Adaptable Redundant Power Management for Data Center Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data centers face high operational costs due to excess capacity and inflexible power systems that cannot dynamically adjust redundancy levels to meet varying tenant needs, leading to inefficiencies in power usage and redundancy provision.
Innovation Solution
The adaptable redundant power (ARP) management system dynamically configures power redundancy levels and redistributes unused capacity using switching devices like static transfer switches, solid-state circuit breakers, and electromechanical switches to provide multiple redundancy levels and maintain continuous power to prioritized loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed redundant power system design is used to ensure high level of service, then reliability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic redundancy configuration by enabling the system to switch between different redundancy levels (N+1, 2N, N) based on real-time conditions. The power system uses controllable switches and controllers to dynamically reconfigure power distribution, allowing redundancy levels to be adjusted without physical changes to the infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by adjusting the redundancy configuration level through controller commands. The controller modifies system state by enabling or disabling specific power paths and switching between different operational modes (N+1, 2N, N), effectively changing the redundancy parameter based on detected conditions.
2Reliability
If excess capacity is provided to meet peak power requirements, then reliability is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by providing redundancy only when and where needed. Instead of maintaining full excess capacity continuously, the system provides partial redundancy (N+1, 2N, or N configuration) based on actual conditions, reducing energy waste while maintaining sufficient power availability for critical loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The power system performs self-service by automatically detecting failures and reconfiguring power distribution without external intervention. The controller monitors system status and autonomously switches between redundancy levels, allowing the system to serve itself by optimizing power allocation and minimizing waste.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple redundancy levels are provided for different tenants, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by using a single power distribution infrastructure that can serve multiple redundancy levels (N+1, 2N, N) simultaneously. The same physical equipment and switching devices are used to provide different redundancy configurations to different tenants, eliminating the need for separate dedicated systems for each redundancy level.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that manages the complexity of multiple redundancy levels. It coordinates power distribution across the system, making intelligent switching decisions based on failure detection and tenant requirements, thereby simplifying the overall system operation despite the presence of multiple redundancy configurations.
4Device complexity
If traditional power failure management is used, then simplicity is maintained, but productivity deteriorates due to power interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple power paths and redundancy levels before failures occur. When a failure is detected, the controller can immediately switch to an alternative power path without interruption to the load, as the redundant configuration is already in place and ready for activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining uninterrupted power supply to critical loads during failures. The dynamic reconfiguration process occurs transparently without interrupting the power delivery to tenants, ensuring continuous operation of critical equipment and maintaining productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of managing a power infrastructure having a plurality of duty power modules (DPMs) configured to power a plurality of load centers. Various different operational modes may be deployed. Inherent redundancy mode is implemented by: monitoring operations of the power infrastructure; powering each load center during normal operations using DPMs through a load center switch via an enabled preferred setting (PS) input; providing an inherent redundancy (IR) bus coupled to each load center switch via an alternate setting (AS) input that is disabled during normal operations, wherein the IR bus is configured to receive excess capacity power exclusively from the DPMs; and in response to a detected DPM failure, disabling the PS input and enabling the AS input in the load center switch for an affected load center to capture power from the IR bus.