Battery Backup System for Data Center Rack Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current battery backup systems for Internet Data Centers (IDCs) do not effectively manage power control to increase rack density, as they typically do not supplement grid power during peak demands, leading to underutilization of rack space and limited server deployment due to power constraints.
Innovation Solution
A backup battery system (BBS) that integrates with existing server racks by using a high-efficiency rectifier to distribute power from two grid sources, allowing the battery backup system to provide additional power during peak loads, thereby increasing the number of servers that can be deployed without exceeding the rack's power limit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of servers in the rack is increased to improve rack density, then rack space utilization is improved, but the power system becomes overstressed during peak demand periods
Solution Approach 1:
The battery backup system is pre-charged during periods when grid power is available and demand is low. This preliminary energy storage enables the system to provide supplemental power during peak demand periods without requiring immediate grid power increases, allowing more servers to be deployed in the rack while maintaining power system stability.
2Productivity
If grid power capacity is increased to support more servers, then rack density can be improved, but the cost and complexity of power infrastructure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery backup system serves a dual function: it provides uninterruptible power supply during grid failures and supplements grid power during peak demand periods. This self-service capability allows the existing power infrastructure to support higher rack density without requiring additional grid capacity or complex power distribution upgrades.
3Reliability
If the battery backup system is kept fully charged to maximize UPS survival time, then power supply reliability during grid failure is improved, but the system cannot supplement grid power during peak loads
Solution Approach 1:
The battery backup system dynamically adjusts its operation mode based on real-time conditions. During grid failures, it operates in UPS mode with full charge to maximize survival time. During peak demand periods when grid power is available, it switches to supplemental power mode, discharging to provide additional capacity. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between maintaining full charge for UPS reliability and enabling supplemental power for peak loads.
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
Enables efficient use of rack space by allowing more servers to be added to the rack without exceeding power limits, as the BBS supplements grid power during peak demands, ensuring stable operation and preventing thermal damage or shutdowns.
Implementation Method 1
using a high-efficiency rectifier to distribute power from two grid sources
Data Source
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AI summary
Using a battery backup system (BBS) in a computer server rack to provide power to the servers beyond the grid power supplied to the rack. This supplemental power may permit additional servers to be added to the rack, while still permitting peak loads to be accommodated. The BBS may also function as an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) in the event the grid power is interrupted, thus providing both UPS and supplemental power functions.