Centralized BESS Control for Data Center Power Fluctuations
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Large-scale, synchronous machine learning workloads generate instantaneous and repetitive power fluctuations, leading to power quality deterioration and potential data center blackouts.
Innovation Solution
A centralized battery energy storage system (BESS) is dynamically charged during periods of low power demand and discharged during peak demand to stabilize power supply, using a control system to manage charge and discharge cycles based on state of charge thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a centralized battery energy storage system (BESS) is used to mitigate power fluctuations, then power stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a centralized battery energy storage system (BESS) as an intermediary component between the power supply and data center loads. The BESS acts as a buffer that absorbs power fluctuations during charging and supplies power during demand peaks, thereby stabilizing the power system without requiring fundamental changes to the existing infrastructure.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If in-rack batteries are replaced by centralized BESS, then system lifespan is extended, but initial investment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates numerous small in-rack batteries distributed across server racks into a single centralized battery energy storage system. This merging approach extends system lifespan by using larger, more efficient battery units with longer cycle life, while reducing maintenance complexity and enabling better utilization of the stored energy capacity.
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 BESS system effectively mitigates power fluctuations, maintains power stability, and provides backup power, enabling longer system lifespan and allowing for denser server rack populations by replacing in-rack batteries.
Implementation Method 1
a battery energy storage system (BESS)
Data Source
AI summary
Generally disclosed herein is a mechanism to mitigate power fluctuations of a data center by dynamically charging and discharging a battery energy storage system (BESS). According to some examples, a BESS control system can be configured to monitor power demand fluctuations and initiate charging of the BESS during periods of low power demand. One example of a period of low power demand includes active idle, wherein the workloads of the server machines frequently decrease by a small magnitude. Another example of a period of low power demand includes deep idle, wherein the workloads of the server machines decrease by a larger magnitude than the active idle for a longer duration. The system may discharge the power from the BESS during the peak power demand. The BESS control system may stabilize the data center power system through fast-acting voltage and frequency control at a system level.