system gives an instruction to the power distribution unit to control the power distribution unit and the power supply units.