Data Center Battery Rack Reuse With History-Based Module Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and complexity of reusing secondary batteries in data centers, including costs for collection, disassembly, repacking, transportation, and relocation, as well as the limited service life and frequent replacement requirements of these batteries.
Innovation Solution
A back-up power supply system for data centers that includes a battery rack with multiple battery modules, where the system monitors the state of each battery module and determines the optimal configuration based on the modules' history and specifications, allowing for the reuse of battery modules that have completed primary usage in server racks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If secondary batteries are collected, disassembled, repacked, transported, and relocated for reuse, then the residual value of batteries is utilized, but the cost and complexity of reuse processes increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the collection, disassembly, repacking, transportation, and relocation processes into a single integrated reuse system. Battery modules that have completed primary usage in server racks are directly transferred to backup battery racks without intermediate handling steps, combining multiple complex operations into a simplified direct transfer process that reduces overall system complexity while maintaining battery residual value utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal battery module design that can function in multiple roles - serving as primary backup batteries in server racks and then as secondary backup batteries in backup battery racks. This multi-functionality allows the same battery modules to be reused across different applications without requiring complex disassembly or repacking, thereby reducing reuse process complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Ease of manufacture
If secondary batteries are reused in another environment, then battery replacement cost is reduced, but the service life becomes limited and frequent replacement is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic battery management where the system continuously monitors battery state and adapts the reuse configuration accordingly. Battery modules are dynamically allocated between server racks and backup battery racks based on their remaining service life and performance characteristics. This dynamic approach optimizes the balance between replacement cost and service life by extending the operational duration of reused batteries in appropriate applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters such as charge/discharge cycles, load distribution, and monitoring frequency based on the battery's usage history and remaining service life. By adjusting these parameters, the system extends the effective service life of reused batteries while maintaining cost-effectiveness, allowing batteries to operate optimally in their second lifecycle without requiring frequent replacement.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If battery modules are monitored and optimally configured based on history and specifications, then service life is extended, but the monitoring and determination complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service monitoring system where battery modules automatically report their own state parameters (charge level, temperature, cycle count, etc.) and the system autonomously determines optimal configuration and allocation. This self-service approach extends battery service life through intelligent monitoring without requiring complex external management systems, as the batteries essentially monitor and manage themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback loop where battery performance data is continuously collected, analyzed, and used to adjust operational parameters and allocation decisions. This feedback mechanism extends battery service life by optimizing usage based on real-time conditions while keeping the monitoring system relatively simple, as the feedback is processed through straightforward decision rules rather than complex algorithms.
4Loss of time
If battery modules are directly transferred from server racks to backup battery racks, then handling and processing costs are minimized, but the system configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the battery system into distinct functional units - server rack battery modules and backup battery rack modules - with standardized interfaces and protocols. This segmentation allows direct transfer of battery modules between racks without complex reconfiguration, as each segment operates independently with well-defined connection standards. The segmentation reduces handling time while managing configuration complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in battery specifications and performance characteristics to determine optimal system configuration. By analyzing battery parameters such as capacity, cycle life, and voltage characteristics, the system automatically configures the optimal arrangement of transferred modules in backup racks. This parameter-based configuration approach minimizes handling time while systematically managing configuration complexity through data-driven decisions.
Data Source
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AI summary
A data center includes a server rack and a back-up battery rack. The back-up battery rack includes a plurality of battery modules, each of which has completed a primary usage as an emergency power source for the server rack. A monitoring device determines a system configuration of the plurality of battery modules in the back-up battery rack, based on a specification required for the back-up battery rack and a history characteristic of each of the battery modules that has completed the primary usage in the server rack.