Bi-directional Power Distribution System with Modular Hot-Swappable Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data center power distribution systems are inflexible, non-expandable, and costly, requiring double the equipment for redundancy and unable to efficiently utilize multiple power sources, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to the need for separate battery banks and complex wiring.
Innovation Solution
A multi-functional, bi-directional electrical power distribution system that allows for hot swappable, expandable, and configurable power distribution using multiple sources and loads, incorporating programmable logic circuitry for seamless power transfer and optimization, enabling efficient use of multiple power sources and reducing the need for redundant battery banks and complex wiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional isolated 2N UPS system design is used with separate battery banks for each UPS, then reliability is improved through redundancy, but device complexity and cost increase due to doubled battery banks and structural requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate battery banks into a single shared battery bank that serves both UPS systems. The battery bank is configured with terminals that can connect to either UPS A or UPS B, allowing one battery bank to support both UPS systems sequentially. This merging eliminates the need for duplicate battery banks while maintaining redundancy capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared battery bank is designed with universal connectivity to serve multiple functions - it can provide power to UPS A during its operation, then switch to power UPS B when needed. The battery bank becomes a multi-functional resource that supports both UPS systems rather than being dedicated to a single UPS, reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If conventional 2N configuration with isolated power sources is used, then reliability is improved through redundancy, but device complexity increases due to doubled power distribution equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power distribution paths by introducing a transfer switch that allows power from a single power source to be dynamically allocated to either load A or load B. Instead of requiring separate distribution equipment for each power source, the system uses one power source with a transfer mechanism to serve both loads, halving the distribution equipment requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic power allocation through a transfer switch that can real-time redirect power flow between different loads. The power distribution is no longer static and dedicated but becomes dynamic and flexible, allowing the same power source to serve different loads based on operational needs, thereby reducing the need for duplicate distribution infrastructure.
3Reliability
If conventional PDUs with hard-wired output circuits are used, then power distribution is established, but adaptability decreases due to inability to add or remove circuits without shutdown
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static hard-wired circuits with dynamic plug-in modules that can be connected or disconnected during operation. The PDU accepts modular units that plug into standardized receptacles, allowing circuits to be added, removed, or reconfigured without shutting down the PDU or affecting overall power distribution stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The PDU is segmented into independent modular circuits that can be individually managed. Each circuit or group of circuits can be represented as a separate module that plugs into the main PDU chassis. This segmentation allows selective maintenance, addition, or removal of specific circuits without impacting the entire system, enhancing adaptability while maintaining stability.
Data Source
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AI summary
An electrical power distribution system and apparatus is provided that that is comprised of multi-source connections, multi-load connections and bi-directional connections, where the system is configured to be multi-functional, hot swappable, changeable, expandable, configurable and controllable.