Power Backup Circuit Switching Surge Current Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power backup systems in data centers are large and costly, failing to meet high power density requirements and often experience surge currents during switching, which can damage equipment and reduce efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A power backup circuit with multiple input power sources and a control unit that uses switches and current limit units to reduce current flow below a threshold before switching, employing magnetic latching relays to minimize power consumption and prevent damage, and includes bypass units to limit surge currents and save power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current power supply backup system is used to maintain operation stability, then reliability is improved, but device size increases and power density decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the backup power supply function with the main power supply circuit into an integrated switchable system. The backup power supply circuit shares common components and pathways with the main power supply, allowing both functions to coexist in a compact form factor while maintaining high reliability through seamless switching capability
2Reliability
If input power source is switched from first power source to second power source, then reliability is improved, but surge current damages equipment and reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs preliminary detection of power source status and pre-charges or pre-configures the switching circuitry before actual switching occurs. This preliminary action ensures that when the switch transitions from the first power source to the second power source, surge currents are minimized or eliminated, preventing equipment damage while maintaining reliable power source switching capability
Data Source
AI summary
A power backup circuit provides a plurality of input power sources to back up a load. The power backup circuit includes a first switch, a second switch, and a control unit. The input power sources at least includes a first input power source and a second input power source. If the input power source of the load needs to be changed from the first input power source to the second input power source, the control unit controls the first switch to be coupled to the second input power source and controls the second switch to be coupled to the second input power source after the control unit effects a supply current flowing through a first power supply path and a second power supply path both coupled to the first input power source and the load to be reduced below a current threshold.