Cooling Distribution Unit Backup Power Switching for Outage Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Cooling Distribution Units (CDUs) in liquid cooling systems are non-operational during power outages and suffer from inefficient AC/DC power conversion due to multiple conversions, compromising system safety and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A Cooling Distribution Unit equipped with a backup battery module and a variable frequency drive that switches between mains power and battery power based on voltage thresholds, reducing AC/DC conversions and ensuring continuous operation during outages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a CDU is equipped with backup battery module and voltage threshold switching mechanism, then the CDU can continue functioning during power outages, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The backup battery module is pre-charged during normal operation when AC power is available. The controller monitors voltage thresholds and automatically switches between AC power and battery power, ensuring continuous CDU operation during power outages without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that manages the switching between AC power source and backup battery module based on voltage threshold detection. This automated control mechanism resolves the complexity by centralizing the switching logic in a single component rather than requiring complex interconnections.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple AC/DC conversions are used in the cooling system, then various components can be powered appropriately, but the power conversion efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pump and CDU are both powered by AC output from a single variable frequency drive, eliminating intermediate DC conversion stages. This merging of power delivery approach reduces the number of AC/DC conversions from multiple to just one, significantly improving overall power conversion efficiency while maintaining adaptability for different component power requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The variable frequency drive serves multiple functions: it converts AC to AC for the pump, provides controlled power to the CDU, and enables efficient motor control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate power conversion devices, thereby reducing total AC/DC conversions and improving system-wide efficiency.
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
The solution enables CDUs to operate briefly during power outages, enhancing safety and improving power conversion efficiency by minimizing AC/DC conversions.
Implementation Method 1
a backup battery module coupled to the power source
Implementation Method 2
the variable frequency drive providing an output AC voltage to the pump
Data Source
AI summary
The application provides a cooling distribution device and method. The cooling distribution device includes: a backup battery module coupled to a power source; a variable frequency drive coupled to the power source and the backup battery module, the power source provides an input alternating current (AC) voltage, wherein when the input AC voltage is greater than a predetermined voltage value, the power source supplies power to the variable frequency drive, and when the input AC voltage is less than the predetermined voltage value, the backup battery module supplies power to the variable frequency drive; a controller coupled to the variable frequency drive; and a pump coupled to the variable frequency drive, the variable frequency drive providing an output AC voltage to the pump.