Redundant Data Center Power Supply Using Busbar Tie Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing redundant power supply systems for data centers are economically inefficient due to the need for each power supply to be capable of handling twice the load in case of a failure, leading to increased costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a redundant power supply system that utilizes tie switches to connect power supplies across a busbar, allowing power to be rerouted from healthy power supplies to loads affected by a failure, thereby reducing the load on individual power supplies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If each power supply is dimensioned to bear twice the load for redundancy, then reliability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the power supply network into multiple independent subsystems, each with its own power supplies and loads. By segmenting the system, a failure in one subsystem does not require other subsystems to compensate, allowing each power supply to be sized for normal operation rather than peak redundancy requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
A busbar is introduced as an intermediary element that connects multiple subsystems. The busbar enables power redistribution between subsystems during disturbances through tie switches, allowing normal power supplies to support affected loads without requiring individual power supplies to be oversized for all possible failure scenarios.
2Reliability
If each power supply is dimensioned to bear twice the load for redundancy, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the power supply network into multiple independent subsystems, each with its own power supplies and loads. By segmenting the system, a failure in one subsystem does not require other subsystems to compensate, allowing each power supply to be sized for normal operation rather than peak redundancy requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The busbar and tie switches provide universal connectivity across all subsystems. The same busbar structure serves multiple functions: normal power distribution, disturbance mitigation, and inter-subsystem support, reducing the need for specialized complex circuitry in each subsystem.
3Reliability
If complex circuitry is used to ensure power supply redundancy, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A busbar is introduced as an intermediary element that connects multiple subsystems. The busbar enables power redistribution between subsystems during disturbances through tie switches, allowing normal power supplies to support affected loads without requiring individual power supplies to be oversized for all possible failure scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service redundancy where each subsystem's power supplies can automatically support other subsystems during disturbances through the busbar connection. This eliminates the need for complex external control systems or specialized redundant circuitry in each subsystem.
Data Source
AI summary
A redundant power supply is provided having a first power supply, which is connectable to a busbar by a first tie switch and is disconnectably connected to a first load by a first line system, and having a second power supply, which is connectable to the busbar by a second tie switch and is disconnectably connected to the first load by a second line system, and having a third power supply, which is connectable to the busbar by a third tie switch and is disconnectably connected to a second load by a third line system, and having a fourth power supply, which is connectable to the busbar by a fourth tie switch and is disconnectably connected to the second load by a fourth line system. All of the tie switches are open during trouble-free operation.