Cascaded Server Power Distribution for Shared Backup Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional server power architectures with N+N backup mode require two power supplies per distribution equipment, leading to high backup costs and low power supply conversion efficiency due to low load ratios.
Innovation Solution
A power distribution system with a cascading circuit that allows power modules in other equipment to supply power when one module fails, using dual or single-input power supplies and unidirectional conducting circuits for isolation, and optional current equalization and oscillation suppression circuits to maintain efficient power delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If N+N backup mode is used with two power supplies per distribution equipment, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and backup costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple power distribution equipment units are merged into a cascading system where their power modules are interconnected. When one unit experiences a power module failure, other units in the cascade can supply power through the cascading circuit connection, providing backup without requiring duplicate power supplies in each unit.
Solution Approach 2:
Each power module in the cascading system serves dual functions: it powers its local power distribution equipment normally, and simultaneously serves as a backup power source for other equipment in the cascade through the cascading circuit, enabling one power module to support multiple equipment units.
2Reliability
If two power supplies are configured per distribution equipment for backup, then reliability is improved, but power supply conversion efficiency decreases due to low load ratio
Solution Approach 1:
The cascading system enables power modules to serve themselves and each other through the shared cascade connection. When a power module fails, other modules automatically provide backup power through the cascading circuit, eliminating the need for dedicated backup power supplies that would operate at low load ratios and waste energy.
3Device complexity
If power modules are shared across multiple equipment units through cascading, then backup costs and device complexity are reduced, but power distribution control becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates detection circuits that monitor the operational status of power modules and automatically control the switching of cascading circuits based on feedback signals. When a power module failure is detected, the system automatically switches to receive power from other units in the cascade, providing intelligent control without increasing operational complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of this application provide a power distribution system, to implement power supply backup for power distribution equipment, reduce backup costs, and increase a load ratio and power supply conversion efficiency of a power backup device. The power distribution system includes a plurality of power distribution equipments, and the plurality of power distribution equipments are configured to supply power to a plurality of powered devices respectively. First power distribution equipment in the plurality of power distribution equipments includes: a first power module, configured to perform voltage conversion on an input voltage to obtain an output voltage, where the output voltage is a supply voltage of the first power distribution equipment; and a first cascading circuit, configured to connect an output of the first power module to an output of a power module in power distribution equipment in the power distribution system other than the first power distribution equipment, where the first power distribution equipment is any power distribution equipment in the power distribution system. A server system which includes the power distribution system is also disclosed in this application.